Video: Human Smuggling Suspect Leads Texas Troopers on Wild Chase

Oct. 14, 2024

Texas Department of Public Safety troopers arrested a wanted gang member after the man led them on a wild pursuit after allegedly dropping off two undocumented immigrants at a Donna truck stop.

Joe Vince

Texas troopers apprehended a wanted gang member accused of human smuggling after a wild vehicle and foot chase last week.

The incident happened Oct. 8 as part of Operation Lone Star when the Texas Department of Public Safety's Aircraft Operations observed a vehicle dropping off two people at a truck stop in Donna, according to an online post by the agency. Although the individuals—identified as undocumented immigrants—tried to hide among the parked tractor-trailers, authorities were able to take them into custody before passing them along to the U.S. Border Patrol.

A frantic chase ensued between troopers and the vehicle's driver, identified as Juan Xavier Rodriguez. According to DPS, Rodriguez is a Valluco gang member, and he was wanted on federal probation violation warrant for human smuggling.

During the pursuit, troopers needed to execute two PIT maneuvers to disable Rodriguez's vehicle. The suspect then fled on foot before he was finally arrested by authorities.

Rodriguez was charged with human smuggling and evading arrest.

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.