RIO GRANDE CITY, TX (KRIS TV News) – Two Border Patrol vehicles were disabled last week while attempting to apprehend narcotics smugglers on Friday.
Agents assigned to the Rio Grande City Border Patrol station received information Friday morning regarding a vehicle picking up narcotics and quickly moved to respond. When they arrived on the scene, however, the suspect vehicle had returned to the nearby Rio Grande River. As agents attempted to intercept the vehicle, smugglers deployed “caltrops,” which disabled both government vehicles.
“Caltrops” are described as a crudely assembled device usually made of nails or metal objects welded together in a design intended to puncture tires. If stepped on, they can cause injury to persons or livestock and pose a grave risk to the public, according to an official release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Agents later located the suspect vehicle abandoned near the river with several more caltrops alongside bundles of marijuana. Several subjects carrying more bundles were seen heading across the river into Mexico.
No injuries were reported, nor any arrests made.
Officials encourage the public to report any suspicious activity to 800-863-9382.