City officials held a press conference to ask residents to protect the environment and air quality by avoiding the ignition of bonfires and the usage of fireworks.
Environmental Protection director Luis Flores said the good air quality conditions reported on Christimas were due to rain and winds, which dispersed pollution.
Authorities launched on Dec. 1 an operation called “Clean Air for Mexicali” that included agencies like the police, fire Department, City Clerk’s office, Emergency Management and ambulant businesses Department.
Mexicali Police Chief Ulises Méndez said 30 people were cited during Christmas for burning wood and trash on streets.
Méndez said the agency will install 18 checkpoints in urban and rural areas.
The police chief asked residents to report any incidents at 9-1-1.
No gunshots, please
Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies asked residents to refrain from shooting guns during New Year’s Day.
The agencies that compose Baja California’s Coordinating Group expressed on a press release their desire to raise awareness about the consequences of shooting firearms during this celebration, as it can lead to injuries or loss of lives.
The group explained that for the last years two of the main crimes denounced at the 9-1-1 hotline are traffic accidents and the shooting of guns.
Unfortunately, authorities said some cases have been reported in the past about minors who have been killed due to lost bullets.
The agencies also asked residents to avoid using fireworks.
Residents can report any incidents at the 9-1-1 hotline.
Imperial Valley fugitive arrested
An Imperial Valley resident whom U.S. authorities were looking for was arrested by state Ministerial police officers, said the Attorney General’s office.
According to the International Liaison the suspect was identified as José Roberto Rodríguez, 31.
The suspect had at least 10 arrest warrants for identity theft and credit card cloning.
Imperial County Sheriff’s office notified its Mexican counterparts that the suspect used several names and had other identification cards under his possession to avoid his arrest.
Imperial Valley authorities obtained reports that the suspect had crossed the border.
Rodríguez was transported to the National Immigration Institute for his removal from Mexico.
Man found dead
A man was found dead and burned Friday morning in western Mexicali, said the Municipal Department of Public Safety.
The police said the deceased man was located at 7:50 a.m. by Juan Bautista Avenue, between Checoslovaquia and Dinamarca Streets at Colonia Mártires de la Democracia neighborhood.
A witness who was on his way to work reported the corpse through 9-1-1, authorities said.
The dead man was about 5’01’’ high and was dressing a black shirt and a black pant.
About ten yards from the body the police found a black balaclava and signs of a vehicle.
