Pinal County pursuit ends in drug bust

Over 100 lbs. of marijuana have been seized and one illegal immigrant faces deportation following a vehicle pursuit near Maricopa. A Pinal County Sheriff’s (PCSO) deputy in the area of highway 347 at mile post 172 observed a red 2001 Chevrolet pickup swerving while heading northbound in front of him.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop, and the driver of the pickup pulled to the shoulder. As the deputy attempted to make contact with the driver, the vehicle fled the scene at a high rate of speed. During the vehicle pursuit, the suspect turned off Highway 347 onto West Bowlin Road and then north to N Alterra Parkway where it came to an abrupt stop.

The deputy witnessed four to five men exit the vehicle and they fled on foot. Additional PCSO units with assistance from the Maricopa Police Department searched the area for suspects.

A search of the vehicle turned up (6) bundles of marijuana weighing 136 lbs.

One male subject was located hiding in the desert. The man was identified as an undocumented entrant immigrant from Mexico and was transported to Casa Grande Medical Center for extreme dehydration. The suspect was then turned over to United States Border Patrol for processing. The other subjects were not located.

Sheriff Paul Babeu said, “Fortunately no one was hurt after the suspects decided to run from our deputy, putting lives of other motorists in danger. Their vehicle will now be seized and auctioned off raising additional funds to combat drug runners in Pinal County.”

About M. Perez - ADI Staff Reporter 362 Articles
Under the leadership of ADI Editor In Chief Huey Freeman, our team of staff reporters work tirelessly to bring the latest, most accurate news to our readers.