Men lead McAllen police on chase, flee into Mexico

McALLEN — Three men suspected of carrying drugs inside a stolen truck led police on a chase through three cities Friday morning, officials said.

The chase began near the intersection of 10th Street and Bales Road about 8 a.m. when officers attempted to pull over the driver of a pickup on suspicion of a traffic violation, said McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez.

Officers suspect the man may have been driving a stolen vehicle with Mexican license plates.

When police asked the man for identification and registration documents, he sped south toward Military Highway, the chief said. The man then turned west and drove past Granjeno.

During the pursuit, the passengers hurled what appeared to be drug bundles out of the vehicle. It remained unclear whether police had recovered the drugs Friday afternoon.

The driver eventually drove into Mission and turned south onto Stewart Road. He plowed the vehicle into the Rio Grande near the Anzalduas International Bridge and the three men ran toward Mexico.

Police said all three men made it across the river.

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