Diplomats investigate arrest of 7 Guatemalans

By The Associated Press
9:42 a.m., Oct. 26, 2012

LA JOYA, Texas — Diplomats are investigating the arrest of seven Guatemalans who were fired on by a state police helicopter in Texas during a chase through the desert that left two people dead near the Mexico border.

The Guatemalans were apparently in a vehicle carrying suspected illegal immigrants that was pursued down an isolated dirt road near the town of La Joya (HOY'-yah), about 70 miles northwest of Brownsville.

The pursuit ended when a state police sharpshooter fired from the helicopter. Two people died.

Details of the chase were scarce. The Guatemalan consul in McAllen said her government is looking into the matter.

The nationalities of the dead and of an eight person arrested later are unknown.

Diplomats investigate arrest of 7 Guatemalans | UTSanDiego.com