Suspects Arrested in Attempted Killing of Tulum Tortilla Shop Owner

Tulum, Quintana Roo — A joint operation led by state and federal authorities on Tuesday resulted in the arrest of the suspects wanted for Monday’s failed attempt to kill the owner of the Lulú tortilla shop in this coastal city.

The attack took place at the shop on Sol Street, between Orion and Beta streets, where the owner was confronted by alleged hitmen. The gunmen’s 9mm pistol jammed, and they fled, leaving behind a shell casing, according to preliminary investigation reports.

Tuesday’s operation was led by the State Prosecutor’s Office, along with Tulum’s Public Security Department and the Mexican Army. Officers searched a home on Gallinolas Street at the corner of Avenida La Selva in the Ejido neighborhood, where they seized a firearm believed to be connected to the attack and a motorcycle the suspects allegedly used for transportation.

Investigators are looking into whether the attack was linked to extortion. The tortilla shop owner had reportedly received threats and demands for money from the same criminal group.

Earlier Arrests

Authorities had already arrested three people on Monday, including a teenager, in Tulum’s Centro neighborhood. State Prosecutor Raciel López Salazar announced the arrests during a press conference. Those detained were identified as Miguel, alias “El Maiki,” a Canadian; Christopher Manuel, alias “El Cris,” from Mexico City; and a teenager known as “El Fantasma.” Police confiscated several doses of marijuana and a Taurus-brand pistol.

The three are suspected of belonging to a criminal group active in the area. Miguel and the teenager are also being investigated for their possible involvement in the murder of taxi driver Manuel Luciano, who was killed by three 9mm gunshot wounds, a crime authorities believe was tied to drug dealing.

Investigators will now work to determine whether the suspects taken into custody are directly connected to the tortilla shop attack and to other recent violent incidents in Tulum. All detainees have been handed over to the appropriate authorities as the investigation continues.