Police believe organized crime to is to blame for a shootout that ended in a Tijuana hospital yesterday. At least three people were killed. The gunbattle began in the streets near the central bus station and continued at the city's general hospital. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has details.
Around mid-morning police in Tijuana began following a suspicious vehicle. It turned into a chase. The vehicle crashed. The men got out and started shooting at the police who fired back. One suspect was killed.
The Red Cross rushed another who was injured to the General Hospital. Moments later, a group of heavily armed men arrived at the hospital with their guns blazing. They killed two policemen in the parking lot and shot their way inside to free the wounded man.
Hundreds of people were evacuated from the hospital. Staff and parents ran out with sick children in their arms. Hundreds more people were stuck inside as police searched for the gunmen.
Mid-afternoon, more gunshots rang out from inside the hospital. Reporters ran for cover. Police with machine guns rushed in.
Law enforcement officials say they have two people in custody. Many questions remain. Amy Isackson, KPBS News.
(Photo: Gunmen shot at two Tijuana Red Cross ambulances in yesterday’s shootout. Amy Isackson/KPBS .)