Suspected car thief runs down customs agent

REYNOSA — A suspected car thief ran over a Mexican customs agent while trying to flee into the country through the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge, authorities said Monday.

Agents attempted to stop an unidentified man crossing from the U.S. side of the bridge shortly before 8 p.m., after noticing the Dodge pickup he was driving had sustained severe damage, Tamaulipas state police said.

But the driver accelerated, hitting a customs agent and plowing into a Ford Mustang that, in turn, hit a Grand Marquis with border plates.

Witnesses reported hearing gunshots, but authorities could not confirm that shots had been fired as of late Monday night.

“There could have been firing,” said Fernando Miranda Guerrero, of the Tamaulipas State Police.“(Customs) agents carry arms so they can be protected in situations like this.”

The customs agent, the alleged car thief and the driver of the Grand Marquis were all taken to various Reynosa hospitals, where they were treated for unknown medical conditions.

Authorities would not release the names of any of the parties involved.

The incident did not stop traffic from entering into Mexico, authorities said.