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Major drug trafficker arrested after shootout in Tijuana

Police in Tijuana worked with both federal and state forces to carry out the operation at a business complex.

TIJUANA, Baja California — A shootout in Tijuana ended with several arrests, including a major drug trafficker.      

Eight people were taken into custody Wednesday night, including Isidro "El Chapito" Leal, one of the leaders of the Arellano Felix Cartel. His legal name is Octavio Leal Hernandez. 

Investigators say Hernandez and seven others stole 3 vehicles from a used car lot, where they beat and tied up employees. After the group sped away, the workers called 9-1-1. That prompted a chase of the stolen vehicles, which ended in a shootout in the streets of Tijuana. 

Some of the suspects were immediately taken into custody, but Hernandez fled on foot, running into a building and disrupting a business meeting. 

Cell phone video shows people on the ground and in distress as law enforcement searched for Hernandez, who was eventually taken into custody. Police in Tijuana worked with both federal and state forces to carry out the operation at a business complex.

Hernandez once had ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, but has most recently been linked to the Arellano Felix drug organization. 

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