US embassy cable - 04TEGUCIGALPA1325

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