Puerto Vallarta Municipal Traffic Officer Jonathan Rubén lost his life in the early hours of Sunday after being struck by a high-speed vehicle on Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue, near Puerto Vallarta’s Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport. Officer Rubén, who was on patrol duty on a motorcycle, was hit around 4:30 a.m. by a gray Mazda bearing Nayarit license plates.
The incident reportedly occurred as Officer Rubén was performing routine surveillance duties when the Mazda, allegedly driven by a resident of the Las Mojoneras neighborhood, collided with the officer’s patrol motorcycle from behind. Witnesses noted that the Mazda, driven by a suspect who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, had been seen traveling at an excessive speed moments before the crash, raising red flags among local traffic authorities.
The force of the collision left Officer Rubén critically injured and his patrol motorcycle, identified by the number PT 279, severely damaged. Responding Municipal Police officers and traffic authorities found him unconscious upon arrival. His motorcycle bore significant structural damage from the impact, and the Mazda exhibited a severe dent on its right front side, consistent with the collision with the officer’s vehicle.
Emergency personnel from Civil Protection and the Fire Department were immediately dispatched to the scene to provide critical care. Officer Rubén was initially transported to a private hospital but was later transferred to Clinic 42 of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), where he was admitted in critical condition. Despite extensive medical efforts, including intubation and emergency intervention, Officer Rubén succumbed to his injuries hours later.
Following the tragedy, the Puerto Vallarta Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into the accident, focusing on the driver’s responsibility in light of evidence suggesting that both excessive speed and alcohol consumption may have contributed to the incident. The alleged perpetrator was detained at the scene and faces significant charges as authorities gather additional evidence to determine the full extent of responsibility.
In response to the accident, authorities closed the central lanes of Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue between the Los Milagros bridge and the airport. To minimize disruptions, southbound lanes on the north side of the avenue were kept open to ensure limited traffic flow.
