Protection Bulletins
As a public service, INNER CORDON publishes bulletins that cover various facets of executive protection and secure ground transportation as it relates to cross-border security between Mexico and the USA.
Case Study:
What not to do when chased by gunmen
Mon Mar 15th, 2010
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico
The two families climbed into white SUVs and almost simultaneously left the children's birthday party put on by the U.S. Consulate. One headed deeper into one of the world's most dangerous cities, the other toward a bridge to El Paso, one of America's safest. Neither made it. Gunmen chased down the two vehicles and opened fire in attacks that raised the chilling prospect that Mexico's cartels have dropped any reservations about killing American officials in their battle for the multibillion-dollar U.S. drug market.
Three adults with connections to the U.S. consulate were killed, and two children were wounded. Authorities would not say where the birthday party was held, but said it was not at the consulate. As the party wound down, the two families left separately. Arthur H. Redelfs, an American who works as a jail guard in El Paso, was at the wheel of his white Toyota RAV4, driving along the broad riverside avenue leading to the Santa Fe Bridge across the border. His wife, Lesley A. Enriquez, a consulate employee who was four months pregnant, was at his side. Their baby girl was strapped into a car seat in back. A Suburban fell in behind them, and Redelfs gunned the engine. They raced for a half-mile, coming within sight of downtown El Paso before Redelfs paused at the last intersection before the bridge. It was enough of an opening for the gunmen to slam into the driver's-side hood, and then opened fire. Enriquez was killed by a single bullet in the head; her husband by two shots in the neck and arm. Their baby was unhurt, left wailing in the back seat.
Meanwhile, Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros, a Mexican citizen who works at a factory south of the border, left the party with his two children, ages 4 and 7, in his white Honda Pilot. His wife, a Mexican citizen who works at the consulate, was not with them. They headed in the opposite direction, into Ciudad Juarez, where they lived. Salcido speeded up when a car gave chase, racing down an avenue for 600 yards before the gunmen caught up with him. He was killed, and both children were wounded in a hail of bullets from an assault rifle.
RESPONSE Myself and all of our staff at INNER CORDON, INC send our prayers to the family's and friends of these victim's. We also want to go on record by stating the facts - these assassinations were and will always be 100% preventable and 100% survivable. If the victim? been trained in basic Self Applied Protective Measures, Awareness and Preparedness Training and/or had a Protection Professional been driving them - they would have survived and we would be reclassifying these incidents as assassination "attempts".
COUNTER MEASURE Once you are aware that an attack is targeting you - get out of their immediately, never stop and never let them catch you. If they catch you - then ram through them, ram through another vehicle, pit them, reverse out and/or jump the curb. The number one rule at all times during an attack is movement, get out of the attack zone, keep moving and get as many other people and as many other vehicles involved as possible and you will live.
Sam J. Jones, COO INNER CORDON, INC.
Diplomatic & Executive Protection Specializing in Cross Border Protective Services, Consulting and Training +1 818.917.2626