LAGOS DE MORENO, JALISCO — Authorities in the Mexican state of Jalisco are actively searching for an unidentified vigilante dubbed the “Mexican Batman” after a string of unconventional street punishments targeting suspected motorbike thieves.
Over a two-week span, at least five men have been found bound to lampposts in the municipality of Lagos de Moreno. The mysterious vigilante appears to be reacting directly to a severe surge in local vehicle thefts, taking matters into his own hands with a highly specific, comic-book-style calling card.
According to State Security Secretary Juan Pablo Hernández, the vigilante tracks down the suspected thieves, binds them tightly to street poles using heavy layers of duct tape, and tapes their mouths shut. To ensure their alleged crimes are known, the “Mexican Batman” writes the word “ratero” (thief in Spanish) across their foreheads in marker, draws theatrical mustaches and cat whiskers on their faces, and leaves large pink signs overhead detailing their alleged offenses. In an ultimate act of poetic justice, the recovered stolen motorbikes are typically left parked right next to the immobilized suspects.
While the theatrical nature of the captures has sparked widespread attention online, local law enforcement is treating the situation with absolute gravity. Police confirmed that the bound men are legally being treated as the victims in these assault cases. Several of the targeted individuals showed signs of severe beatings, leaving one man heavily bloodied and bruised before emergency services could cut him down for medical treatment.
The first incident was reported on June 13, when a young man was discovered taped to a post alongside a cardboard accusation. Since then, four more men have been found in nearly identical states across the city.
Jalisco police have yet to make any arrests or identify the individual behind the mask. However, Secretary Hernández noted that investigators have successfully identified two vehicles believed to be connected to the vigilante’s operations. Authorities continue to urge citizens not to engage in vigilantism, warning that taking the law into one’s own hands carries severe criminal penalties.
Source: Newsbreak.com
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