Immigrant chase ends at busy McAllen restaurant

McALLEN — A chase along one of this city’s busiest streets ended in front of the playground of a packed McDonald’s restaurant Friday evening.

Several police units pursued a green van in South McAllen for several minutes about 9 p.m., eventually catching up to the vehicle in the parking lot of the fast-food eatery, located at 1901 S. 10th St. The van’s driver pulled up at the McDonald’s, and a group inside jumped out and led police on a foot pursuit, witnesses said.

Dozens of children and their parents inside the restaurant crowded up to the indoor playground’s transparent walls, watching as police handcuffed the van’s occupants and placed them in squad cars.

“They started running, hiding in the bushes,” said Amalio Galvan, an Edinburg resident who was dining with his family. Galvan said some of the occupants hid behind bushes, while a large group gathered behind a vehicle parked near the van.

“If (the vehicle) hadn’t pulled out, (police) wouldn’t have seen them,” Galvan said as he pointed to an empty parking space.

Police were still at the scene as of 9:30 p.m. as they searched the van and questioned its occupants.

U.S. Border Patrol spokesman John Lopez said the seven people police arrested were undocumented immigrants — the group was transferred to the agency’s custody immediately after the chase. McAllen police officials who were busy corralling the group of suspects Friday night were unable to provide details on the pursuit.

The van was registered to Edinburg resident Hilda Martinez. It is unclear whether the vehicle had been reported stolen.

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