Alleged criminal gang leader apprehended

A man who authorities believe as leader of an immigrant smuggling gang has been arrested Tuesday by state police officers after a vehicle chase in western Mexicali, said the Department of Public Safety.

The suspect was identified as José Alfredo “Doe,” 37.

Police officers found the suspect driving a white Dodge Ram pickup with California plates by Cocorit Avenue and Fronteras Avenue at Colonia Misión de San Francisco Javier neighborhood.

The agents attempted to stop the driver, who instead fled at high speed, disobeying traffic signs.

The suspect stopped the vehicle at Motomi Avenue at Colonia Valle de las Misiones neighborhood and attempted to flee on foot, but he was apprehended yards away.

Authorities said the suspect was in possession of a .380-caliber gun.

The agency reported the individual has been related to crimes like human smuggling, drug sales, causing injuries and criminal threats.

The suspect is believed to be one of Mexicali’s most significant human smugglers along with his relatives.

The alleged criminal gang has presumably committed felonies like kidnapping, sale of drugs and purchase of forged immigration documents to facilitate border crossing.

According to the agency, the suspect was allegedly involved in the March 12 kidnapping of the immigrants rescued by state police agents in a Colonia Misión de San Antonio neighborhood residence.

The suspect was turned to the Mexican Attorney General’s office for prosecution.