San Diego Reader

July 31, 2012

This Security Message has been issued to encourage U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) to use caution while conducting business or leisure activities within the city and the surrounding region. In recent months several home invasions, robberies, and assaults have occurred, including a home invasion and assault that left a U.S. citizen severely injured. In a separate incident, vacationers, many of whom were U.S. citizens, were victims of a home invasion during which adults and children were held at gunpoint while the house was robbed and a woman was sexually assaulted. Additionally, on July 19th, a gun battle erupted between members of a Transnational Criminal Organization which left six people dead, including a Mexican police officer. The gun battle occurred in downtown Puerto Peñasco in broad daylight.

U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Peñasco are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Peñasco are urged to use the Lukeville, Arizona border crossing, to limit driving through Mexico, and to limit travel to main roads during daylight hours.

http://nogales.usconsulate.gov/citizen-services.html