LA JOYA, Texas (AP) - A Texas state trooper who fired on a pickup truck during a deadly chase through the desert was trying to disable the vehicle and suspected it was being used to smuggle drugs, authorities said Friday.
The disclosure came a day after the incident left two people dead and two wounded on an isolated gravel road near the town of La Joya (HOY'-yah), just north of the Mexico border.
The pickup truck was first encountered Thursday by state game wardens, who believed it was occupied by illegal immigrants. When the driver refused to stop, the game wardens radioed for help, and a state police helicopter with a sharpshooter was the first to respond, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department spokesman Mike Cox.
In a statement, the Texas Department of Public Safety said the truck appeared to be a carrying a "typical covered drug load" on its bed and was travelling at reckless speeds.
After the shots were fired, the truck stopped. Seven Guatemalans were arrested, and no drugs were found.
The nationalities of the dead and of an eighth person arrested later were not immediately released.
The officer who fired the shots has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard operating procedure in fatal shootings.
Diplomats quickly began their own investigation into the chase.
Rita Claverie, Guatemala's deputy minister of foreign relations, said her government will demand an explanation from the U.S.
"This incident surprises us because we had never seen force being used from a helicopter. ... What had happened in the past were car pursuits and, in some cases, the shooting of undocumented persons," Claverie said.
Humberto Palacios head of protection and investigations at the Guatemalan consulate in McAllen, said the consulate was looking into the matter and would ask authorities to establish what happened.
Terri Burke, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Texas, called on state officials to investigate.
"If initial reports are accurate, the DPS has started executing persons who they merely suspect of the civil offense of unlawful entry into the United States."
___
CHRIS SHERMAN
Associated Press
Associated Press Writer Romina Ruiz in Guatemala City contributed to this report.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Related Stories
- More Texas News
- National News
- International News
- Legislature approves tax breaks for data centers
- Ex-'Yogurt shop murders' figure seeks compensation
- Man sentenced to 50 years for cold case killing
- Man faces arson charge after Houston fire
- Mother killed, kids hurt, after shoplifters crash
- Bush hosts 2nd day of bike ride for veterans
- Galveston leaders to meet over Ike housing story
- Galveston judge suspended by state after arrest
- Texas rapper indicted, controlled substance count
- Woman condemned for boy's starvation loses appeal
- Obama's drone rules leave unanswered questions
- Budget cuts mean unpaid day off for many in gov't
- DA: Victims shot after drugs handed over
- Driver described as 'horrified' after causing bridge collapse
- Lawyer wants documents in Maine teen death sealed
- Obama OKs honor for Birmingham bombing victims
- Colo. school searched after report of armed man
- First lady, Kerry Washington visit DC arts school
- Man charged with stalking Jennifer Lawrence's kin
- Arellano Felix drug cartel figure pleads guilty
- Pakistani official says 2 passengers threatened flight to Britain
- Tunisian feminist faces 6 months in prison
- Berlusconi looms large in Rome mayor election
- Afghan Taliban attack aid group, 2 guards killed
- Woman in Berlusconi denies her own statements
- Official: Situation on plane from Pakistan apparently not terror-related
- Venezuela to create new workers militia
- Ex-Guatemala president extradited to US
- Ruby says her sworn statements were lies
- Syria targeted Israeli jeep going to rebel village
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
Wedding Central
The greatest Southeast Texas story ever told. Share your wedding and engagement news!
Lost and Found Pets
These are pets that have been lost or found in the KFDM News Channel 6 viewing area.
No Text Zone
Texting While Driving Kills Thousands of People Each Year. Many More are Seriously Injured. You Can Help Make Our Roads a NO TEXT ZONE
Texas Lottery
Texas Lottery
Community Calendar
Check out our Community Calendar!
Baby Talk
Baby Talk with Nicole Murray.
KFDM Channel 6 Top Stories
Business News
US durable goods orders rise 3.3 percent in April
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. orders for long-lasting manufactured goods rebounded in April, buoyed by more demand for military and civilian aircraft and an increase in business investment.
Consumer News
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
"HANGOVER 3"
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- All hangovers come to an end eventually, and so, too, "The Hangover" franchise.
Get This
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: RESTAURANT FLAP LEADS TO INTERNET MELTDOWN
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- It isn't exactly to curry favor with your restaurant customers -- even if your specialty isn't curry.
