Villagers in southern Mexico chase down 3 suspected kidnappers, kill them and free victims

Mexican villagers kill 3 suspected kidnappers

ACAPULCO, Mexico — Police in southern Mexico say a crowd of villagers chased down a group of alleged kidnappers, freed their victims and shot the three men to death.

Guerrero state police say the men apparently entered the hamlet of La Union, near the coastal resort of Zihuatanejo, and abducted a man and two boys. They allegedly also shot another man to death.

A statement says residents pursued the kidnappers as they fled in a truck Thursday, and freed the kidnap victims.

The three alleged abductors were apparently related.

The Pacific coast region where the confrontation took place is plagued by violent crime, illegal logging and drug trafficking.