Man Injured in Altercation Near Calexico West Port of Entry; Viral Video Sparks Misinformion
Calexico, CA – On Saturday, August 9, 2024, at approximately 4:31 a.m., the Calexico Police Department received a 911 call reporting a physical altercation involving multiple male and female subjects in the 200 block of East First Street. The caller stated that one of the individuals was armed with a baseball bat.
Officers responded swiftly, arriving at the scene two minutes later, at approximately 4:33 a.m. Upon arrival, they located a 39-year-old male victim suffering from blunt force trauma to the face and bleeding from the head. The suspects had fled the area prior to officers’ arrival and were not located at that time.
Officers immediately began an investigation, which included interviewing the victim and witnesses, collecting surveillance footage, and gathering other relevant evidence.
Following an extensive investigation, officers were able to identify all outstanding suspects involved in the incident. On Monday, August 11, 2025, Calexico detectives obtained and served a search warrant at one of the suspect’s residences, located within the city of Calexico. The suspect was not located at the residence.
Later that same day, two of the suspects voluntarily turned themselves into law enforcement at the Calexico Police Department. The primary aggressor in the incident was identified as 33-year-old Victor Zavala-Avila, a resident of Calexico. Mr. Zavala was booked into Imperial County Jail on charges of attempted murder.
The second suspect was interviewed and released, pending further investigation and potential criminal charges.
In a statement obtained by 760 News Media, the Calexico Police Department addressed a cell phone video circulating on social media, (specifically, Facebook) seeking to correct misinformation and provide clarity.
The video in question appears to have been recorded near the Calexico West Port of Entry, in the middle of the street at 203 E. 1st Street. It shows what appears to be a group of approximately 20 people involved in several altercations. In a later portion of the footage, a man is seen being struck multiple times, after which he appears to lose consciousness.
According to the department, the incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. Police confirmed that the victim in the case is alive and currently recovering from their injuries.
Officials also noted that the uniformed individual seen in the video is a Port Security Officer, not a Calexico Police Department officer. Responding Calexico Police officers reportedly arrived on scene within two minutes of the call being dispatched.
“The Calexico Police Department remains committed to transparency and public safety. We thank the community for its cooperation and support,” the statement read.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information related to the case to contact the Calexico Police Department and reference Case Number 25-008875. Tips, including anonymous reports, can be submitted by calling (760) 768-2140 or emailing police@calexico.ca.gov.
Last updated: August 12, 3:25 PM, PST