http://www.mysanantonio.com

Border Patrol SUV burns as migrants flee

Web Posted: 05/07/2006 12:00 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News

FALFURRIAS - Several suspected undocumented immigrants escaped and a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle burned Saturday after a parked smuggler's vehicle caught fire in tall, dry grass, officials said.

When the patrol pulled over the vehicle near here around 4 p.m., the driver parked in the grass and several people bailed out and ran away, said Roy Cervantes, an Edinburg-based spokesman for the patrol.

While agents pursued the immigrants, the smuggler's vehicle caught fire. The flames eventually engulfed the patrol's SUV as well.

Three of the immigrants were caught and processed for deportation. No injuries were reported.