Cramped in a KIA
A San Marcos-area man was remanded into custody early Sunday morning following a routine traffic stop that resulted in the apprehension of seven undocumented immigrants.
On Sunday, August 28, Frio County deputies patrolling FM 140 noticed the tail light of a 2017 Kia sedan to be defective. A report on the case indicates the deputy effected a traffic stop near the intersection of FM 140 and Hwy 57 just before 9 a.m.
According to a report on the case, when the deputy approached the sedan he noticed at least six individuals piled on top of each other in the backseat.
The driver, later identified as 19-year-old Eric Anthony Alvarez, was arrested and charged with seven third-degree felonies for human smuggling.
During the roadside interview with Alvarez, he alleged he was driving for Uber and did not recall where or when he picked up the individuals that were in his car.
Border patrol agents transported the seven undocumented immigrants; Alvarez was taken to the Frio County Jail without further incident.
On Monday, August 29, a concerned caller contact emergency dispatch to report suspicious activity along FM 140.
According to a report on the case, the caller told dispatchers that a white Ford F-150 was parked near the intersection of FM 140 and CR 2350 and that approximately 15 individuals fled on foot into the brush.
Emergency dispatchers confirmed the truck was reported stolen by San Antonio police.
