MCSO: 7 undocumented immigrants arrested after pursuit

Reported by: Tara Twietmeyer

Last Update: 4/19 9:54 pm

GILA BEND, AZ -- Seven undocumented immigrants were arrested and transferred to Border Patrol early Monday morning after Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputies say their vehicle slammed into a road sign.

Deputies say they began following a Dodge pickup truck near Gila Bend when the driver sped up and began driving recklessly. That's when he reportedly collided with a roadway sign.

Deputies say the driver, who they suspect was a coyote, jumped out of the truck and ran off. They reportedly found five people in the bed of the truck and two others in the cab, all undocumented immigrants.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he is still concerned about undocumented immigrants coming into Maricopa County.

"The 15th Crime Suppression Operation in Phoenix is imminent," he says. "We must hit this illegal immigration problem on all levels in order to be successful."

www.abc15.com