Former Juarez Police Chief In Stable Condition Days After Being Shot

Armed guards are posted outside the hospital room where the former police chief of this border city is recovering after he was shot Friday morning.

Police said two suspected gunmen are in custody and more arrests are expected.

Julian Leyzaola is now in stable condition, according to police officials.

Gunmen shot the former police chief as he waited in a parked car for his wife and son, who were not injured.

Police say it happened on busy a street near a border crossing.

Leyzaola was often armed but the gunmen picked the moment when he was not carrying his weapon. He was about to cross the border from Mexico over to the U.S.

Leyzaola took over as police chief when Juarez was known as Mexico’s murder capital. He was credited with reducing street crime but also criticized for using excessive force on suspects.

“They’re not angels,” said Leyzaola in a 2012 interview defending harsh tactics. “They are people who shoot at us, resist arrest.”

Police said the search continues for those who may have paid Leyzaola’s attackers.

At police headquarters, officers are on edge and few want to speak openly about the high-profile attack on their former chief.

“We hope everything turns out well,” a police officer said.

The attempt to murder their former chief is a reminder of the danger of the job, even for some who no longer wear the uniform.