BCSO says 30-year-old Jhonn Sebastian Suspes Gordillo was identified as the primary suspect in the human smuggling operation.
SAN ANTONIO — A man is facing multiple felony charges following a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle and a suspected human smuggling operation in Bexar County, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
BCSO said deputies received a tip on Wednesday about a stolen vehicle believed to be traveling northbound into Bexar County. Deputies later located the suspect vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado, in south Bexar County.
Officials say when deputies attempted to make contact with the driver, the vehicle fled, prompting a coordinated response involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Investigators said the suspect drove recklessly through traffic and nearly struck several vehicles, creating a serious risk to the public.
The sheriff’s office said the vehicle eventually stopped near the 6500 block of Military Drive West. Multiple occupants then exited the vehicle and ran from the scene. Deputies and assisting agencies established a perimeter and searched the area, locating and detaining several individuals nearby.
Investigators confirmed the Silverado had been reported stolen and was displaying multiple license plates, according to BCSO. The vehicle was also modified to have no passenger seats. The sheriff’s office said investigators are examining possible ties to an organized criminal network, though that portion of the investigation remains ongoing.
The driver was identified as 30-year-old Jhonn Sebastian Suspes Gordillo. He was arrested and faces a slew of charges including six counts of smuggling of persons for pecuniary gain, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest or detention in a motor vehicle and evading arrest or detention on foot.
BCSO said the remaining individuals detained during the incident were determined to be undocumented and were arrested on charges of evading arrest or detention on foot. In total, seven people were detained and transported for further investigation.
The case remains under investigation, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.