Citizen Struck and Killed by Vehicle Following Failure to Yield

U.S. Customs and Border Protection - RGV Sector

HILDALGO COUNTY - (News Release) - On Feb. 1, 2022, at approximately 9 p.m. a Border Patrol agent working at a predesignated observation location approximately 35 miles north of McAllen, Texas, spotted a Chevrolet Silverado traveling northbound on U.S. Highway 281. The Border Patrol agent observed people laying in the bed of the truck and the agent radioed the information to other Border Patrol agents working highway operations further north on U.S. Highway 281. 

The Silverado passed by the Border Patrol agents, who were in two separate marked Border Patrol vehicles near mile marker 750 on Highway 281.  Both Border Patrol agents followed the Silverado and activated their emergency equipment. The driver failed to yield, continuing for approximately three-quarters of a mile before coming to a stop in the median near mile post 748.  Multiple people exited the vehicle and attempted to flee from the area. One of the vehicle’s occupants, later identified as a 22-year-old male United States citizen, was struck by a passing vehicle as he crossed the southbound lanes of Highway 281. 

Border Patrol agents immediately began CPR and requested Emergency Medical Services, Texas Department of Public Safety, and an air ambulance. Approximately 40 minutes later, Hidalgo County EMS arrived at the scene and took over lifesaving efforts. Despite the efforts of the Border Patrol agents and Hidalgo County EMS, Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace declared him deceased at the scene. 

This incident is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and is being reviewed by Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility and the Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was also notified.