Vanessa Huppenkothen safe after alleged road harassment in Mexico City

Vanessa Huppenkothen, a sports journalist for TUDN, is safe after a harrowing incident on the night of August 19, 2026, when a red SUV allegedly followed and blocked her vehicle on a Mexico City avenue. The episode, which she broadcast live on Instagram, sparked widespread concern and prompted an investigation by the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) Source: Milenio.

The incident

While driving on Avenida Ejército Nacional, Huppenkothen noticed a red Toyota SUV whose occupants signaled for her to pass. Fearing a possible assault or "montachoques" (staged accident extortion), she kept her distance, but the vehicle repeatedly braked and maneuvered to block her path. In the video, she is heard saying, "This guy is crazy, but really crazy. He wants me to pass. God, what will he do to me?" Source: Infobae. The situation ended when two military vehicles passed by, allowing her to escape Source: Milenio.

The reaction

Huppenkothen later confirmed she was unharmed, stating, "I had a scare that fortunately didn't go further. I'm home, I'm fine, I'm safe" Source: El Heraldo de México. The SSC located the red vehicle in the Tepalcates neighborhood, Iztapalapa, and presented the driver before a civic judge for disturbing public order Source: Excélsior. However, authorities have not confirmed whether the incident was an attempted "montachoques," and investigations continue Source: Milenio.

Context

This type of extortion has been documented in southern Mexico City; in January 2025, the SSC arrested six people in Tlalpan linked to at least five "montachoques" events Source: El Heraldo de México. The Citizens' Council for Security and Justice advises drivers to remain calm, avoid confrontation, and not pay money under pressure Source: Excélsior.