Authorities say the driver of an SUV that crashed while fleeing Border Patrol and law enforcement agents in South Texas is among those facing charges after the fatal wreck.
Federal prosecutors say 20-year-old Jorge Luis Monsivais Jr. was driving the 2007 Suburban that crashed Sunday near Big Wells, about 100 miles southwest of San Antonio.
Investigators say the SUV was carrying 14 people and traveling more than 100 mph. Five people died in the crash.
The local U.S. Attorney’s Office says five people are charged with transporting and conspiracy to transport and harbor “illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and death.”
Authorities say the SUV was traveling with two other vehicles earlier Sunday, and a Border Patrol agent suspected them of being involved in a “smuggling scheme.” A man driving one of those vehicles is among those charged.
It wasn’t immediately clear if the defendants have attorneys. Prosecutors didn’t return messages seeking comment.
