5 arrested for drug deal at O'Reilly's parking lot

HALRINGEN - Four local men and a woman were arrested Monday on felony drug possession charges after officers spotted them exchanging cocaine and money in an O'Reilly Auto Parts parking lot, police said.

In all, police seized about 1 1/2 lbs. of cocaine and three-quarters of a pound of marijuana.

They were seen in two cars about 6 p.m. at F Street and West Harrison Avenue, police said.

Sarah Perez, 20, Fortino Izaguirre, 23 and Victor Hugo Mendoza, 20, all of Harlingen were arrested with Santa Rosa resident Jacob Rivera, 27, and Esmeregildo Mendoza, 28, of Combes.

Police seized cash and 258.3 grams of cocaine, Police spokesman Sgt. John Parrish said, adding that police reports did not state how much money was confiscated.

An investigation following the suspects' arrests led police to a house in the 2600 block of Calle Reina where police seized a semi-automatic handgun, an additional 435.8 grams of cocaine, scales, 315.4 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Parrish did not know the home's owner or residents but both Mendozas and Perez were charged with possession of the marijuana while Izaguirre and Rivera were charged with cocaine possession.

The suspects were arraigned Tuesday. Bail was set at a total of $65,000 each for Esmeregildo Mendoza, and Perez, $30,000 each for Rivera, and Izaguirre, and $65,500 for Victor Hugo Mendoza, who was also charged with evading arrest after police say he tried to run from the O'Reilly Auto Parts parking lot.

The Mendozas, Rivera and Perez bonded out of municipal jail while Izaguirre remained in custody at the Cameron County jail Tuesday night.