KRGV.com

HIDALGO COUNTY - Recordings of communications between a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter and troopers on the ground may shed some light into a high-speed chase the left two people dead Thursday north of La Joya.

The chase started when Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens spotted a suspicious vehicle. They tried to stop the vehicle but the driver refused to pull over and a chase ensued.

A Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter and troopers on the ground joined the pursuit, officials said.

"HP units, be advised he's still southbound coming up to a hard right in about a quarter of a mile," the helicopter crew said. "Speeds are 80 miles an hour."

What happened next isn't clear.

"Going to try and shoot one of the tires out. We have a clear spot. Highway patrol maintain your distance. Copy?" the helicopter crew said.

Moments later the helicopter crew said "shots fired."

TxDPS officials have not confirmed who pulled the trigger or if anyone was shot.

"Get that EMS unit out here stat ... stat!" the voice said.

The TxDPS helicopter pilot offered to airlift one of the victims.

"If we need to evac this guy we can. I don't think ... uh ... air evac is lost," the pilot said.

Two people died and a third person was injured.

Texas Rangers are investigating the incident.