Playa del Carmen

Quinta Avenida Shootings: Playa del Carmen's Latest Tourist Attraction

Playa del Carmen experiences a surge in violence as a restaurant on Quinta Avenida is targeted in a shooting, following a recent murder. Tourists and locals fear for their safety amidst escalating crime. Authorities scramble to restore peace in the once tranquil tourist destination.

Mexicanist

Mexicanist

— 2 min read
Quinta Avenida Shootings: Playa del Carmen's Latest Tourist Attraction
According to video surveillance footage, the shooter was sporting a snazzy ensemble consisting of a red cap, blue jeans, dark glasses, and, of course, a short gun. Credit: Noticaribe

In a shocking turn of events, the tranquility of the popular tourist destination Playa del Carmen has shattered once again as violence erupted on Quinta Avenida. A restaurant, "Las Camelias," situated on the emblematic tourist corridor, became the target of a brazen shooting this Thursday morning, only hours after a man was tragically murdered in the same area.

The incident unfolded at approximately 9:50 am when an unidentified assailant opened fire on the facade of "Las Camelias." Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the customers or staff present during the attack. However, the chilling act of violence has sent shockwaves through the local community and the thousands of tourists who flock to the picturesque coastal city.

Video footage captured by a nearby surveillance camera provided crucial evidence, revealing the appearance of the shooter. The assailant, clad in a red cap, blue jeans, and dark glasses, was armed with a short gun. Authorities are tirelessly analyzing the footage in hopes of identifying and apprehending the perpetrator responsible for this brazen assault.

In response to the escalating violence, the area surrounding the restaurant has been cordoned off by a joint security operation comprising the Army, Tourist Police, and the State Attorney General's Office (FGE). Concerned foreign and domestic tourists observe the situation from a safe distance, fearing for their safety amidst the recent surge in criminal activities.

This targeted attack on "Las Camelias" comes just months after the establishment was embroiled in a high-profile operation conducted by the Tourist Police and Canine Unit. In August 2022, authorities uncovered nine bags containing various illicit substances, including crack, ecstasy, marijuana, crystal, and cocaine. The incident raised concerns about the prevalence of drug-related activities in the area and the potential risks posed to unsuspecting tourists.

Tragically, the violence in Playa del Carmen continued the previous night, as another shocking incident unfolded on the bustling Quinta Avenida. At around 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, a man lost his life while two American tourists sustained injuries in a separate attack, just a few blocks away from "Las Camelias" between 22nd and 24th Streets. The wounded tourists were swiftly transported to local hospitals, while authorities from the State Attorney General's Office (FGE) removed the deceased victim from the scene.

The back-to-back episodes of violence have left both locals and visitors deeply unsettled, raising concerns about the safety and security of this once-idyllic coastal city. Authorities are now under immense pressure to address the escalating crime rate and take swift action to restore peace and protect the countless lives that are touched by the allure of Playa del Carmen.

As investigations continue into these harrowing incidents, the fate of Playa del Carmen hangs in the balance, with the city desperately hoping to reclaim its reputation as a vibrant, safe, and welcoming destination for travelers from around the world.

Read more