A suspected human-smuggling operation led to a chase that reached more than 100 mph on Interstate 10 in Texas. After the fleeing vehicle stopped, five people reportedly ran, and one allegedly tried to carjack a woman at gunpoint.
The chase happened early Thursday morning, Aug. 27, near Fabens, east of El Paso. It ended around 9:16 a.m. at a Speedway near I-10 and Fabens Road.
Newly released helicopter video shows the vehicle slowing down before several people jump out and run. Texas DPS later confirmed that two people were taken into custody.
The woman involved in the alleged carjacking was taken to a nearby hospital. KVIA reported that she did not suffer any serious injuries.
The Vehicle May Have Hit a Spike Strip
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The video was recorded from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations helicopter. It shows the vehicle traveling west on I-10 with several vehicles following behind it.
During the video, someone can be heard saying that a spike strip may have hit the front passenger-side tire. The vehicle eventually slows down and stops along the highway.
Several people immediately get out and run in different directions. A Texas DPS trooper quickly stops one person, while another runs toward the nearby gas station.
A Suspect Ran Toward a Woman’s Vehicle
A second video from the gas station shows the suspect near a woman’s vehicle. KFOX14 reported that he allegedly tried to take it at gunpoint.
Several people then rush toward the vehicle and take the suspect into custody. The reports do not say whether the woman was inside or standing near the vehicle when the alleged carjacking began.
Texas DPS Says Two People Were Arrested
U.S. Border Patrol, CBP Air and Marine Operations, Homeland Security Investigations and Texas DPS were involved in the chase. DPS confirmed two arrests but did not release their names or ages.
KVIA could not confirm the exact charges the two people may face. Other reports said human smuggling and evading arrest or detention charges were expected, but no booking records or court documents were included.
The reports also do not explain what happened to the other people seen running from the vehicle. CBP and Texas DPS have not released any additional information yet.