ALLEGED TEGUCIGALPA LEADER OF MARA SALVATRUCHA

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001325

SIPDIS

STATE FOR INL/C , DS, AND WHA/CEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KCRM KJUS SNAR PGOV PHUM ASEC HO
SUBJECT: ALLEGED TEGUCIGALPA LEADER OF MARA SALVATRUCHA
GANG CAPTURED


1. On June 8, in what local residents described as a "war
zone" reminiscent of a wild west shoot-out, Honduran
authorities captured the alleged Tegucigalpa leader of the
infamous Mara Salvatrucha (MS) gang, Wilmer Joel Cruz Coello,
alias "El Micro," only two blocks from the U.S. Embassy
compound. PolOff happened to be near the scene of the arrest
during the gun battle and sought refuge in a local mall.
Cruz, who was on Honduras' "most wanted" list, was sought by
authorities for homicide, drug trafficking, car theft, and
other activities related to organized crime.


2. Cruz was spotted by undercover police agents leaving a
local shopping mall. As agents approached, he fled by car
with two other suspects down one of Tegucigalpa's busiest
avenues with police in pursuit. After the vehicle's
occupants opened fire, a small gun-battle ensued in which
police were able to immobilize the suspect's vehicle. Cruz
and another alleged MS member, Walter Antonio Chavez, alias
"El Blacky," were injured in the gun exchange and were
arrested on the spot. Another suspect escaped on foot and is
still being sought by Police. No other injuries were
reported.


3. Comment: Mara Salvatrucha is one of the most extensive
and violent street-gangs in Honduras. The Government of
Honduras has been waging an extensive campaign to stem the
growth of gangs, going so far as to make gang membership a
crime in a controversial anti-gang law. Cruz's capture will
bolster this effort. End Comment.
Palmer