Police arrest former Azteca leader blamed for 21 murders, wave of violence in Juarez

Juarez municipal police officers arrested a former leader of the Aztecas allegedly responsible for several killings resulting from a rupture in the criminal organization’s leadership structure.

Bruno Ángel R. C. – aka “El Bruno” – allegedly participated in the killings of 21 members of the criminal organization. Police said the infighting involving the Aztecas is a result of a disagreement over the control of drug sales in Juarez.

The murders began when Bruno Ángel, 38, affiliated himself with “La Linea,” another criminal organization in Juarez, police said.

More than 100 law enforcement officers participated in the operation to arrest Bruno Ángel, blamed for a recent wave of violence in Juarez.

During the arrest, police seized 46 “high-powered” rifles that were allegedly going to be used to kill more people.

Police said the alleged gang leader was arrested at the intersection of Sanders y Eje Vial Juan Gabriel in the El Barreal neighborhood. Bruno Ángel was allegedly in possession of cocaine and marijuana at the time of his arrest.

At the time of his arrest, Bruno Ángel allegedly confessed to being responsible for several of the murders linked to him.