**Two-Year-Old Injured in Shooting at Children’s Play Area in Tecate**
A two-year-old named Álvaro was urgently taken to the Mexican Social Security Institute after he sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen during a shooting at “La Guarida de la Diversión,” a children’s play facility in Tecate. The unfortunate incident occurred on the evening of December 1st, targeting an adult accompanying the child.
The attack unfolded shortly after 7 PM at the entertainment center situated within Plaza Dalú on Bulevar Encinos in the Loma Alta neighborhood. Armed assailants entered and fired over fifteen shots from a 9mm weapon at Jesús Roberto Sánchez Beltrán, also known as “Tito” Beltrán. He tragically died at the scene, witnessed by numerous children and parents who were in the vicinity.
Amid the chaos, children and adults fled the area, many in tears and experiencing panic attacks. “Tito” Beltrán was identified as the former partner of Angelita Meraz León, an activist and president of a local missing persons organization, who was killed earlier in 2024. Her murder was linked to her associations with Beltrán, who had previous criminal charges and affiliations with organized crime groups. Beltrán was released from prison earlier this year, after being detained in 2014 for various serious offenses.
At the time of his death, he was with his current partner, a former member of Meraz’s organization, and the mother of the injured toddler. The play area has since been placed under forensic investigation as authorities work to piece together the attack. Tecate’s mayor, Román Cota Muñoz, has reaffirmed a commitment to the safety and tranquility of the town, underscoring a reinforced security and vigilance in public spaces following the incident.
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**Related News: A String of Violent Crimes Affects Youth in Tecate**
In November, another tragedy claimed the life of a minor in the “Pueblo Mágico” region, who was killed by a stepfather, adding to a growing list of high-impact crimes affecting young people in the area.
Authorities are grappling with the increasing violence directed towards minors, as community leaders and residents express outrage and demand action. The frequency of these incidents has alarmed citizens and put immense pressure on local government officials to address and mitigate the underlying causes of violence, while ensuring the protection of Tecate’s youth and public spaces.
These disturbing trends highlight a critical need for urgent interventions and preventative measures to protect communities in Tecate and beyond. As the investigations continue, citizens remain hopeful for effective solutions and peace restoration in their neighborhoods.