DEA agents arrested two people outside a Target in Mission on Friday, July 8, 2022. (Courtesy Photo)

A man and wife who were driving their child along with drugs in their vehicle were arrested Friday afternoon by Drug Enforcement Administration authorities outside of a Target in Mission on Friday afternoon.

As part of a standard operation, DEA agents in unmarked units identified a truck that was of interest around 3 p.m., Sally Sparks, the Houston DEA media relations spokesperson, said Friday.

Help was requested from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office to use their marked vehicles to make a traffic stop near Highway 83 and Ware Road in McAllen, but the driver failed to stop. 

A short pursuit lasting no longer than five minutes ended in Mission by the Target entrance where the truck was pulled over. 

One man was held against the ground and arrested. His wife, the driver, was also taken into federal custody, and their child who was in the vehicle was placed with other relatives.

DPS also assisted in the stop, Sparks said.

The names of those arrested were not disclosed, but Sparks said a large quantity of cocaine was found in their vehicle.

Editor’s note: This story was updated with additional information provided by the DEA.