A drug gang whose drive-by shooting of a TV newsman was thwarted by his armoured car has been seized by police in Mexico.
Police in Mexico City say they have arrested 11 suspects following last month’s assassination bid, including the gunman named only as Hector Eduardo ‘N.’
The initial ‘N’ is commonly used by prosecutors when they cannot fully name a suspect.
Intended victim Ciro Gomez Leyva, 65, had been driving home from his studio on 15th December when two cars boxed him in.
As he slowed down, a motorbike pulled alongside and the pillion passenger opened fire.
Leyva only survived, reported local media, because his bosses had given him and armour-plated car after he had received numerous threats.
Local media reported that the gang had been stalking Leyva for 10 days before the shooting.
The announcement of the arrest of the gunman was made by Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the head of government of Mexico City, which is equivalent to a state governor, who said in a statement obtained by Newsflash on Friday, 13th January: “The person allegedly responsible for shooting at Ciro Gomez Leyva was arrested in Michoacan.
“This is the person who was riding the motorcycle on the day of the attack.”
Ten other suspects have also been seized by police who confiscated 11 weapons, cars, motorcycles, two grenades, drugs, exotic animals and hats with the initials of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) in a series of raids.
The CJNG is considered one of the most powerful criminal gangs in Mexico, specialising in drug trafficking and terrorism.
Leyva is a Mexican news anchor and personality.
He hosts the main newscast on Imagen Television and a morning radio show called Ciro por la Manana, for Radio Formula.
The investigation is ongoing.
