The recent arrest of Rafael Z., accused of multiple armed attacks on drivers along Puebla’s Vía Atlixcáyotl, has reopened investigations into violent incidents dating back to 2018, potentially reshaping the narrative around public safety in the city.

Since his capture this week during a raid in the Santa Fe neighborhood—where he allegedly fired at law enforcement—authorities have been scrutinizing cases that predate the surge of attacks reported in 2026. The State Attorney General’s Office is now reviewing files from as far back as 2018 to determine if Rafael Z. could be connected to earlier violent episodes.

One such incident occurred in 2018 when a bus on Route 14 was struck by a projectile on Vía Atlixcáyotl, shattering a window. Initially, this was attributed to a glass defect, but as similar reports accumulated over time, suspicions grew. Another critical case under review dates to January 2022, when a 48-year-old woman was fatally shot while riding a Route Malacatepec bus near Avenida Kepler. Early theories suggested robbery or road rage, but investigators later ruled out theft after confirming the bullet came from outside the vehicle.

Authorities are also examining attacks between 2022 and 2023 in the Angelópolis area, targeting drivers, cyclists, and workers, to identify common ballistic patterns or methods of operation. While no official confirmation links Rafael Z. to these earlier crimes, State Prosecutor Idamis Pastor emphasized that reopened cases are undergoing fresh forensic analysis, ballistic testing, and reconstructions to clarify any connections.

Rafael Z. currently faces charges related to 11 documented attacks on motorists this year along Vía Atlixcáyotl, as well as attempted homicide for the assault on police during his arrest. This ongoing investigation highlights the complex challenges Puebla faces in ensuring public safety and the importance of thorough, evidence-based approaches to justice.

For residents and commuters, these developments underscore the need for reliable and secure transportation options. Initiatives like Puebla’s upcoming cable car system could offer safer, more inclusive mobility alternatives, reducing exposure to street-level violence and fostering greater community trust in public transit.