On October 9, 2012, Laredo Sector U. S. Border Patrol Agents were involved in a shooting incident near U.S. Highway 83 North, west of Laredo, Texas. Preliminary reports indicate that agents encountered a stolen vehicle, and consequently performed a vehicle stop. As agents exited the vehicle, the driver reversed and struck a marked Border Patrol unit then attempted to run over the agents. In response, agents discharged their service weapons.  The driver of the vehicle drove through a wire fence and came in contact with a tree, where the vehicle caught fire.  Agents rescued the driver from the burning vehicle and rendered aid until EMS arrived at the scene. The driver was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital by EMS personnel, and at last report is in serious condition. All appropriate authorities were notified and the incident is under investigation.

Staff -Eagle Pass

Jesus Rodriguez, Chief of the Eagle Pass Fire Department informed The News Gram that this Friday will mark the beginning of Fire Prevention Week with a ceremony which will be held at the Eagle Pass Fire Department on Quarry St. The event will bring awareness to the community on the importance of fire prevention in all aspects of our lives be it at home at work or at play. It will also allow our community to honor those men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our citizens from the dangers of fires and other emergencies. Chief Rodriguez said that they have received letters from the different elementary schools who are requesting visits to the Fire Station so that students can learn first hand what the job of a firefighter is truly like as they work to serve and protect the public in general. Throughout the month fire fighters will provide lectures at the various schools in the community to inform the students what to do in case of an emergency. The EPFD is expecting the visit of hundreds of students this year and they will be informing them of the importance of the 911 emergency alert system as well.

Staff -

Eagle Pass

Traffic is being diverted from El Indio Hwy in order to make way for construction crews who are beginning work on the new overpass. Chief of Police Antonio Castaneda informed The News Gram that some access areas from Monroe St. and Ceylon St. have been affected by the construction company in charge of the project. He mentioned that it was necessary for them to close these streets due to the risks for motorists getting hurt in accidents due to the heavy machinery and the equipment in the immediate area and asks motorists to please have patience and for them to take the necessary precautions when driving in these areas. Construction has been ongoing for approximately a month now and it is projected that construction will go on for a year and streets will continue to be closed to facilitate work on this very important project. This overpass will alleviate the traffic coming into the United States from International Bridge II as well as assisting motorists to avoid the traffic of trains passing through the area.