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Photos provided by Puerto Vallarta Government
Authorities Increase Patrols in Puerto Vallarta After Vehicle Fires, Carjacking
Authorities in Puerto Vallarta reported multiple security incidents Sunday following a federal operation earlier in the day in Tapalpa, a municipality in the state of Jalisco.
According to a statement from the Puerto Vallarta mayor’s office, the events began Sunday morning, Feb. 22, 2026, and prompted an increased security presence across the coastal resort city.
Municipal police, along with Civil Protection and Fire Department personnel, were deployed to public spaces and commercial areas to prevent looting and protect residents. Officials said coordination with state and federal authorities has been strengthened, with security operations reinforced at various points throughout the city.
Authorities are also working to remove burned vehicles from roadways to restore traffic flow and return conditions to normal as quickly as possible, the statement said.
Preliminary reports indicate several incidents across different neighborhoods.
In the Balcones Vallarta subdivision in the Las Mojoneras district, armed individuals allegedly carjacked a vehicle before fleeing toward the Ixtapa district. In the Puente Ameca area of Las Juntas, two individuals on a motorcycle reportedly scattered tire spikes along the Tepic–Puerto Vallarta highway heading toward the city.
Vehicle fires were reported on multiple roads throughout the municipality. Fires were also reported at shopping centers including Costco and Plaza Caracol, and at businesses such as AutoZone in Ixtapa, Oxxo Juárez, Kiosko Las Juntas and Plaza Centro City Aramara.
At the December 5th Market, two fruit stands sustained damage to curtains, electrical wiring, furniture and merchandise. Two motorcycles were also reported burned, and adjacent walkways were damaged. Authorities said the fire was quickly brought under control, preventing it from spreading to other businesses.
In Las Juntas, officials received a preliminary report of the nonviolent theft of two delivery trucks belonging to a soft drink company.
In the city’s North Hotel Zone, a fire was reported at a business near a department store. Authorities said no hotels have been reported damaged.
State authorities suspended classes Monday in Puerto Vallarta and throughout Jalisco.
Municipal officials said they are coordinating with state and federal authorities to investigate the incidents and urged residents to rely on official channels for updates.
The mayor’s office said restoring normalcy and safeguarding residents remain the administration’s top priorities.
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