Guatemalan gangster arrested in 60 bus killings

The Associated Press
1:06 p.m. April 16, 2009

GUATEMALA CITY — Guatemalan police have arrested a gang member accused of being behind the killing of 60 bus drivers and assistants.

The Guatemalan government says the attacks are part of a campaign to destabilize the country. Bus operators say gangs are extorting money from them in exchange for protection and killing those who refuse to pay.

Police deputy director Danilo Rember Larios says Danilo Ramirez of the Pandilla 18 gang was arrested Thursday. Interior Minister Salvador Gandara has said Ramirez is suspected of being the principal mastermind of the bus killings.

Speaking to reporters after his capture, Ramirez denied involvement in the killings, saying his only enemies were in the rival Mara Salvatrucha gang.

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