Suspect Drove Car Off Embankment

Armed men spotted across the river

MISSION - Police are trying to recover a suspect's car from the river. The driver was involved in a police chase and drove off an embankment.

The chase started in Palmview.

Palmview Police Chief Chris Barrera says, "We received a call about a black Trailblazer causing an accident on the expressway. When our officers received that call, they spotted the vehicle on the expressway driving against traffic."

The driver wouldn't stop for officers. Instead, the driver headed toward Anzalduas Park and landed in the river.

Police say there were 15 Mexican nationals waiting on the other side of the river. According to officers, the men were reportedly armed.

"Some of the officers saw weapons on the other side, but there was never any shots fired," says Barrera.

We're told three people tried to swim to the vehicle. But a Border Patrol helicopter flew low to stop them. Police say at one point the group was throwing rocks at the helicopter.

Officers say the people appeared to be positioning themselves for a shootout, but then they loaded up into five vehicles and left the area.