KRGV.com

NORTH OF LA JOYA -Texas Department of Public Safety troopers believed a pickup truck they were chasing was loaded with drugs before they opened fire on it.

TxDPS officials issued a statement saying that troopers aboard a helicopter said they saw a tarp covering what looked like drug bundles. That's when the helicopter crew aimed at the truck's tires and opened fire.

The truck came to a stop and eight suspected illegal immigrants jumped out. The incident left two people dead, the statement said.

TxDPS officials have not confirmed if the shots killed the two victims.

Seven of the immigrants are from Guatemala. They are in Border Patrol custody.

Border Patrol officials have not determined the identity of the two victims who died.

TxDPS officials are questioning one person in connection with the case.