Two Americans, including a U.S. Army veteran, were ambushed and shot by gunmen in Caborca, Sonora, Mexico, in a terrifying attack that has drawn sharp criticism over alleged police inaction. The November 23 incident left 44-year-old veteran Sisson James Thomas fighting for his life after being shot in the head and shoulder, while his friend, Mckim Robert Vance, narrowly escaped with injuries.
The pair was returning from a holiday in Porto Penasco when two vehicles with their lights off pulled behind them and opened fire, according to Vance. Despite the escalating danger, local police reportedly failed to intervene, adding to the chaos.
A Desperate Escape
Vance, who was driving their Jeep, described the harrowing ordeal. As gunmen opened fire, he sped through the streets of Caborca in an attempt to escape. When a police officer noticed Vance’s erratic driving and signaled for him to stop, the officer quickly turned off his lights and fled the scene after realizing the danger.
“We were driving the wrong way and found another officer on that side of the road. He turned on his lights because, of course, we were breaking the rules of the road,” Vance explained. “As soon as he saw the vehicles chasing us, he turned them off and accelerated in the opposite direction.”
The attackers fired again, hitting Thomas in the back of the shoulder and head. Despite his critical injuries, Thomas was rushed to Caborca General Hospital before being flown to Nogales, Arizona, where he remains in critical condition.
Authorities Launch Investigation
The Sonora State Prosecutor’s Office has since launched an investigation into the attack. Officials stated they are working to determine the motives behind the shooting and identify the perpetrators. “The Sonora Prosecutor’s Office, together with security corporations, has deployed an operation to identify those responsible for the attack and determine its possible motive,” the office said in an online statement.
However, questions about the police’s failure to act remain unanswered, fueling outrage among locals and travelers.
A Warning to Tourists
Vance issued a dire warning to those planning to travel through the region. “Do not take these routes,” he urged, reflecting on the traumatic experience.
Sonora, a border state, has faced increasing violence tied to organized crime. Incidents like this underscore the risks for travelers, even as local authorities attempt to downplay safety concerns.
Growing Concerns Over Safety
The attack has reignited debate over the safety of Americans traveling in Mexico and the effectiveness of local law enforcement. Many are calling for greater accountability and cooperation between Mexican and U.S. authorities to address rising violence in the region.
For Thomas and Vance, the ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the perils that can arise in areas plagued by crime and lawlessness. As Thomas fights for his life, the search for answers—and justice—continues.