McALLEN, Texas (AP) _ A South Texas border sheriff who long downplayed claims of Mexican drug violence spilling across the Rio Grande into the United States says he always knew it could happen, and that his department was prepared.
Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevino said Tuesday he doesn’t plan changes after one of his deputies was shot in a confrontation with kidnappers sent by the Gulf cartel to retrieve a stolen drug load near Edinburg. One suspect died in the exchange of gunfire.
Trevino says sheriff’s Deputy Hugo Rodriguez remained hospitalized Tuesday while doctors debated whether to remove a bullet lodged in his femur. His bulletproof vest stopped two other shots.
Six men involved in the incident were charged with marijuana possession. Additional charges were expected.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)