One dead in border violence

NEAR SULLIVAN CITY — A shootout between members of rival organized crime groups and the Mexican military ended at the banks of the Rio Grande, where at least one man was killed on the U.S. side.

The shootout began Thursday afternoon along the Ribereña Highway near the Anzalduas International Bridge in Reynosa between the organized crime groups, according to a source outside law enforcement with direct knowledge.

Members of the Mexican military responded to the scene and a chase ensued for more than 20 miles from the area all the way to the outskirts of Diaz Ordaz, Tamaulipas, where some of the men then tried to make their way to the U.S. side, the source said.

U.S. Border Patrol agents patrolling the river near Havana encountered several subjects. One of them was injured, which prompted the agents to seek medical attention for the man, said USBP spokeswoman Rosalinda Huey.

At the scene, at least two men were taken into custody by U.S. authorities.

A U.S. law enforcement official not authorized to speak to the media said that U.S. law enforcement officials discharged their firearms during the incident and also confirmed at least two or more bodies could be seen on the Mexican side of the border.

Soon after the incident, a U.S. law enforcement helicopter could be seen overhead combing the area for additional suspects. 

FBI spokesman Erick Vasys said his agency had taken over the investigation because at least one person had possibly died on the U.S. side. However, because the investigation is in its early stages, he would not disclose additional information, including whether the men were armed or fleeing a firefight.