Mexican navy helicopter reportedly flying over Hidalgo County

HAVANA — Sheriff's deputies are investigating a Mexican navy helicopter reportedly flying over western Hidalgo County. 

The helicopter was apparently heading east near the Rio Grande, south of La Joya and Peñitas, about 12:50 p.m. Thursday. 

Starr County authorities contacted the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office of the helicopter sighting. Authorities in Hidalgo County have been unable to make radio contact with the helicopter, or sight it themselves, sheriff's officials said. 

Starr County Sheriff Rene Fuentes said a district attorney's office investigator first saw the helicopter flying over Alto Bonito about 12:40 p.m. 

It remains unclear whether the Mexican navy helicopter has permission to fly into U.S. airspace, officials said.