The violence broke out when about 30 National Guard and army troops patrolling Culiacan were fired on from a house occupied by Ovidio Guzman Lopez, according to authorities.
A massive gun battle erupted in Mexico as authorities attempted to arrest a son of imprisoned drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
The violence broke out when about 30 National Guard and army troops patrolling Culiacan were fired on from a house occupied by Ovidio Guzman Lopez, Mexico’s security secretary, Alfonso Durazo, told NPR.
The law enforcement officials took control of the house and found Guzman Lopez, 28, who is wanted in the U.S. on drug trafficking charges, but soon after, the building was surrounded by “a greater force” of heavily armed gunmen, according to NPR.
Heavy gunfire echoed through the streets as some inside the house fought back, while reinforcements carried out other destructive acts, including setting vehicles and a gas station on fire.
The fighting went on for hours, terrorizing the community.
"With the goal of safeguarding the well-being and tranquility of Culiacan society, officials in the security Cabinet decided to suspend the actions," Durazo said.
Media outlets in Mexico later reported the government released Guzman Lopez to try to end the violence.
While El Chapo may be incarcerated in an American prison, the Sinaloa drug cartel’s illegal activity is reportedly still being carried out by family members, including his sons.
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