Laredo, Texas - A high speed vehicle pursuit near the U.S. Mexico border ended dramatically Friday afternoon when a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) patrol unit rolled into the Rio Grande due to an electronic malfunction, though no one was injured.
According to a statement from the DPS Public Information Officer, the incident began at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Friday when a DPS trooper assisted U.S. Border Patrol with a traffic stop on a white Ford Fusion traveling on U.S. Highway 83 South near Mangana Hein Road.
The driver refused to stop, prompting a pursuit. The Ford Fusion continued west on Don Camilo Boulevard from U.S. 83, approaching the intersection of Riddle Drive and Wilfrano Drive. The vehicle then veered off road toward the river and became disabled on a dirt hill.
The driver and two passengers fled the vehicle on foot and ran toward the river. As troopers pursued the suspects, the DPS unit experienced a malfunction with its electronic safety park/brake switch, causing the unoccupied patrol vehicle to roll into the river. The trooper was not inside the unit at the time, and no injuries resulted from the fleet accident.
The two passengers were arrested and confirmed to be in the country illegally. The driver successfully swam across the river back into Mexico and was not apprehended. DPS officials stated that the suspects vehicle will be processed for evidence.
The incident highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in border operations, including vehicle pursuits that can quickly escalate in rugged terrain near the Rio Grande. No further details on charges or the identities of those involved were immediately released.
This account is based off official DPS PIO statement.
1 comment:
Thank God nobody was injured.
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