Mérida, Mexico — Authorities in the Yucatán Peninsula have detained a suspect following a brazen shooting in the Dzityá district of Mérida that left one man dead on Wednesday afternoon.

The Public Security Secretariat (SSP) confirmed the arrest during a high-stakes investigation into the incident, which officials believe stemmed from a private dispute. According to preliminary reports, the victim was a native of Guerrero, while the detained individual is from Oaxaca.

The shooting occurred near the intersection of 69th Street and 94th Street, on the route connecting the Las Américas neighborhood with the North Road arch. Police reports indicate that the victim was targeted as he attempted to enter a local taco stand. Witnesses stated the man was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground, succumbing to his injuries almost instantly.

The violence triggered an immediate “Código Rojo” (Red Code) alert, prompting a massive manhunt by security forces. The SSP deployed a heavy presence across the northern zone of Mérida, establishing checkpoints at major entrances and exits to intercept fleeing suspects.

Preliminary intelligence suggests that at least three individuals—two men and a woman—fled the scene in a gray Chevrolet. The group reportedly abandoned the vehicle in the Tenozón area before switching to a silver car and heading toward the Mérida-Progreso highway.

State Investigation Police (PEI) have since conducted raids on various apartments and hotels in the northern districts of Temozón, Cordemex, Montes de Amé, and Xcumpich. While several suspects remain at large, the SSP is utilizing C5i surveillance cameras to track the movements of the silver vehicle.

The incident marks a tense escalation in local crime, occurring just over a month after a high-profile attack in the Montes de Amé neighborhood. The SSP is currently coordinating with the State Prosecutor’s Office (FGE) to finalize the forensic investigation and identify all parties involved.