Del Rio, TX, USA - May 10, 2024

A dramatic high-speed pursuit unfolded on US-277 in Val Verde County this week, as a suspected smuggler, Carlos Lombardich-Villalobos, from Lockhart, attempted to evade capture by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers.

The chase began when Villalobos, driving a stolen Dodge Ram truck, refused to stop for authorities. He sped recklessly through multiple intersections, putting numerous lives at risk before finally losing control of the vehicle and crashing into a tree.

In a desperate bid to escape capture, Villalobos abandoned the truck and fled on foot, followed by six illegal immigrants who also bailed out of the vehicle. However, with assistance from DPS' Aircraft Operations Division, Troopers quickly tracked down Villalobos and the illegal immigrants, bringing an end to the chaotic chase.

Villalobos, 37, has been charged with a slew of offenses, including smuggling of persons, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, deadly conduct, evading arrest, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. The six illegal immigrants who were traveling in the stolen truck were referred to the US Border Patrol for further processing.