US Navy operatives search for pirates in the Indian Ocean in 2006.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — An American tourist was shot in the back of the head in Mexican waters on Thursday after being ambushed by armed boaters, a Texas sheriff said. It happened near the U.S. boundary of a lake where run-ins with pirates already had fishermen and Texas officials on alert.
Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez identified the victim as David Michael Hartley, 30. Hartley and his wife were riding personal watercrafts back from Mexico on Falcon Lake when about six gunmen approached in two boats, Gonzalez said. The sheriff said Hartley was shot as the couple sped away at the sight of the boaters.
What happened to Hartley was unclear. Gonzalez said the man’s wife tried circling back to pull him from the water, but she was forced to retreat to U.S. waters after being fired upon again.
“They saw them approaching and started revving it up back to the U.S. side,” Gonzalez said. “The guys just started shooting at them from behind.”
Gonzalez said he has contacted the Mexican consulate and asked them to look for the man. He said there was nothing else he could do.
One of the boats may have crossed the U.S. side of the lake to fire at the woman, said Mike Cox, a spokesman for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. The shooting renewed warnings of pirates on Falcon Lake, which is about 60 miles down the border from Laredo and is popular with water skiers and bass fishing.
Earlier this year, several fishermen were robbed at gunpoint on the lake’s Mexican side. In those holdups, authorities say the gunmen traveled in the low-slung, underpowered commercial Mexican fishing boats that are familiar in the area. They asked for money, drugs and guns, and took what cash was available, but no one was hurt.
Hartley and his wife moved to McAllen, Texas, from the Mexican border city of Reynosa about five months ago and had planned to returned to their native Colorado in two weeks, Gonzalez said. Gonzalez said Hartley worked in the oil business.
Reynosa has been beset recently with warring drug cartels and Mexican authorities, but Gonzalez said he believed the shooting was a random attack. He has previously chalked up the dangerous waters as the product of fighting between rival Mexican drug gangs.
“I would think that, right now, the prudent boater would want to stay on the Texas side,” Cox said Thursday.
Authorities said the shooting happened about 2:45 p.m. Gonzalez said the couple never spoke to the gunmen, and the woman raced her watercraft to the shores of the first lakeside homes she could reach and asked for help. He said they had ridden over to Mexico for sightseeing and to take photos of a famous church in Old Guerrero.
That is identical to what five boaters did in April when authorities say they were approached by men who identified themselves as “Federales” and asked for drugs. Those boaters handed over $200 before the pirates chased them back to U.S. waters.
Violence on the Mexican side of the lake has been climbing for several months, as a fractured partnership between the region’s dominant Gulf Cartel and its former enforcers, the Zetas, plunged many of the area’s Mexican border cities into violence.
Falcon Lake is a dammed section of the Rio Grande that straddles the border. The border is marked by 14 partially submerged concrete towers that mark the Rio Grande’s path before the lake was created in 1954.
___
Associated Press Writer Terry Wallace in Dallas contributed to this report.
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Comments (105)
AngryTexanFromAmarillo
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:27pmI would bet if word got a around Americans are taking a stand and we arrange a day to mobilize and defend our country, if thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people converged on the borders it would force the Government to do something. Sadly they (the government) would show up and arrest if not kill Americans for protecting our own borders. I read a story a while back ago about a Texas farmer living near border areas was approached by the government and told it would be in his best interest to move from the land his family has owned for over a 100 years.because of feared violence from Mexicans.
Tell me why? Why is our own government telling us to give up our land to these people?
Report Post »pinkcadlac
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 3:38pmPATRIOT
Report Post »I agree 100% with you.
The plan of the gov is to give everything we have away, including our freedom. They do it daily, in increments, all while telling us they have our best interests at heart. It is “deliberate deception” but the jig is up.
SnapTie
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:19pmA few weeks ago on a episode of Border Wars this lake was discussed and one of the border agents said it was bad and expected to get worst. Guess this guy knew what he was talking about.
Report Post »AngryTexanFromAmarillo
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:30pmThat is another problem. The networks have taken a REAL and DEADLY situation and turned it into a reality TV show. please please please..TELL ME WTF is wrong with our government and our citizens that they will not stand up and fight for OUR LAND and the LIVES of our citizens?
Report Post »texasfarmer
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:16pmSorry for the loss. I’m not sure what bone heads would be “relaxing” anywhere near the Mexican border. This is not the same as boating in Minnesota.
Report Post »Ranchers have been killed on their land so what make you think that a public area near Mexico is any safer? What ever happened to common sense? We would not let ourselves, let alone a loved one, get that kind of situation. Come one people think.
jerryod1627
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:14pmWe need to get several boats of fishermen to go fishing. If they happened to be heavily armed, and if some mexicans happened to approach them in a robbery attempt they would have the right to protect themselves, thus a few less mexican hijackers. P.S. I forgot to suggest that they take a few concrete blocks with them and some rope. These could be boat anchors.
Report Post »Honest Abe
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:12pmIt is time to defend our sovereignty. Time to protect our citizens at all costs. We need to rid our country and borders of these human scum once and for all. If it is a war they want lets give them one.
Report Post »Bluefish49
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:11pmThe real truth is that this lake was known for drug smuggling. Surely these people knew that. I live in South Carolina and saw a news special on it months ago. Its sad this guy is dead but a person is responsible for his own actions. If you stick your hand in a fire expect to get burned.
Report Post »arx
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:12pm“lake known for smuggling…surely people knew that…responsible for their actions”??? What actions? Taking a boat ride with your wife on a Thursday afternoon? Pull your head out of your arse. What is wrong with you?
Report Post »Karama
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:06pmI’m just wondering why would anyone go near the boarder unarmed? I would think wearing a loaded side arm should be required down there.
Report Post »AngryTexanFromAmarillo
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:18pmThe real question is why should they have to be armed ? Why should Americans be afraid to go anywhere in our own country, That’s like being scared to go in your own bedroom because you fear attack. America is our HOUSE and we shouldn’t be afraid to go in any room of our house.
Its time to make them scared to come to OUR house for once. arm yourselves now people before big brother takes that option away from you.
Report Post »texasfarmer
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:53pmUntil the feds do something, anything, get you CHL and use it. Make sure you have weapons in multiple locations.
Report Post »C. Schwehr
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 4:07pmIt‘s my understanding that the folks who live down there near the border DON’T go unarmed at any time they’re outside! It’s not unusual at all to see a rancher out checking fence while carrying an AR-15 for protection! People are afraid to leave their homes for an overnight stay because they can‘t be sure the house won’t be ransacked by visiting Invaiders while they’re gone! Falcon Lake isn’t an isolated occurence….it’s just one more symptom of the undeclared WAR WITH MEXICO…and it’s time either the government grows a pair (ain’t a gonna happen) or the people handle it themselves!
Report Post »The Truth Will Set You Free
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:59amAt what point will America wake up and understand that Obama and his crew are deliberately destroying this country. Big Sis is a joke and her policies are not in the best interest of this nation. We are becoming a 3rd world nation and we need to encircle the White House and demand that the president be arrested for his treason. Are we patriots or sheople? Wake up America…..God and Country are being attacked!
Report Post »AngryTexanFromAmarillo
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:07pmcompletely agree, we need to storm Washington DC and surround the white house and demand his arrest for treason. There is more than enough proof of his crimes he should be held accountable.
Report Post »patriot2theend
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 1:04pmYES, YES, YES,, I agree Angry
Report Post »POLITICAL_FURRY
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:56amObama will do nothing the Mexican Government will do nothing. This family is screwed because we can absobe a terrorist attack. Our president is a traitor killing Americans is part of his religion and don’t think for a minute hes going to lift a fingure to do anything about it. Oh Well!! I believe the only sollution to this problem is that the Citizens of the United States start shooting back. They won’t war thats fine Obama will not help the American Citizen we are on our own. That goes for Liberals and Conservatives. Pull your heads out of your asses and look around we are alone!!!!!
Report Post »patriot2theend
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 1:21pmNOOOOOOOOOOOOO SIR!!! You are not alone! We are a people starting to wake up!!!!. I am very well protected,, wink wink
Report Post »moelarrycurly
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:52amI seem to remember the last time a bunch of idiot, warlord Mexicans attempted an incursion into this country-we wound up taking half of Arizona (down to the Gila river) and purchased the rest down to what is today’s border. I realize that we outgun these morons. It’s time to declare hunting season on drug lords. I bet a few heads rolling into their barrio would be a good reminder to cool it. how many American citizens have been murdered and beheaded by illegal aliens??? My Mother was warned not to visit Big Bend National Park because idiots were sniping with rifles from the other side of the border….
Report Post »Prospero
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:05pmSome industrious folks should set up a few “Sniper Training Schools” in various cities along the Mexican border. Nice shaded booths with rests….all facing Mexico…that sort of thing.
Just saying….
Report Post »Bocrockett
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 4:41pmAir conditioning too!
Report Post »ihveit
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 7:59pmihv.. and with 007 status
Report Post »will
AngryTexanFromAmarillo
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:46amPirates….With all of the weapons technology our country has and the seemingly endless flow of cash around our country tell me again why the government isn’t defending our borders? Why are our citizens dieing day after day and nothing is being done? Why did they spend $$ on signs to put up in Arizona on AMERICAN soil telling AMERICANS not to go in that area? Maybe just Maybe if we started shooting back and killing them day after day they would retreat?
Need I remind everyone that a mere handful of Texans( around 200) defended the Alamo against 2000+ Mexicans for 13 days If they could do it why can’t we? These men and woman gave their lives to defend there country, How can anyone who lives in our country not be willing to do the same?
If the US government won’t help put a stop to this, then its the responsibility of the US Citizens to stand up and fight for our country. The way I see it, we all have the right to defend our property with deadly force if need be, well its time to take it to the next step and defend THE US property, this is our country, our land and we should have the right to defend it and defend it with deadly force if the situation arises.
Report Post »jrcess
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:45amObama and his crew is like using cub scouts to direct traffic at an NFL game. Well come to think of it the Cub Scouts could probably do a better job. You saw how he handled the situation with Gov. Perry.
Report Post »Texas has to defend itself.
pinkcadlac
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:44amHELP WANTED:
Report Post »One patriotic administration, to serve the United States of America.
Must be wIlling to enforce the United States Constitution.
This position requires total commitment.
Transportation and meals will be provided.
BlueStrat
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:11pmSorry, that job’s been sadly vacant since at least the Wilson Admin. with the possible brief respite from the worst of it during the Reagan admin., but even then the other two branches of government were industriously “working around the Constitutional ‘roadblocks’”.
Strat
Report Post »GeorgeWashingtonslept here
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:42amWelcome to the U. S. of ???????????????????????????????????????????? Keep your guns close, because no one will be there to protect you when you need it……..This is a sad state of affairs.
Report Post »patriotsofworkingamerica
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:40amIf the U.S.government won‘t protect it’s own citizens maybe it’s time for the militia to do it.
Report Post »The Toad
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:03pmIf the U.S. government refuses to protect it‘s citizens maybe it’s time to call in the home guard!!
Report Post »srich007
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 2:23pmAmen brother!
Report Post »megansmom
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:39amSo these Mexicans are just going to get by with robbing and murdering people because our government doesn’t want to cause waves. bull poopie.
Report Post »I believe it’s time that we start taking things into our hands. Since the law has already been passed to build the wall Why don’t we the people build it. I’ll send a couple of bags of concrete.
As far as these criminals go : put a sniper on your boat.If we fight back , they will back down. They only attack unarmed people who can’t fight back.
Sledgehammer
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:38amI think it’s time to turn the dirty tricks dept. of the C.I.A. loose on these people!
Report Post »Muerkier
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 1:50pmThey are too busy stirring up crap in America at the moment
Report Post »Star Spankled
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:38amThis has to stop . I’m all for putting armed coast guard boats on Falcon lake to protect our border and our citizens .
Report Post »Theres been reports of mexicans coming across to the US side to rob and beat up and shoot at fihermen who don’t cross into mexico .
ViperII02
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:37amI think they have officially declared war! Time to respond with F-16s ? I think it one encounter would take care of the problem….
Report Post »arx
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:00pmF16s would require the feds. What we need is a couple of boats filled with AR15 toting texans…
Report Post »natstew
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:36amWhen Texas was a Republic the Texas Rangers took care of this sort of terrorism and didn’t always recognize the Mexican border.
What Obama won’t tell you is that he blames America for this.
Report Post »GENEBLISTER
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 1:44pmBarry blames America for everything. Read “The Roots of Obama’s Rage” by Dinesh D’Souza. It provides insights into a man driven by a rabid anti-colonial ideology and creates that “Aha!” moment that pulls all of his otherwise nonsensical, inexplicable attitudes and behaviors together.
“Contradictions do not exist. Whenever you think you are facing a contradiction, check your premises. You will find that one of them is wrong.” -Ayn Rand
Report Post »texanpatriot
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:34amThe safest it has been in years. No problem. Going over to take pictures of a church and now Mrs. Harlley is a widow. I our country has not been this weak since Jimmah Carta…
Report Post »When was the last Mexican American War again?
C. Schwehr
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 3:56pmMy friend, it’s obviously been tooooo long since these people have forgotten their lessons! Time for them to be reminded again!
Report Post »pinkcadlac
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:31amI am sorry for these people. This is a terrible (understatement) tragedy for this couple and their families. The unchecked proliferation of human scum seems to know no bounds.
Report Post »That said, I live far away from the Mexican border (not far enough!) and I understand the lawless and ruthless mindset that exists there (think… “badges? We don‘t need no stinkin’ badges”). These criminals are getting worse everyday. The criminals worldwide, watch and learn from each other. I have been wondering why there has been a seemingly sudden penchant for “BEHEADINGS” in Mexico. Could it be the mexican gangs are learning these little niceties from their buddies in the middle east? You couldn’t pay me to go to that lake. My sympathy to the family.
N37BU6
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:30amMexico is unofficially declaring war on America.
Report Post »hazmat2010
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 1:00pmexactly
Report Post »CatB
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 1:28pmand so has Obama.
Report Post »LLATPOH
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:30amScary stuff.
They’re not kidding when they say “stay away from the border nowadays.” You are really putting your life at risk.
You’d probably be safer visiting Israel right now.
Report Post »Venom
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 3:44pmOr Iraq
Report Post »Mike777
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:22amOh but BIG SIS says the boarder is under control………….
Report Post »Anonimouse
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:34amIt is time for us to find out how “we the people” go about ridding ourselves of Obama’s incompetents and saboterus. Congress has abdicated their authority. It’s up to us.
Report Post »Anonimouse
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 11:38am* Sorry, sabotuers.*
Report Post »Venom
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:03pmYou know we could set up snipers to do “observation” on the Mexican side…first armed men they see…“Target Neutralized” oops, that wasn’t politically correct.
Report Post »staythecourse
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:30pmThey will say it was the American’s fault and appologize. They will kick up national security for all of the rest of us and push us deeper into a world in which greater surveilence is done on Americans and our rights are violated in the name of national security. They will not go after these guys.
Report Post »GENEBLISTER
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 12:50pm“Scorpio…”
Report Post »*PLINK!*
Anonimouse
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 1:06pm@Staythecourse: Exactly. They have so twisted reality that law-abiding American citizens are suspect and terrorists are to be coddled and appeased.
Tell me what to eat; read my emails; track my car; choose between a naked snapshot or a free feel from an overpaid federal rent-a-cop just to board a plane…….
This from a government that refuses to recognize our real enemies.
Report Post »Enough is enough.
Bullcop34
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 1:16pmKill em, it’s the only way to stop them. They can’t rob someone when they are floating face down…..
Report Post »dconnor11
Posted on October 1, 2010 at 2:01pm… and to that I say, if I came into a large amount of financing, the first thing I would want to do is buy several miles of southern-border property and set up a Berlin-wall style security fence. I would need to hire hundreds of military Vets to [watch] the fence, now that is a productive way to stimulate the economy! A two-fold hit to unemployment, American workers employed and ILLEGAL works/drug smugglers/pirates… Not!
Report Post »jrcess
Posted on October 4, 2010 at 12:07pmElect Bill White and the situation will be worst. He sucks up to Obama.
Report Post »