On the morning of Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Rafael Zabalza Veraza, a Spanish businessman, was detained by state authorities as part of the ongoing investigation into a series of armed attacks on Vía Atlixcáyotl in Puebla.

The operation took place in the Santa Fe neighborhood within the Angelópolis area, involving coordinated efforts from the State Attorney General’s Office, State Police, National Guard, Army, and Navy. During the arrest, Zabalza Veraza reportedly fired at the agents before being subdued and captured.

Known primarily as a pharmaceutical entrepreneur, Zabalza Veraza also owns Grupo Emprendedor Gasolinero, S.A. de C.V., a company registered at Avenida 25 Oriente 1627, Bella Vista, Puebla. Public reports have linked him to a previous armed attack on a Telcel store in Plaza Vía San Ángel, though authorities have yet to confirm any judicial resolution regarding that incident.

Beyond his business ventures, Zabalza Veraza has been a supplier of medicines and medical equipment during the administrations of former Puebla governors Melquiades Morales and Mario Marín. More recently, he signed a collaboration agreement with the Universidad Politécnica Metropolitana de Puebla, representing the civil association ITEBIO A.C.

The Fiscalía continues to investigate Zabalza Veraza’s alleged involvement in the multiple shootings targeting drivers on Vía Atlixcáyotl, as well as any other related incidents connected to his arrest.

This case highlights ongoing challenges in Puebla’s public safety landscape, underscoring the importance of transparent investigations and community trust. Meanwhile, infrastructure projects like the upcoming cablebús system in Puebla aim to improve urban mobility and safety, offering residents alternative, secure transportation options in a city grappling with complex security issues.