A Mercedes police officer was struck by a vehicle at the Mercedes Premium Outlets, officials confirmed Tuesday afternoon.
The unnamed officer was transported to a local hospital, according to Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra.
Mercedes police Chief Dagoberto “Dago” Chavez confirmed the incident in a Facebook post Tuesday, adding the vehicle was suspected of being involved with drug activity.
“On Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at approximately 3:25 P.M. while conducting an investigation, Officers approached a grey in color four door vehicle suspected to be involved in illicit drug activity,” the post read, in part.
When officers attempted to make contact with the vehicle’s occupants, the male driver of the vehicle ran over a Mercedes police officer, Chavez stated.
The officer was transported to a local hospital with injuries to his body, Mercedes City Manager Sergio Zavala said. The officer’s identity was withheld, pending notification of the incident with his family.
“It looks like he’s going to be okay,” Zavala said, noting the officer had “bruising around his middle area.”
Late Tuesday night, Zavala confirmed the officer had been released from the hospital.
Zavala further said those involved in the collision with the officer were taken into custody and reportedly confessed to their involvement.
“This is a fluid and ongoing investigation, but we are confident to say that all suspects to this crime have been apprehended,” Chavez said.
Chief Deputy Constable Joe Espinoza, of the Hidalgo County Precinct 1 constable’s office, said his men had maintained a perimeter at the west side parking lot of the shopping center, and that stores remained open as police continued their investigation.
