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DPS seeks to block release of video in fatal La Joya chase
Posted: 11.16.2012 at 1:49 PM
Sergio Chapa

Sergio is KGBT's Interactive Manager and a reporter for VALLEYCENTRAL.COM.

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Jose Leonardo Coj Cumar was one of the two immigrants killed // File Photo
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The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking to block a request for dashcam video in a fatal immigrant chase north of La Joya.

Action 4 News filed an open records request to obtain copies of dashcam video, helicopter video and radio communications from the fatal October 25th chase.

Guatemalan immigrants Marco Antonio Castro and Jose Leonardo Coj Cumar were killed after an officer aboard a DPS helicopter fired on a fleeing truck.

DPS officials temporarily placed the officer on leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

The Guatemalan Consulate, civil rights groups and others have called for an independent investigation.

Earlier this week, DPS officials informed Action 4 News that they are asking the Texas Attorney General’s Office to block the release of the requested video and radio communications amid the ongoing investigation.

Action 4 News is waiting for a response from the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

A similar request for video and radio communications was made with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), which was considered the lead agency in the chase.

TPWD officials told Action 4 News that they could not fulfill the request because their game warden units are not equipped with dashboard cameras and their radio communications went through the DPS network.

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What do you think?
Do you think that DPS should release dashcam video for the fatal immigrant chase in La Joya?

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