2 immigrants dead as DPS helicopter opens fire during chase

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By JOEL MARTINEZ, The Monitor
DPS shooting


MGN Online
MAP DPS fatal shooting

Posted: Thursday, October 25, 2012 11:00 pm | Updated: 11:21 pm, Thu Oct 25, 2012.

By JACQUELINE ARMENDARIZ and ILLDEFONSO ORTIZ, The MonitorBrownsville Herald

NEAR LA JOYA — A Texas Department of Public Safety sharpshooter opened fire on an evading vehicle loaded with suspected undocumented immigrants, leaving at least two people dead, sources familiar with the investigation said.

A Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game warden attempted to pull over a vehicle suspected of smuggling immigrants Thursday afternoon along FM 2221.

A DPS helicopter was called in to assist in the pursuit and a sharpshooter opened fire on the evading vehicle — a policy permitted by the agency, said two law enforcement sources not authorized to comment on the investigation.

After the smuggler’s vehicle stopped along FM 2221 near Mile 7 Road, troopers found three people shot inside, law enforcement sources said.
Two of the suspected undocumented immigrants died from their injuries, law enforcement sources said.

Authorities are searching for more people who fled the scene, said DPS spokeswoman Katherine Cesinger.

Cesinger confirmed the two fatalities and said a third person was sent to an area hospital for treatment. She said six others have been apprehended.

Cesinger confirmed a DPS officer opened fire during the pursuit, but had no information about whether the officer shot anyone inside the evading vehicle.

“We do not want to speculate on any other issues at this time and have no further information,” Cesinger said in the email.

The Texas Rangers are investigating the incident.

2 immigrants dead as DPS helicopter opens fire during chase - Brownsville Herald: Local News