Authorities are asking boaters to stay on the American side of Falcon Lake following a series of robberies by men armed with assault rifles.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that three armed robberies of boaters have taken place since April 30th on the lake.
The area is popular destination for sports fisherman.
Two of the three robberies involved Americans citizens who had passed international water markers and crossed into the Mexican side of the lake.
One of the incidents occurred in the American side of the lake.
Most of the incidents occurred in the Old Guerrero area, but it’s possible that other areas are a concern as well.
Boaters are asked to stay away from fishing vessels used by Mexican fishermen.
DPS officials said the robbery suspects are believed to be members of a drug trafficking organization or members of an enforcer group linked to a drug trafficking organization.
The men are heavily armed and using AK-47s or AR-15 rifles to threaten their victims.
They appear to be using local Mexican fishermen to operate the boats to get close to American fishermen:
The U.S. State Department website lists several travel alerts related to violence in Mexico.
Travelers should always check that website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that three armed robberies of boaters have taken place since April 30th on the lake.
The area is popular destination for sports fisherman.
Two of the three robberies involved Americans citizens who had passed international water markers and crossed into the Mexican side of the lake.
One of the incidents occurred in the American side of the lake.
Most of the incidents occurred in the Old Guerrero area, but it’s possible that other areas are a concern as well.
Boaters are asked to stay away from fishing vessels used by Mexican fishermen.
DPS officials said the robbery suspects are believed to be members of a drug trafficking organization or members of an enforcer group linked to a drug trafficking organization.
The men are heavily armed and using AK-47s or AR-15 rifles to threaten their victims.
They appear to be using local Mexican fishermen to operate the boats to get close to American fishermen:
- On April 30, five people in two different boats were fishing on Falcon Lake and went to the Old Guerrero area, where they were taking photos of the old church. While they were there, a boat with four heavily tattooed men approached the two boats quickly. The men identified themselves as “Federales,” but they were not wearing uniforms. The men boarded the boats, demanded cash and asked “where are the drugs?” The fishermen told the men that they had no drugs and were just fishing and taking photos. They ended up giving the men $200 cash and left the area. The pirates followed the two boats, but the U.S. boats were able to outrun them and the men stopped following once the two boats entered U.S. waters.
- On May 6, three fishermen were about a quarter of a mile from Marker 14 on the north side of Salado Island on top of the ruins. As they were fishing, a boat with two men quickly approached and pointed AR-15s at the fishermen. One of the men boarded the boat and searched it, looking for drugs, cash and guns. During the incident, he chambered a round in the rifle and told the fishermen that he would shoot them if they did not give him money. The fishermen took money out of their wallets and gave it to them.
- On May 16, law enforcement officers were told that some boaters were approached by a boat with five armed men on it. Investigators have not been able to locate the boaters to determine whether any cash was taken. This incident occurred on the United States side of the lake near Marker 7.
- Time and place of departure
- Destination and direction of travel
- Boater cell phone number, if available
- Names of passengers and what they’re wearing
- Description of the boater’s vehicle and boat
- Boat and vehicle license numbers
The U.S. State Department website lists several travel alerts related to violence in Mexico.
Travelers should always check that website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico.
