Crime & Justice

Cops battle cops in Mexican resort city

Acapulco, Mexico, May 20 (EFE).- Groups of Mexican police traded blows here Friday during a protest by officers demanding higher pay and better benefits.

Guerrero state riot police were called to disperse a contingent of police auxiliaries who blocked a main thoroughfare in Acapulco’s exclusive Diamond Zone for three hours.

The disgruntled cops earlier took over the office of a state government agency to put pressure on Guerrero Gov. Evelyn Salgado to deliver on past promises to the police auxiliaries.

That occupation ended with a confrontation between the protesters and other officers sent to remove them and one of the auxiliaries later posted a video on social media blasting the riot cops for coming to “beat their comrades.”

The episode of police-on-police violence came as Acapulco earned the dubious distinction of being one of Mexico’s top 10 cities when it comes to murder.

More than 100 homicides were reported in the Pacific coast resort city in the first quarter of this year.

Beginning next Sunday, Acapulco will host the Tianguis Turistico, one of the largest tourism fairs in Mexico, and the government plans a special security operation involving state police, the National Guard, army troops, and marines. EFE ppc/dr

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