Mexico: 5 Dead After Gunmen Indiscriminately Sprayed Bullets at a Popular Acapulco Bar

At least five people were shot dead by a group of armed men at an Acapulco bar in Mexico on Monday, authorities said.

According to The Daily Mail, a group of armed men entered Santana's Sports and Snacks Bar in Acapulco and indiscriminately sprayed bullets at everyone in the bar at around 5 a.m. local time.

Four of the victims were declared dead at the scene, while the fifth victim was declared dead at Quemado Hospital after succumbing to injuries.

Local police announced that they arrested a male suspect who was allegedly involved in the shooting. Authorities also confiscated a gun from him.

Local media reported that a fight at the bar had triggered the shooting, as it led to a group of armed men arriving and starting shooting.

Violence in Mexico's Acapulco City Increasing

Last month, three dead bodies with torture marks were washed ashore at two beaches in Acapulco, shocking many beachgoers. The first and second bodies had been washed up on the shores of Condesa Beach. Sunbathers enjoying the beach found the bodies of two men.

One of the bodies was reportedly strapped to a cement anchor on one hand and one foot, while the other body was lying face down in the sand. The two bodies reportedly bore torture marks.

The third body was washed ashore at Icacos Beach. Acapulco police said the man was shot before his body was dumped in the ocean.

The Mexican military was reportedly called to the scene since a military base was close to Icacos Beach. But despite the presence of the soldiers, tourists remained at the crime scene as the two beaches remained open.

Acapulco Is Becoming One of the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico

Acapulco was once a sought-after tourist destination, especially for the rich and famous. Celebrities used to be a common sight in Acapulco, but with this recent wave of violence, international tourism has steadily declined.

According to the Associated Press, Acapulco is no longer popular among international tourists but remains popular among Mexico City residents as it remains their main getaway.

As Mexican drug cartels battle for control of the resort town, Acapulco becomes one of the deadliest cities in Mexico, affecting its tourism industry. It has become so dangerous that the U.S. State Department warned Americans to avoid traveling to Acapulco last October.

"Crime and violence are widespread," the State Department said. It added that armed groups operate independently in the city and many other areas in Guerrero state, where Acapulco is located.

The State Department also warned that these armed groups might use violence toward travelers. As of August, the city has registered 110.5 homicides per 100,000 people.

Statista 2021 data shows Acapulco was second in the world in terms of homicide, just behind Mexico's city of Tijuana. In the first 10 months of 2022, the city has already registered 361 homicides.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Murder, Extortion, and Corruption Tarnish Former Tourist Haven Acapulco - From PBS NewsHour