On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Puebla’s Attorney General, Idamis Pastor Betancourt, announced the arrest of Rafael N., the alleged shooter responsible for firing at vehicles along Vía Atlixcáyotl and nearby areas. The arrest followed a coordinated operation involving the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), the State Public Security Secretariat (SSP), and the Mexican Army’s 25th Military Zone.

The operation took place at a residence in the Santa Fe neighborhood of San Andrés Cholula, where Rafael N. reportedly fired at law enforcement officers during the raid, forcing authorities to respond according to protocol before securing the property.

Authorities seized a significant arsenal, including:
– One semi-automatic handgun
– One rifle
– One shotgun
– Hundreds of rounds of ammunition (536 cartridges of .22 caliber and 23 of 9mm)
– A white GMC Denali without license plates
– Nearly 730,000 pesos in cash
– Electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, tablets, and storage units

A second search was conducted in Puebla’s Anzures neighborhood as part of an ongoing investigation into attempted homicide, yielding additional weapons and evidence.

The investigation began after multiple reports from drivers who experienced gunfire impacts while traveling on Vía Atlixcáyotl. Initially, each incident was treated separately, but as evidence accumulated, patterns emerged in timing, location, and modus operandi. This allowed authorities to build a strong case supported by forensic analysis, ballistic trajectory studies, and video surveillance.

Vice Admiral Francisco Sánchez González, Secretary of Public Security, highlighted the importance of intelligence work and intergovernmental coordination in identifying the suspect and tracking his movements. The investigation included detailed behavioral analysis, route monitoring, and the use of fixed and mobile surveillance.

José Luis Hernández González, head of the Metropolitan Investigation Prosecutor’s Office, emphasized the methodical approach taken to avoid premature conclusions, ensuring that each lead was thoroughly examined before linking the events.

Attorney General Pastor Betancourt framed the case as an example of rigorous, interdisciplinary investigation grounded in legality and technical precision. She underscored the commitment of Puebla’s authorities to restore public safety and uphold zero tolerance for impunity, while respecting due process and the presumption of innocence.

For residents and commuters in Puebla, this operation signals a proactive stance by the state government to address violence through intelligence-led policing and judicial oversight, contributing to safer urban spaces.