The driver and a second person who fled the scene of a case of human smuggling and fatal crash in La Joya last week have been arrested.
Jesus Eduardo Estrada, 18, a resident of Penitas, who was the driver of the Ford Expedition involved in the crash, was arrested on two counts of murder. He was also charged with smuggling of persons and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Another Penitas resident, Humberto Garcia, 25, was also arrested for smuggling of persons and engaging in organized criminal activity.
According to police, both suspects will be transported to the Hidalgo County Jail.
The arrest comes after a multi-agency effort worked together to locate the suspects that included: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Rangers, along with the assistance of the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents, DPS CID Special Agents and Texas Highway Patrol.
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NEW DETAILS: Texas DPS tells us that the crash is in connection with a human smuggling case.
We’ve also learned that another person was taken to the hospital, increasing the number of people injured to six people.
Authorities said the age of the injured victims range from 18 to 35 years old.
We’re told that several of the injured victims have been released from the hospital. However, one person remains in critical condition.
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UPDATE: Texas DPS has confirmed that two people have died following a crash in Hidalgo County this morning.
Troopers say they attempted to stop a Ford Expedition due to a traffic violation, west of La Joya.
According to Texas DPS, the truck was going eastbound on the expressway when the driver decided to avoid law enforcement and veered into the center grass.
That’s when, according to authorities, the driver lost control and struck a white Nissan passenger car that was traveling westbound on the Expressway.
Two people inside the white Nissan were killed, according to troopers.
Troopers said that most of the people in the Ford Expedition were ejected. In all, 5 people were transported to a local hospital. We’re told some are in serious condition and others are stable.
We’ve also learned that the driver of the Ford Expedition fled the scene and authorities are searching.
Authorities expect the roadway to be closed for two to three hours.
DPS Troopers are encouraging drivers to look for an alternate route, such as Military Road.
We are following the latest details on this story and will keep you up-to-date on ValleyCentral.com, our Facebook page and on CBS 4 Valley at Noon.
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**Editor’s note: Story has been corrected to state the crash is in Hidalgo County, not the City of Hidalgo.**
DPS Troopers are on the scene of a deadly crash in Hidalgo County.
Details are limited at this time but we’re told the crash is located on U.S. 83, west of FM 2221.
Authorities said that two vehicles were involved in the crash.
Drivers are being asked to avoid the area, if possible.
