DPS Arrests Murder Suspect and Teen Smugglers After High-Speed Chase in Mission
DPS captures 30-year-old murder suspect Eliezer Morales and two teenage smugglers following a high-speed chase in Mission; two undocumented immigrants also arrested.
Published October 3, 2024
A high-speed chase in the City of Mission ended with the capture of a murder suspect, two teenage smugglers, and two undocumented immigrants. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed the arrest of 30-year-old Eliezer Morales, who was wanted for murder in McAllen, along with 18-year-old Nathan Iracheta and 19-year-old Erik Gonzalez Torres.
Details of the Arrest
The pursuit began near Military Road when DPS officers attempted to stop a black Chevy Tahoe. Instead of pulling over, the vehicle sped away, leading officers on a chase that ended on FM 494. When the Tahoe finally came to a halt, Morales, Iracheta, and Torres, along with two other passengers, fled on foot but were quickly apprehended.
Wanted for Murder
Morales, who was being smuggled back into the United States, was previously wanted for murder in McAllen. His presence among the group of undocumented immigrants adds a significant layer of complexity to the case. Authorities are still investigating his activities and how he became involved in the smuggling operation.
Teen Smugglers Arrested
Iracheta and Torres, the two teenage drivers, now face multiple charges, including human smuggling and evading arrest. Their ages—18 and 19—are drawing attention to the growing issue of young people being recruited by smuggling networks to transport undocumented immigrants across the border.
Two Other Undocumented Immigrants Detained
In addition to Morales, two other undocumented immigrants were detained during the operation, one of whom is from Honduras. The two individuals have been handed over to Border Patrol for processing and determination of their immigration status.
Community Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest of a murder suspect during a smuggling operation has raised concerns within the community about the dangers posed by criminal elements attempting to cross the border. Authorities are working to determine if Morales has any connections to other criminal activities in the area and are urging residents to remain vigilant.
A high-speed chase in the City of Mission ended with the capture of a murder suspect, two teenage smugglers, and two undocumented immigrants. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed the arrest of 30-year-old Eliezer Morales, who was wanted for murder in McAllen, along with 18-year-old Nathan Iracheta and 19-year-old Erik Gonzalez Torres.
Details of the Arrest
The pursuit began near Military Road when DPS officers attempted to stop a black Chevy Tahoe. Instead of pulling over, the vehicle sped away, leading officers on a chase that ended on FM 494. When the Tahoe finally came to a halt, Morales, Iracheta, and Torres, along with two other passengers, fled on foot but were quickly apprehended.
Wanted for Murder
Morales, who was being smuggled back into the United States, was previously wanted for murder in McAllen. His presence among the group of undocumented immigrants adds a significant layer of complexity to the case. Authorities are still investigating his activities and how he became involved in the smuggling operation.
Teen Smugglers Arrested
Iracheta and Torres, the two teenage drivers, now face multiple charges, including human smuggling and evading arrest. Their ages—18 and 19—are drawing attention to the growing issue of young people being recruited by smuggling networks to transport undocumented immigrants across the border.
Two Other Undocumented Immigrants Detained
In addition to Morales, two other undocumented immigrants were detained during the operation, one of whom is from Honduras. The two individuals have been handed over to Border Patrol for processing and determination of their immigration status.
Community Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest of a murder suspect during a smuggling operation has raised concerns within the community about the dangers posed by criminal elements attempting to cross the border. Authorities are working to determine if Morales has any connections to other criminal activities in the area and are urging residents to remain vigilant.
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