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Police Chase Suspected Illegal Immigrants In South Texas
POSTED: 7:04 pm CST November 20, 2007
UPDATED: 9:37 pm CST November 20, 2007


DILLEY, Texas -- Law enforcement officials in Dilley were involved in a day-long search for a group of suspected illegal immigrants and their smuggler.

The group, believed to be about a dozen Honduran immigrants, allegedly bailed out of their vehicle along Interstate 35 near the small town about 70 miles southeast of San Antonio.

A short vehicle chase began on I-35 early Tuesday morning before the driver of a stolen truck pulled to the side of the road and fled the vehicle, according to police. One of a group of search dogs from the nearby Briscoe State Prison was struck and killed along the interstate. The dog -- a 3-year-old named Hill Billy -- had picked up the scent from the driver's discarded shirt, according to police.

The day's events are becoming more frequent for law enforcement officials.

"This happens quite frequently, as a matter of fact," Juan Salazar said.

Salazar, a patrolman with the Dilley Police Department, said the department was involved in a similar pursuit on Monday.

Police apprehended nine of the suspected illegal immigrants and are still on the lookout for the other three, along with the driver of the truck.
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