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	Archive 06	50		2001/09/07, 10:32 am
	Archive 07	50		2003/03/12, 08:35 pm

Bobmenow

I am glad you are ok.
This is one amazing report. Were these mexican americans or Mexican Mexicans ?
The only problems i have had on the bridges or near them is with Vatos from the USA.

My only defense is i threaten to sit on them or I will pull my pants down and run when they bow down in laughter

Glad you are ok
Milkmenow

Thanks all,
I do feel you are all friends even tho we have not met yet. Sancho it was around 8 or 8:30 and the cops said that is when they have a shift change. No clothes torn it was so fast but seems like forever. I could have waited for these 3 black guys that stopped at the pharmacy, next time My bad. Milky they were mexican mexicans she wanted all my money but could only say give me a dollar. I should have broken her arm and neck! But I am peaceful unless cornered.
I dont like to start trouble or fight I try to use my brain first! Just watch out and be careful, even the girls! remember lorena bobitt?
And if my exGF had a knife I would run like hell!!!! Peace out.

That is justification for knocking a bitch out. Pepper spray would have also been fun.

Running from a girl ... the bridge is dangerous ... the dark is scary ... LOL! I got a good laugh out of this one.

I can't even picture a guy who looks so meek that a chick thinks she can rob him. I know the thugs generally pick on the easy targets like Dogster & Milky, but damn, when a chick thinks she can take you ... LOL! Time to go to tuff-guy school. Are you sure "Chuck Norris" was not really our good friend Lakers?

Ok ... avoid the bridge if:

1. You are fat
2. You are eligible for AARP
3. You wear a fanny pack, glasses, Ferrari Filas, or a pocket protector
4. Your first name is Brockton
5. You are scared of your own shadow

Seriously though, the bridge is not dangerous unless you are scared of little kids selling chiclets or amputees zipping around on skateboards ...

-Superman-

Well, hopefully you gave the chica a reason to think about what could have happened (i.e. you could have decided to use the knife on her). Probably not though - at that age, everyone still believes they're invincible...

Superman
LOL, Where is superman when u need him? im 5'11 210lbs not big more like a running back. When I do fight the guy is usually bigger than me. I try to avoid fighting. In the usa I am more fearful of the little scrawny asian punk becuase he will shoot you first! So tough guy shit out the window. I was waiting for your comments LOL.
Can't wait to meet you Then we can arange some girls with knifes for you J/k

Peace out
ROBMENOW

What? Asians with guns? Damnit, I thought it was the Mexicans with the knives, blacks with the guns, Asians with kung-fu, whites with the muscle ... damn, how did that Ice-T song go? B-b-b-bodycount. Ahhhh, who can remember anymore ...

-Superman-

I just got back from there tonight. No knife wielding chicas on the bridge at (9:30pm or 1:00am) I was a little disappointed. Those little kids selling chiclets scare me though. Fortunately it was late and was past their bed time.

Was her name Lorraina Bobbitt?

That's it
you asked for it !!!
Don't say i didnt warn you Superman

Milktuff

I wonder how many people think eye am looney



People think i joke about my ropas
I never joke about my clothes

These are already classics. Already fetching about 250 plus US dollars in japan. Your clothes are a representation of your game. I move very fast hence the Fila Ferraris 2002 model.



THE GAME IS TO BE SOLD NOT TOLD

Now I think this is carrying things a bit to far. But like I say, whatever floats your boat.

Seriously,
Just a thought
I think both chicas will have knifes now, becuase the second chica could have shanked me when fighting with her friend. I looked to make sure she didnt and thats why I let her kick me.

By the way I walked at 10 and back at 4 am.
Why did the chica stick a knife up her butt?
to cut a fart.

Lates
Runforrestrunmenow

They were obviously amateurs and have much to learn about there gringo robbing technique. That is not even the proper way to mug someone in TJ. Obviously they do not do this for a living yet or they probably would have handled things a little differently. I suspect they will learn one of two lessons. Either A. "robbing gringos is not as good of an idea as it first sounded" or B. "We need to come up with a better plan if we want to rob gringos". If they continue with there same method of operation, someone would, sooner or later, grab the knife from the bitch and stick it in her neck or they would get arrested.

And that better plan is... ?

Perhaps we could rehabilitate them by turning them into teen-aged prostitutes. The pay is probably better, and they won't go hungry assuming that they do a halfway decent bbbj (hint: swallow).

There were two of them? Hell, you could do a 2 on 1. Maybe they'll even cut... the price.

Dogster
I'm sensitive.
And I care.

I considered that perhaps these young ladies were actually faced some great crisis in their life which had them resorting to this ill conceived attempt to rob pedestrians as an act of desperation and how they really need to learn that when women are faced with desperation there are much safer and more effective ways they can get all the money they so desperately need. The ladies would be much better off, and richer as well, with a dick stuck in her mouth instead of a knife stuck in her neck, which is what would happen if she kept that game up. Someone needs to set these youngsters strait.

Careful about mocking others. As I recall, the last guy to do that on Redsnake found himself getting mugged.

StrikeEagle

The general plan for muggings, TJ-style, is the choke hold from the rear, followed by a second ratero cutting your pockets.

The following was first posted on Mexico Chat, in response to a news item about the 100's of women that have been murdered in Juarez in the past 10 years.

Pepper Spray the Murdering Bastards, and Stiletto their "brains."

I've long tried to pass on this suggestion to the women of Juarez, and indeed, of Mexico. $10 gets you some decent protection against these murdering slimes. And, it is legal in Mexico.

Many of the police will confiscate (steal) pepper spray, in Mexico, and may try to run you in, for a fine (they are, typically, looking for a bribe).

The first time this happened was at 1 am on a weekday. Four cops called me over, from across the street. They searched me, and after 15 minutes finally found the spray (cleverly concealed in my hand). They tried running their racket. I did not pay, and in fact, tho it was in a place where there was no one else, I asked for their ID. They were not amused, nor forthcoming with what should be on their uniforms. I was rather nervous.

Later, I went to the cop shop on 8th, 'tween Revo y Con. Somewhat less nervousness. The heart of the den of theives.

I asked to speak to someone who spoke English; they ushered me into the office of a man with a badge saying "Jefe" - Chief - Daniel Islas (tho I have the impression he may not still be the chief. And he is apparently not "The Chief," because this happened shortly before The Chief was gunned down, perhaps two years ago). Daniel spoke excellent English.

I told him what had happened, and where (south side of 1st, 'tween Constitucíon y Niños Heroes). He allowed that it is a dangerous neighborhood, at that hour, but that it is not illegal to carry pepper spray.

I told this to the head of the substation on the east side of Con, opposite Callejón Coahuila (the "alley"), and gave him a description of the offending pendejo (asshole). He said the cop would not work for the next 3 days. That was a lie; I saw the cabrón (goat) at work the next day. I've not seen him for over a year, tho.

Another time, another cop took the spray away. I went back to 8th Street, feeling like a kid ratting out a pesky kid. Daniel had one of his subcommandantes drive me back to the substation. More nervousness. But, I was handed back the container, unused.

Pepper spray may be only slightly effective against those under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. One must try to avoid spraying into a stiff wind. The best offense is a great defense - being wary. Still, it is a fairly helpful tool.

At one point, I tried finding and photocopying the law, on pepper spray. The librarian (as I recall, on the south side of 2nd or 3rd, 'tween Revo y Niño), called in the policeman guarding the courtyard. More nervousness. But, "Ofical Zaragoza" said if I had any problems, to call him at 685-01-40.

Perhaps Reytj or someone else can point us to the pertinent penal code in Mexico.

Pepper spray IS legal in CA (I don't know about the other border states). It is NOT legal in federal buildings, such as the one you must go thru, if you are walking across. The x-ray on backpacks, etc, IS strong enough to show a cannister of pepper spray, and the Border Bastards will steal it, tho not, typically, penalise you otherwise. The metal detector is NOT currently strong enough to pick up on the metal canister of pepper spray, when it is in your pocket, going thru the San Ysidro border crossing.

If our officials do rip-off your spray, please complain to congressmen, our proxy bosses over the border agents. Congressmen would not tolerate having such stuff seized from themselves or their families.

Pepper spray is available at Kmarts, at least, the one in Chula Vista, at 3rd and Moss, south of L Street, in the gun department. Guns, of course, are illegal in Mexico. The corrupt like to stay in power.

My apologies to those, rather like myself, born to parents out of wedlock, ie, bastards. And, I had in mind, for the women of Mexico, not us hobbyists, to drive their stilettos - the spike of some high heels - thru the brains of the murdering bastards.

Robert Johnson
avisar2004@yahoo.com

(Message edited by avisar on August 14, 2003)

Every few visits to La Coahuila, some guy comes begging, with the line, "I just got deported." One might be tempted to feel sorry for them, but, be careful. The following is excerpted from the San Diego Union-Tribune, June 28, 2003, page B12, by Leonel Sanchez (and could someone tell me how I could have posted this, without having to re-type it, and without a scanner?):

"San Diego is a key point for criminal immigrant deportations. Nearly 10,000 (!!!) criminal immigrants were returned to Mexico from here last year, including felons who were transferred here after completing jail or prison sentences in other parts of the state. Mexico can't keep up with all the deported felons, and some are committing crimes in Baja California, said San Diego's Mexican Consul General Rodulfo Figueroa.

Mexican officials are checking whether Adrian Camacho, the man suspected of killing Oceanside police Officer Tony Zeppetella on June 13, also was wanted in Mexico. Camacho, a Mexican immigrant, had been deported at least three times."

Highlight the text like so by holding down the left button on your mouse and dragging it over the text.


Then when the you wish to copy is highlighted right click on your mouse, then select "Copy".


Then go to where you want to place the text. Right click and select "Paste"

What I was quoting from was something I read in the paper, on paper. Turns out, tho, that the net cafe on Revo, at the NE corner of 5th, does have a scanner, so, for longer stuff, I'll use it.

Thanks, tho, for the advice.

I got choke holded and robbed yesterday. They got $250.

I feel bad that I was over confident. It was early evening 6:45 PM on Primera (Ist St), between Constitucion and Revolucion, about 30 yds from the Arch. I had read about other people getting robbed and knew that was a problem area, but I have walked there hundreds of times. I had just gotten a massage from Lola at Aztec Massaje, and was feeling really good and looking forward to enjoying the evening with a full pocket of money. I was just looking at my watch and not looking at my surroundings. I usually walk real close to the road. Also, I usually divide up my money.

I felt the arm go around my neck and knew that I was being robbed. My thoughts were as follows:
“Shit, I’m being robbed. It’s too early and too crowded! I’ve got to protect my wallet…….”. Then I woke up on the sidewalk. It must have taken only 5 seconds to go unconscious. A couple of people asked me in English if I was OK.

I went back to US, thinking how stupid I was. The Border Guard let me through with a couple of more questions than usual. I told him that I was robbed and he said that I could report it to the SD PD.

I only have money, a car key, and a Calif. ID card in my wallet. I don’t take credit cards to TJ.

I had to call AAA to get into my car.. Fortunately, I keep my key with an Immobilizer chip in the car. The key costs $100 to replace.

It was karma. Originally, I was going on a date with my favorita, but she got sick at the last minute. So, I thought it was a good opportunity to try some of the other chicas that I had my eye on.

I think that I was a good target. I was single. I was often seen in the Zona. It was early evening so they knew that I was carrying a lot of money. I am close to 60.

Thinking back on it, I mainly feel stupid that I gave them the opportunity because I was overconfident. I have been all over the world and never been robbed. I don’t feel that bad about losing the money, because I was going to spend it anyways. Other than a slightly sore throat, I am glad that I wasn’t injured. If I had struggled more, they might have gotten pissed off and hurt me while I was unconscious.

I won’t let this experience keep me from the Zona. I will be more careful. I will use a neck wallet to carry my key and money. I’ll avoid that area.

Let my experience be a warning to all my fellow mongers. As Sgt Esterhaus of Hill St Blues says, “Be careful out there.”

PB

Thanks for posting in detail about your experience. I agree that unless one is planning to patronize one of the establishments or one of the sg's along that stretch of Calle Primera it would be prudent to avoid the area.

Reytj

(Message edited by Reytj on February 20, 2004)

I find looking at the other ppl on the street, ( vendors, sg, and so on) helps to know if something is going to happen.

I think they know who the banditos are and what is going on. ( but probably dont do anything out of fear).

they ( the "innocent" bystanders) will give things away by where and who they are looking at.

Thank God you are OK. A 60 year old body doesn't need that kind of trauma. Choke holds are dangerous even for young bucks. Cutting oxygen to the brain is serious stuff.

Guys...I roam around there frequently and have never had a problem.

However, numbers are always key. If you feel the need grab a companion to check out the scene...I am willing to be "guide" for the area if someone feels like checking it out.

I have gone over in my mind what happened and what I should have done over a hundred times. I read about cops accidentally killing people with choke holds. Samson had a series of moves that should be taken when choke holded.

Bottom line, you only have a few seconds to react. You should be very certain of what you do, because if it doesn't work, they can really hurt you. I thought the best thing is grab your wallet and give it them or throw it as far away as possible so they don't continue with the choke hold.

Well, the T/J cops are at it again. Good shook down by two of the finest this afternoon with pretty much the same scam (Pay us the money and we can make it go away, else you must sit in jail for 48 hours to check you out), I was just past La Tropa on foot when I was stopped. I have noticed a lot of police activity today, so probably should have just headed up Nino Heros, rather than walk over to Rev, then head south. Guess it was bound to happen after all these years.

TJ's finest hassled me and searched me in about that same spot walking from La Tropa to the zona after the fiesta last Friday. The ol' hands on the car, empty your pockets routine. They didn't hit me up for any cash but I did get the idea they were just looking for an excuse to make a buck. I'm used to being hassled by TJ cops so I was nice and relaxed but I got the idea they were gauging me to see if I was the type to get easily rattled. It was funny because he thought they had something with my tube of Astroglide. I laughed, smiled and said "lubricante.... para las chicas". He looked unamused and maintained his asshole TJ cop demeanor but then his slightly more friendly partner came over, examined it, grabbed a nearby scummy, bum looking street person and ask him in English if he knew what the Astroglide was for. The bum made the international jack off gesture. The cops then sent me on my way. That's now twice in the last few months. For a while a couple of years ago I was getting searched and hassled very regularly. Then there was about a year and a half break where I never got searched at all. It seems like a trend is developing toward increased harassment again.

Sandy

What was your alleged crime?

Something I forgot to mention. These were the cops in the brand new solid black uniforms and fancy brand new guns, not standard TJ city cops in khaki pants with beat up looking old equipment. They had an fairly standard looking police car that could have been city. To be honest I didn't read the door but they weren't the local neighborhood police (and yes, I'm sure they were really cops, they had guns, badges, a cop car, and no fear of operating in front of the city police. Someone posing as a cop would not be so brazen as to try that) Aren't the guys in solid black uniforms some kind of special police in charge of 'protecting' valuable tourists? Who can answer that? What exactly are the cops in solid black uniforms?

Message deleted. Posted twice by mistake

(Message edited by I_am_Sancho on December 11, 2004)

"What exactly are the cops in solid black uniforms?"

There exists a bewildering array of law enforcement agencies in Mexico and Tijuana is no exception. I will be on the lookout for them. One of several possibilities is the Policia Ministerial. They used to be plainclothes but were recently issued uniforms.

the cops in black are federales stay away from these guys. they are the equivalent of the secret police-the police in mexico crap in their pants when they have to talk to these bad mother-f___.

how do i know? my ex chica was politically connected to the government in sonora i know the shit about the whole corrupt gove there

A couple of Fridays ago I was returning to the states (Tijuana - San Ysidro) at about 10:00 or 10:30 pm and as I passed the east end of the new pedestrian bridge (very dark) a cop motioned me over to check me out.

He explained (in english) that they had a lot of crime problems with drugs, prostitution, child molesting, drunkeness, etc. (He left out corruption, I don't know why...)

He said "ID !" and I pulled out my wallet to get to my ID, in the process I pulled out ALL of my currency and kept it in my left hand.

(It should be note that I was really tired and not at my best.)

He asked me why I had my money in my hand and I told him the last time the cops took it out of my pockets and kept some.

He asked me how much money I had and I said “No es tu asunto” (“none of your business”, but using the familiar “tu” form that lacks the respect due an officer under normal circumstances.

He said that if he were crossing the border and he said "None of your business” to the border inspectors, they would tear his passport in half.

He said he was going to give me a “multa” (Fine) for lacking respect and if I didn't pay it, I'd go to jail.

I said “Entonces, vamos” (OK, let's go)

He said he was going to get the comandante. His partner went for the comandante. By the time (about a minute or two) he came back, there were about 6 or 7 of them.

He asked me in the presence of the comandante if I had answered "None of your business" and I said "more or less".

The Comandante started in with the “ if he were crossing the border and said "None of your business” to the border inspectors, they would tear his passport in half” stuff.

Then again, the officer said he was going to give me a “multa” (Fine) for lacking respect and if I didn't pay it, I'd go to jail. Again I said “Entonces, vamos” (OK, let's go).

(At this point I figured I was in for a very long night.)

After a pause the comandante said “You are free to go.”

It should be noted that at no time did they touch me nor my money nor threaten violence.

The following Thursday I filed a complaint with the Sindicatura (anti-corruption agency at city hall).

I asked the individual interviewing me a few questionss. He assured me that:

1)Asking me how much money I had is NOT a proper question for the police.

2)Telling the police “none of your business” to that question does NOT lack respect,
as it is an improper question.

I figure I had a bit of luck on my side.

Interesting post SP, and it generally proves that the Sindicatura is apparently a powerless agency - at least when it comes to incidents that came out OK in the end like yours. It seems that their comments to you were simply designed to kiss tourist ass and make you feel better. There is however, no fucking way that they will ever create a regime where the cops aren't entitled to ask "suspects" (way lower standard in Mexico than the USA) how much money they are carrying.

Without question, in any country of the world including the U.S. it is an absolutely relevant question for officers to ask pertinent to the enforcement of certain crimes - drug running and dealing, immigrant smuggling, et al. Anybody who posesses a giant wad of cash is under suspicion. When U.S. cops find big cash on any kind of detainee they believe they now have "probable cause" to investigate further - the money is confiscated, and sometimes subject to civil forfeiture.

Am I saying they should have stopped you and given you crap? Of course not. But if you were a legit suspect they would be entitled to investigate your cash haul, so the point I'm making is that the Sindicatura is full of shit and is kissing your ass to make you feel that progress is underway in the battle against police corruption. Had the cops raped your sister I also have no doubt this internal affairs agency would then be taking legit action to bring in the criminal cop for prosecution.

You also were disrespectful and you meant to be. Just as Mex cops define "suspect" way differently than U.S. cops must under the U.S. Constitution, there's a whole different standard you have to apply in order to avoid "disrespecting" a Mexican cop just as you would apply to avoid disrespecting some mean ass cholo. Perhaps "Con respeto, por qué necessita esa informacion" (Respectfully, why do you need that information?)? Slight change in tone can save hours of aggravation.

You acted to uphold your honor and dignity as free citizens instinctively do, but the PRACTICAL question is POR QUE??? I think 98% of us will accept a scenario where short of paying a bribe for a fake offense or false charge, they had to kiss a tiny little bit of Mex cop ass to avoid any further complications and be on their way. Don't give these guys any more motivation than they already have to interrupt your positive flow in Tijuana.

(Message edited by erip on February 05, 2006)

Alcohol Scam

Was walking around the zona and was offered two bottles of Cazadores, the large ones, for $40. As they go for about $26 dollars a bottle, that wasn't such a bad deal. But not a great deal. This dumbshit (that's me) should have walked but he lowered it to 30 dollars and I got interested but not interested enough to buy. We haggled he went to $25 when I was about to walk, since I have an ample supple of alcohol at home already. But what the heck, offered $20 for both bottles. He thought about it and said fine. So I took it. By the way this was on the sidewalk across from Bar Tropical to the left of Las Chevelas adn that strip club, I forgot the name.

On the way to deposit my new purchase, I even talked to the attendant at the parking lot and ask him if I got a good deal, he said yeah. He tested the cap (which I also did prior to buying the tequila) and it seem tight, with everything in place. The cap turned but it was not coming out. He mention he bought something similar once and it turned out to be a bad deal. I figured that with the cap tight it should ok. The items were just probably hot.

Anyways, next day at home I'm trying to open the damn bottle and had the hardest time. Anyways, got it open. Fucking bottle is water refilled empty bottle of Tequila. Bastards must have drank the bottles and then refilled it with water. FUCK!

Anyways, be warned. If there is an old guy that tries to sell you bottles of alcohol in the zona, spit in his face for me. At least he didn't get me for $40. I'm going back to my Don Julio.

He's Baaaacccck...

...or it just never left: The tall gringo who cons tourists. He has the build of an NFL receiver, but wanders around in shorts - even in cold weather - with a coat tied around his waist, and a bit of a crazed look. Breathlessly claims to have, "Been beaten, robbed, and jailed! Just needs some $$$ for ...."

I cut him off, "Come on, you lying sack of .... You've had several years to improve on that scam! Can't you do any better?!

He howled some gibberish, and caromed off to a more gullible sucker.

That was in La Coahuila. A few days later, he was in the area of the San Ysidro border crossing, with the same appearance.

As has been reported by others in this thread, the Border agents will let you thru without I.D. So, there's no good reason to be in Tijuana trying to get $$$ after a beating/robbery/jailing. If you want to waste your breath, tell the creeps to do that, and to make a collect call to mommy for some $$$. A waste, because they will have an excuse for not doing it. But likely things will start to appear more and more far-fetched.

Its interesting the different or same scams that are used around the world, some really should do a study or write a book I know I would be a buyer.

In Africa we have the fake bottle of liquor scam as well except here its cold tea in brandy bottles and a multitude of gold, diamond and stones scams luckly most of them are non violent.

Most not all. Americas no exception I have been Scammed in New York and New Orleans and I am no stranger to either city.

i saw this fuck today. i head started a light jog towards me from hassling his other fellow and his girlfriend. i before he could say a word, i waved him off like i do all the street guys. he slowed his pace so he could double back, but not before talking some shit like...you don't have a heart or something within those lines.

after waving him off, without eye contact i might add, i witnessed him in action. i remember him for awhile back but never stopped to see him in action.

THIS GUY IS SCARY...he definately needs the money for drugs and goes way overboard trying to convince you to give him money...seems like he believes his own lies and gets all red and mad if you don't comply. he really sticks on ya for a long time, cusses you out if you don't give in, then hustles back to find the next victim. never seen anything like it before.

and yes, it's true. you can get across the border without a DL or passport. due to absentmindedness, i've had to cross without proper i.d. a couple of times. Got a lecture, but was let through both times.

ninos heroes and articulo123. Sure there has been reports of choke outs there in the middle of the day during rush hour foot traffic, but the latest word is a little troubling.

i frequently walk this beat solo and in the dark of night....to make matters worse. sure, I've been tailed a couple times, but managed to shake them. i've also had pickpocketers attempt to rob me, but luckily got out of that too. recently i spoke to some of the girls out there over coffee and got the lowdown on the mugging scene. They report nightly knifepoint muggings during the weekends, stating that that's one of the main reasons business there is slowwww. There client base primarily consists of mexican nationals. They also say that they rarely see the same mugger twice, and they range from young to older guys. At night, the guys most commonly mugged are mexican nationals due to the absence of americanos in the area. The girls say the cops are particularly corrupt in said area. so, i guess, it's pretty known to other mexican nationals that that part of town is a bit sketchy to drive into, park and partake at the local sg hotel. it's no wonder when i chat up sgs in the area, inevitably some guy pulls up and does all the negotiating through the window, but usually ends up driving off. I think many try to get the sgs to travel, but they aren't having it from what i've seen...while here i am walking around like a dumbass, and convincing friends that it's safe, and dragging them along side of me when possible. sorry guys

This guy RJ and Soc are talking about brings out negative emotions that scare me. My hatred for this worthless piece of shit is deep and disturbing. I think I just snapped one Sunday afternoon when I saw him floating around the border car lines gushing tears in his appeals to gridlocked motorists. They gave him money and I wanted to give him homicide. Before and after I had seen him doing his crying game all over the place on both sides of la linea - once I think I even saw him begging in Hollywood! Then one night I saw the pathetic wretch working the heart of la zona and I really lashed him when he was about to hit me up. His response was equally hostile and yours truly who generally follows a pacifist program and empathizes with and contributes to other unfortunates on the street, would have come to blows if I hadn't reminded myself that I probably shouldn't engage in physical violence in Mexico for any reason other than self-preservation. This guy just causes me to snap. I want to see him pictured in the TJ morgue's unclaimed corpse website. I'm not proud.

Re Niños Heroes and Art. 123, that is kind of a surprising report Soc but looks like you researched it responsibly. I suppose it shouldn't be surprising because it is truly a deserted area at night...except on most weekend nights now there is a police unit planted maybe 150 yards east at the intersection with Constitucion rousting every law abiding citizen whom a couple of TJ's finest with bad intentions can catch in their net.

Also in all the years I haven't heard of a zona mugging involving anything other than the chokehold and perhaps an isolated instance or two of a stun gun. In ten years I never heard of a gringo being stabbed and maybe not even threatened with a blade.

wow, you actually saw him in hollywood. amazing.

re knifings, at night, the guys most commonly mugged are mexican nationals (there is a lack of americanos that venture out this way). That's probably why you don't hear to many reports about the muggings in the area. I bet if you asked taxi drivers in the area, they will tell you that they've also witnessed a few muggings as well.

My statement is based on what the girls tell me and also a friend has witnessed the choke hold in the area, but no knives but doesn't venture up there too often.

Thanks for the follow-ups, Socrates & Erip.

The idea that the Hulking Scamster is on drugs is probably accurate. In which case, a can of pepper spray might not be a very effective defense. So, I need to contain my sense of outrage, and try not to provoke him.

I am almost a bit surprised that the Tijuana cops have not told him to leave town. With so many people in legitimate need, it is disgusting, seeing this creep mooching.

As I have posted before, I have twice had people simulate a handgun, in their robberies or attempted robberies of me. The second time, as I was coming out of Hotel Edwardo around 6pm, there were two robbers, who ran when I reached in my pocket and came out with pepper spray. The one with the gun was caught nearby. His gun turned out to be a rather realistic-looking toy.

The first time was when I was fairly new to TJ. I had a long talk and dinner with a Latino; he paid for his part. He offered to show me a shortcut back to the border; it was on his way home, also.

As we walked, I carried pepper spray - unbeknown to him. In a dark spot, he simulated a gun. With one hand, I held the pepper spray that I decided not to risk using; with the other, I gave him $10, an ATM card, and a bogus PIN, repeated twice.

Mostly, I was left, not afraid, but pissed at myself for having fallen sucker to the idea of a shortcut.

As has been noted by others, if a local man in La Coahuila talks to you, it is almost always because he wants $$$. The only question that remains is, how he is going to try to extract it - by request, scam, or demand?

One of the techniques of con artists is to smoothly assure you that they are your friend, your helper; they are confidence artists. I try to deal with locals in La Coahuila with a polite, "No, thank you" - and move on steadily. If it results in missed friendships, too bad. Better that, than to find out that he has a real gun or knife.

There are not many women in the area of Calle Articulos 123 (Primera) at night; very few attractive ones; and even fewer - and probably none - that rent out good services. Especially not good enough to risk one's life over. Years ago, I roamed that area at all hours, now, rarely, and only with two or more or other gringos.

Yes, unfortunately 'The Wrestler' (as some folks have nicknamed him) is back. He approached me in front of The Monitos (practically the NE corner of Coahuila and Constitution) Tuesday night and followed me while cursing at me all the way to the entrance to the Leyva. I had stopped his "pitch" by telling him I'd already heard it from him and never slowed my walking pace right past him.

I also saw him nearly a week earlier walking amongst the cars at La Linea when I was leaving Mexico in the late afternoon hours on Wednesday. At the time I saw him he was not approaching drivers, but instead was trying to grab up a large golden colored dog that was also wandering inbetween the cars. When he grabbed the leaseless dog up, the pooch was calm, so it probably is his pet.

Scat

I wonder if that dog's new name is Asado...

E

One of the nicest gentlemen I have met in TJ, street named 'Lee', was murdered in his apartment near Pueblo Amigo in the early hours of New Year's Day, the apparent victim of a jealous ex-husband. He had offered sanctuary to his long time friend from Hong Kong when things fell apart with her and her husband. Tragically, he had been making arrangements for her to move to Tecate and was going to help her get a new place and a new start. I have heard that she is now in custody but I do not know about her ex or the other man who allegedly was involved.
He was a really great guy.

Pagan, thanks for posting. This is devastating - I knew Lee pretty well ever since I started coming to TJ, and he was indeed one of the nicest gentlemen you could know on the TJ scene.

I don't want to jump to any conclusions but probably am anyway, but I also knew his amiga and spent a few years unsuccessfully reminding him that she would ultimately be big trouble. She had quite an ugly history and he was well aware of that. She also happened to be a close friend of one of my special amigas and I put some energy into talking some sense into my amiga about their association.

Anyhow, if she is "in custody" then presumably she is a suspect and this is about more than a jealous ex-husband. Lee told me a couple of weeks ago that he was reaching a boiling point and the changes that would be put in play, and I am so sorry that it came to this.

At least one of the lessons to be learned is that when us nice guys get involved with bad girls (or reformed bad girls as she purportedly was), we also get into the sights of their bad associates. There are special high risks to our deeper TJ adventures that we must take serious account of.

Pagan, I would appreciate it when you get the time if you can fill me in a little more by PM or private Email. Also, can you link any newspaper articles?

The local Telemundo channel in San Diego briefly mentioned the case. They showed a video of her and her two codefendants and said that that the prosecution would be seeking the maximun sentence which is 50 years. She was actually smiling for the camaras.

Of course my information is second and third hand but it now appears that jealous rage may not have had so much to do with it. My sources tell me that she was seeing ex-husband the whole time she was with Lee and would not give up the crystal. My source says that she was pissed off and that she, her husband and a friend were high on crystal when they allegedly attacked him on New Years. My source says it appears he was stabbed multiple times by different people. I guess what really disturbs me is that he knew this woman for almost ten years.

It is a grim lesson. After living here in Mexico for 5 years and having gone through my own similar situation (betrawal by Mex-girlfriend) and following the experiences of 'Grunt' and so many others I come to the conclusion that Mongers should NEVER bring thier hearts to Tijuana. Lock your compassion in a box on the US side. Bring your dick, $100 and a condom.

If it wasn't jelous rage then what was their motive in killing Lee?

It is very sad to hear about this. I hope answers are found and a just punishment is given to those involved.

According to the TJ paper the killers were crystal crack addicts. Chronic addicts get ticked off easy and have been known to kill without much apparent reason.

"According to the TJ paper the killers were crystal crack addicts."

Which paper might that be? El Mexicano, Frontera, El Sol de Tijuana?

"If it wasn't jelous rage then what was their motive in killing Lee?"

A fellow monger was kind enough to send me a link to the most complete on line account of Lee's murder.

www.oem.com.mx/elsoldetijuana/notas/n123916.htm

I don't seem to be able to cut and paste so I will summarize.

Lee went by the apartment at 11:30 PM on New Year's Eve and found three people removing the furniture. These were the girl friend,her brother and her mexican boyfriend.

Lee confronted her and she went to the kitchen, grabbed a knife and stabbed him. Then the other two entered into action beating him with a hammer.
Finally they dragged him unconscious to the bathroom where she or her brother slit his throat.
They then fled to Tecate where they were taken into custody.

Thanks, ReyTJ.

Does it say anything in that article on how they were able to track the Assailants down?

Finger prints?
Witnesses?
Clues?

Aye it is difficult to read that. The only solace is that the bitch who used to be known as "Dina" when she worked at HK and other clubs, will take a full murder rap for this. Other reports I have placed her only as someone who brought the men on scene after squabbling about what she could remove from the premises - those reports didn't indicate that she herself administered deadly blows.

So this wasn't about jealousy and it wasn't about crystal...it was about a chica with demonstrated serious criminal proclivities (though yes, always a crystal addict) going nuts when she found out she was about to lose her means of support. She was fat and happy laying out day to day in Lee's digs - not having to hustle her ass, deal drugs, or commit other criminal acts to get by.

Lee gave her so much over so many years, and this sociopath just grabs a knife and deals death without a thought when Lee finally realized he was better off without her.

He was a self-contained guy but the last time I saw him he was the happiest and most animated I think I'd ever seen him...and it was all about the prospect of freeing himself up from Dina.

I told him to be very careful in this process - that you never know how she'd react. But he was walking on air and thought he was going to play out a routine break up. He wasn't careful and he wasn't smart - but of course he can't be blamed. But when a decent peaceful citizen is outnumbered 3-1 by violent criminals, you automatically reverse field and when your house is cleaned out, you call the police to round up the thieves.

But I know that most of us including myself react reflexively and aggressively when we are in the process of an attempted victimization - the cool reflection gets buried in the desperation of the moment.

The paper was El Mexicano Jan. 6th with photos of the trio.

Seems the moral to this story is ... guys who think that by financially helping a chica out of her poverty are going to find love from a doting gal eternally grateful for her newfound middle class status ... those guys are making a serious mistake.

This gal seemingly accepted every gratuity from a kind Good Samaritan ... and felt NOTHING !

She apparently only thought of him as a fool wasting his money on her thinking he was going to get some favorita reward.

As Erip points out very perceptively ... the gentleman's kind financial outreach also outreached to every asshole thug she is hanging with.

This gentleman, who apparently had a good heart, paid a tragic price for his kindness.

Sad!

Most girls feel that guys that help them financially are fools. That is probably why you always see them with broke guys as their real boyfriends. lol

The difference is most chicas don't participate in the murder of these nice guys.

you being nice showering them with compliments or giving them money they don't thing they are worthy of or deserve reflect poorly on you since they think of themselves as ugly and worthless due to issues with low self-esteem. This is the reason why they like so called assholes like behavior vs the nice guy treatment. giving them alot of money also makes it seem like you have no respect for it, but that's another story.

anyways, imo, this over being generous with money is the same reason why senorpancho recently got his wallet picked by someone he thought was a real friend, someone he had a history with, someone he felt he could trust since he's bailed out of serious situations numerous times.

There was a guy who supposedly ran the drug trade in La Zona by the name of Luis Manuel Toscano Rodriguez aka "El Mono". It turns out that El Mono was gunned down next to a taco cart in another part of Tijuana near a courthouse complex on Thursday. It was said that El Mono was the head of group that controlled drug distribution in LZ, which he ran with his brother, Cuate. There currently is an expectation of more violence among members of that group as they fight internally for control of the drug trade in La Zona.

For years there has been drug cartel violence in Tijuana, but it almost exclusively occurred in other pars of the city and not La Zona. This time it could be different since most of the 'persons of interest' perform their illicit activities inside the La Zona area.

Add that to the increase the past few months of ratero muggings on the city block on Coahuila Ave. directly east of the block containing the entrances of Adeliata & Hong Kong Bar.

This might not be the best time to be hanging out for hours on the streets of LZ in Tijuana.

The violence inside of La Zona is possibly as bad as it has ever been. The more extreme violence, like shootings and killings over turf wars, traditionally occurred outside of LZ in other parts of Tijuana in prior years. But now the shootings inside of LZ are becoming more commonplace as numerous drug organizations are fighting for control. Here's a recent article from San Diego's Union-Tribune:
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/may/23/tijuana-violence-mexico-drug-trade-sinaloa-arellan/

According to this article published May 23rd in the Union Tribune, there have been more than 100 murders in TJ in the seven weeks staring on April 1st, which rivals the record-setting murder rates that occurred in the 2008 to 2010 crime statistics (which was the last period of major drug cartel turf wars). More importantly for us, the violence has not yet subsided and a greater portion of this gun violence this time is occurring inside of La Zona.

June has been especially active for gun-related violence inside of LZ. There was a gunman on Constitution around dinnertime on June 3rd that reportedly shot three three men and one street girl. The kid with the deformed arm that used to sing and beg on Coahuila Ave. and open the doors of Oxxo next to Mermaids seeking tips (El Manitas) has been arrested for his involvement in that shooting.

On Saturday June 6th there was a shooting at the south end of the swap meet (at or near the intersection of Primera & Martinez) and yesterday some mongers that QW & I know were about to exit the Leyva when they heard a gunshot and then saw a wounded guy stumble into the Leyva property. He had been wounded by a gunshot to his head.

Since things seem to be heating up more and more each week since the killing of El Mono on April 9th, and it seems to be a street fight for drug trade dominance of each corner in LZ, Tijuana does not seem to be a good mongering location for any trips you plan for this summer.

scatmandoo, thanks for the update. I also have noticed more violence in La Zona. Was at Hotel Cascadas on May 22nd and heard several gun shots in the early morning hours. Maybe a half hour later heard the police sirens but when I walked out into the street (back exit) did not see anything. Grabbed a cab and went back to the linea, reconsidered staying another day. Also, noticed more waiters getting more agressive in ripping off customers (short changing or not coming back with change). Mongers beware and try not to get drunk. It's getting very dangerous down there.

Yeah, thanks for the update. It won't stop me from going down, but it's good to know to be on higher alert. Personally I haven't seen anything in the past few visits there. I don't follow any other TJ news, so if there are any more developments, please post.

New Developments:
A guy was shot one or two hours after midnight on Tuesday morning near the Tecate beer corner.
And there were two more shark attacks off the North Carolina coast this weekend.

I was walking to the Leyva Sunday afternoon around 12:30 PM (just returning to Leyva after putting a duffle bag into my quasi-wingman's car). I was carrying three Figral tablets in the right front pocket of my jeans (that I had meant to leave in QW's auto). I was returning to pick-up my last bag from my room and check-out.

In front of Leyva's new wing (under construction) two cops roll up in vehicle. One policia hops out of the shotgun seat and stops me. He asks me where I'm going? (Leyva) where do I come from? (the OC). How long is my stay? (last of three days & nights).

He then asks me for ID. I pull out my small card holder, remove my passport card and hand it to the policia officer, while his partner gets out of the driver's side of the police car.

After looking at my ID the first cop hands my passport card back to me & then he asks me to put my hands on the hood of his car. I say OK, but before I put my hands on the car I reach into my front left pocket and pull out my neat fold of $1 & $2 bills and put them in the hand holding my passport card and the card case.

I then repeat in quick fashion, pulling my larger US bills from my rear left pocket, then my small peso bills from my right front pocket and the one 200 pesos note from my right rear pocket. I felt the Figral tablets in my front right pocket as I did this.

I then placed my hands on the hood of his car (expecting a lengthy situation to ensue concerning the three Figral pills) with one hand holding my card case, passport card, and four folds of currency. But instead, to my pleasant surprise, the Tijuana cop decides to just pat the outside of my left front pocket, instead of reaching into all my jean's pockets. All he hears is the jingle of keys & coins. Totally disinterested now in searching me, the cop then tells me that I can go.