Thieves Wound Man in Border Holdup

A 58-year-old Mexican man was shot in the stomach Friday by one of two Spanish-speaking thieves who robbed his family moments after they crossed the international border at San Ysidro in the early-morning darkness, authorities said.

Juan Simano was taken by Life Flight helicopter to UCSD Medical Center, where he was reported to be in satisfactory condition. Authorities said the bullet passed through Simano’s body, exiting his buttocks.

The shooting was the most recent in a spate of violence along a heavily traveled, 2-mile segment of the border, just west of the San Ysidro port of entry.

Two weeks ago, a 12-year-old boy was shot to death as he crossed the border with his family.

Several other killings have occurred at the hands of border bandits in the past few months, U.S. and Mexican authorities say.

Friday’s attack took place about 3:30 a.m. as Simano; his wife, Maria de Jesus, 57; their two children, and a 25-year-old nephew crossed the border near the 3200 block of Monument Road, said Bill Robinson, a San Diego police spokesman.

Two men approached the family and demanded money. When Simano answered that he had none, one of the men fired one shot from a .38-caliber handgun. The two men then frisked the family--including Simano, who lay on the ground--escaping only with Simano’s watch.

The men are described as Latino, one in his mid-20s who carries a handgun. The other, described as in his late teens, wields a knife. Police said the men may be responsible for several robberies in the border area. The pair was last seen walking toward Tijuana.