Following a fatal chase on I-30 on Nov. 1, 2023, deputies from the North Texas Sheriff's Criminal Interdiction Unit (NTXCIU) and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized 12 kilos of cocaine.
Before the chase, NTXCIU deputies initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 30, suspecting that the driver, 36-year-old Rudy Chavira, was carrying a significant quantity of narcotics. Chavira, the sole occupant of the vehicle, attempted to evade the stop, leading to a high-speed pursuit.
The pursuit continued in a westbound direction on I-30, and as they neared the Dalrock Rd area in Rowlett, Texas, they encountered heavy traffic and Chavira came to a halt. When deputies approached the vehicle, he opened fire on them, prompting a defensive response. In the exchange of gunfire, Chavira sustained injuries and was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital. There were no other reports of injuries.
"They stand on the frontlines, facing the tsunami of deadly drugs and ruthless criminals pouring into our neighborhoods from the open southern border,” Sheriff Jim Skinner said of the deputy sheriffs. “Our deputies are committed to making whatever sacrifices are needed to safeguard the communities they serve, all while navigating the constant and inherent dangers of their mission. I am grateful for their selflessness."
After the incident, a search of Chavira's vehicle uncovered around 12 kilograms of cocaine, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the crucial collaboration between NTXCIU and the DEA. The Texas Rangers were dispatched to the scene to conduct an investigation into the incident.
"These deputies perform a very dangerous job on a daily basis to protect our citizens,” Sheriff Terry Garrett of Rockwall County said. “We must continue to hold a strong line against the flow of illegal narcotics that continue to take the lives of Americans on a daily basis. The partnerships between our agencies and citizens must remain strong to stem the tide. We are thankful for these deputies and their willingness to protect against this evil."
According to the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, this investigation remains active and ongoing.