Pursuit ends with pot seizure in Maricopa

More than 100 pounds of marijuana were seized and one illegal immigrant faces deportation following a vehicle pursuit near Maricopa Sunday.

About 1:45 p.m., a Pinal County Sheriff Office patrol deputy in the area of State Route 347 at mile post 172 observed a red 2001 Chevrolet pickup swerving while traveling northbound in front of him.

The deputy initiated a traffic stop, and the driver of the pickup pulled to the shoulder. As the deputy attempted to make contact, the driver left the scene at a high rate of speed.

During the vehicle pursuit, the suspect turned off Highway 347 onto West Bowlin Road and then north to North Alterra Parkway where abruptly stopped.

The deputy witnessed four to five Hispanic males get out the vehicle and leave on foot. Additional PCSO units, with assistance from the Maricopa Police Department, searched the area for suspects.

One male subject was located hiding in the desert. The man was identified as an illegal immigrant from Mexico and was transported to Casa Grande Medical Center for extreme dehydration. The suspect was then turned over to United States Border Patrol for processing. The other subjects were not located.

“Fortunately no one was hurt after the suspects decided to run from our deputy, putting lives of other motorists in danger. Their vehicle will now be seized and auctioned off raising additional funds to combat drug runners in Pinal County,” Sheriff Paul Babeu said.