MADERO — U.S. Border Patrol agents found 800 pounds of marijuana inside a van abandoned near the Rio Grande during a chase Wednesday morning.

Agents tried pulling over the driver of a green Chevrolet Astro who was speeding north along the river in Madero, said Border Patrol spokesman John Lopez.

When the driver realized the agents were following him, he made an abrupt U-turn and drove the truck near the Rio Grande.

The man bailed from the vehicle and headed to Mexico, officials said.

No arrests were made.

____

Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.