Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Family services director dismissed after drinking and shooting incident

The director of a municipal family services agency, one of whose activities is combating substance abuse, is out of a job after a drunken spree ended in his arrest in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

José María Cruz Morales’ night on the town in Villa de Álvarez, Colima, went wrong when he and a companion began to fight at the strip club where they were drinking. When Cruz drew a weapon and began shooting into the air, club employees called the authorities.

Cruz and his companion fled when state police and marines showed up, but the pair were chased down and arrested. Police confiscated a handgun and ammunition.

Cruz’s dismissal from the family services agency was announced on Thursday afternoon. Villa de Álvarez Mayor Esther Gutiérrez Andrade called his actions inconsistent with the principles that should guide the officials in her administration.

“The behavior of all functionaries in this government should be exemplary, following the principles of honesty, transparency and trust … that will guide our behavior until the last day of my term,” Gutiérrez said.

With reports from La Jornada and Milenio

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
older people hanging out

Mexico’s population will soon enter a new era of accelerated aging 

1
Soon after 2030, Mexicans over 60 will outnumber those under 15, initiating an aging population structure that will affect the country's economy, healthcare and social security systems.
U.S. military on a tank near the U.S.-Mexico border

Opinion: Trump’s Venezuela gamble and lessons from America’s expansionist past

3
As U.S. President Trump renews threats to deploy the military to Mexico, historian Dr. Joel Zapata reminds readers of the human and social casualties caused by American expansionism.
Rally in Toluca for Sheinbaum

Sheinbaum ends first full year with 69% approval; social programs shine, security plan struggles

0
Sheinbaum's approval rating, though very good for a sitting president, is down a full 16 percentage points from her sky-high 85% rating in February 2025, with persistent cartel crime being the most evident factor.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity