A Mexicali police officer was shot to death the same day the city changed its mayors.

The homicide was reported close to 4 p.m. at 1266 Rio Presidio Street in Colonia Mártires de 1906 neighborhood.

The victim was identified as David Martinez Mejia, 41.

The police said a report was made at the emergency center regarding a shooting and people crying for help.

Upon arrival the police found the victim dead.

Martinez Mejia was an 18-year veteran that was assigned to the Northeast Substation.

The authorities found at the scene five 9mm bullet casings.

The Mexicali Police Fraternity and the outgoing Mayor Guadalupe Mora lamented the murder. Hours later Norma Bustamante took the oath in a ceremony held in City Hall, although her three-year term began Friday.