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Video: Suspected gang member drops off smuggled immigrants before high-speed pursuit, arrest

The suspect fled erratically until his vehicle was brought to a stop by a PIT maneuver; he fled on foot, but was quickly apprehended by Texas DPS officers

By Joanna Putman
Police1

DONNA, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has released dash camera footage of a chaotic pursuit involving a suspected gang member, KIAH reported.

Texas DPS announced Oct. 10 that they captured a wanted gang member involved in human smuggling during Operation Lone Star, according to the report. Video from DPS Aircraft Operations shows a Dodge Charger dropping off two individuals at a truck stop in Donna, Texas, located in Hidalgo County. The migrants attempted to hide among parked commercial trucks but were quickly apprehended.

The suspect, a known Valluco gang member from Mission, led authorities on a high-speed pursuit, which was caught on camera. The suspect drove erratically and continued to flee despite multiple PIT maneuvers that caused significant damage to the vehicle.

As the vehicle began to slow and produce smoke, an officer performed a successful PIT maneuver, bringing the car to a stop. The suspect tried to flee on foot but was swiftly arrested.

The suspect now faces charges of human smuggling and evading arrest. He also had an active federal warrant for smuggling aliens, according to the report. The two individuals dropped off by the suspect were handed over to U.S. Border Patrol for further processing.

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