GCSO arrest two individuals for human trafficking after high- speed chase

While attempting to pull over a vehicle on East U.S. Highway 290 for a speeding violation, the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office became involved in a high-speed chase resulting in two arrests and five undocumented illegal immigrants being detained.

On Saturday, April 24, at about 12:04 a.m., a GCSO deputy attempted a traffic stop. As the vehicle being pursued slowed down, three males exited the car and fled on foot at the Stagecoach Stop parking lot on Hwy. 290. The GCSO reported that the vehicle then continued traveling eastbound on Hwy. 290 at speeds of more than 110 miles per hour, before finally stopping near the Wildseed Farms outside of Fredericksburg.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that the 33-year old male driver, of Austin, and the 20-year old female passenger, also of Austin, had trafficked eight individuals from the Texas/Mexico border, according to a press release. The release also states that deputies located marijuana and THC wax inside the vehicle.

Five undocumented illegal immigrants were detained and transported to the Gillespie County Jail with a U.S. Immigration and Customs hold. The three immigrants that fled at the convenience store parking lot remain at large.

The driver of the vehicle was arrested and charged with Evading Arrest or Detention with a Motor Vehicle, Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 2,less than 1 gram and Smuggling of Persons [x6] and Smuggling of Persons with Likelihood of Serious Bodily Injury or Death [x2].

The female was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 2, less than 1 gram and Smuggling of Persons [x8].

Units from DPS and the Fredericksburg Police Department assisted the GCSO.