Human Smuggler Caught During Traffic Stop

Suspect likely to face federal charges

LA JOYA - A smuggler was caught with seven illegals during a traffic stop in La Joya.

Police says it should've been just a traffic stop for speeding, but then the officer saw a head pop out of the pickup truck bed.

Officers say they took every precaution to avoid a repeat of a deadly accident involving illegals in Penitas.

"It's on everybody's mind what occurred yesterday, since we were there at the scene with all those bodies on the ground," says Joe Cantu of the La Joya Police Department.

Officers say they knew they had to keep the driver from speeding away. Two officers took the smuggler into custody at gunpoint. The incident happened early in the morning and was caught on camera.

We're told the guns were a precaution.

"It's still dark. We don't know what's in the vehicle," explains Cantu.

The officer immediately called in back up. Other police officers arrived in seconds and surrounded the truck.

The smuggler and illegals were into custody and then handed over to Border Patrol. The smuggler will likely face federal charges.