Security Tightened after Shootout between Troopers, Smugglers



Posted: Jul 12, 2013 6:34 PM Updated: Jul 12, 2013 7:23 PM

MISSION - A recent shootout between state troopers and smugglers has security on the border even tighter.

Troopers aboard a DPS tactical unit on the river interrupted a drug smuggling attempt Thursday and prompted a shootout. The gunfire echoed down the riverbank.

"We didn't get to see anything but sure did hear it," said Joe Vela. He and his friends were fishing nearby.

Troopers starting using armored boats on the Rio Grande about a year and a half ago.

The latest shooting incident is prompting them to be locked and loaded while on the river.

The armored DPS gunboat slicing through the water reminds Vela and his friends that their peace along the river could be broken in an instant.

"We just have to carry on about our day hoping nothing happens really," said Javier Galvan, who also fishes in the Rio Grande.

This incident wasn't the only one involving shots fired along the river yesterday.

Border Patrol agents aboard a boat had to take cover Thursday. They reported hearing shots coming from the Mexican side of the river.

A spokesperson for the agency told us it was simply a case of hunters on the Mexican bank. We called back to see if that's still the case.

http://www.krgv.com/news/security-tightened-after-shootout-between-troopers-smugglers/