Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – A San Diego attorney found herself trapped in a terrifying ordeal Sunday morning as cartel-related violence erupted outside her vacation rental, leaving her fearing for her life. Leslie Devaney, along with her daughter, was caught in the chaos after taking an elevator down from their sixth-floor condo, a scene that quickly devolved into a desperate scramble for safety. The incident underscores the escalating security concerns for tourists in parts of Mexico, even in traditionally popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta.
Devaney recounted the harrowing experience, describing how the elevator doors opened not to a peaceful morning stroll, but to a surge of people, including a security guard urging them to evacuate. “All of a sudden hordes of people rush in the small elevator exceptionally quickly, and we can see that one of them is a security guard from the front desk. The door doesn’t shut, and they’re saying, ‘Get up. Get up. Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s get up!’” she said. Through the glass doors, she witnessed a man in black pouring liquid onto a burning fuel tanker, while a local woman, whose car was being set ablaze by cartel members, similarly sought refuge in the elevator. The woman reportedly told Devaney’s daughter, “Yeah, that’s my car out there that’s burning. The cartel had pulled her out of the car, and then set the car on fire.”
The violence unfolded following the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, a leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in a military operation in central Mexico, according to reporting from Yahoo News. The cartel’s response manifested as widespread arson and gunfire across the city, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. Devaney described the sounds of explosions and gunshots echoing through the area as she and her daughter sheltered in their condo.
“I heard more explosions, the popping of fire. I heard gunshots,” Devaney said, recalling the sounds that filled the air after they were able to return to their rental. The initial panic subsided when the elevator doors finally unstuck, but the sense of danger remained palpable. Devaney and her daughter were later evacuated to another complex before being allowed to return to their condo.
A Search for Basic Necessities
The immediate aftermath of the violence presented a new set of challenges. Devaney’s flight home was initially canceled, leaving her stranded with dwindling supplies. “With her fridge nearly empty, she went out looking for food,” according to reporting from 10News. On Monday, she found that only a few markets had reopened, and they were operating under strict limitations, allowing only one customer inside at a time.
“We were walking the streets and I found this little sign of this little home, and then they were selling cheese, so I bought a whole baggie of some queso. I figured, I have tortillas, and I can make quesadillas, I’m fine for awhile,” Devaney recounted, highlighting the resourcefulness required to navigate the situation. She was eventually able to rebook a flight for Thursday, but remained anxious and planned to stay close to her rental until departure.
Impact on Travelers and Safety Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in Puerto Vallarta and other Mexican resort cities. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico are currently urging U.S. Citizens to shelter in place, reflecting the ongoing instability. The situation underscores the potential for violence to spill over into tourist areas, even in destinations that are generally considered safe.
Devaney expressed relief that tourists did not appear to be the direct target of the violence, but acknowledged the terrifying possibility. “So, I’m happy I survived it, and I’m happy that they weren’t going after tourists. That could have been a whole other dynamic where I had to fear that people were going to come in,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Devaney is scheduled to depart Puerto Vallarta on Thursday, and authorities continue to assess the security situation. Travelers with planned trips to the region are advised to stay informed about the latest developments and heed the guidance of the U.S. State Department. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with travel to areas affected by cartel activity, and the importance of exercising caution and remaining vigilant.
What we have is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. If you or someone you know has been affected by the violence in Puerto Vallarta, resources are available. The U.S. State Department provides information on travel safety and security at travel.state.gov.
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