Man killed in exchange of gunfire with North TX deputies had 12 kilos of cocaine: police
A man who was killed by law enforcement in an exchange of gunfire on Interstate 30 in North Texas on Wednesday had 12 kilos of cocaine in his vehicle, according to an update from the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies from the North Texas Sheriff’s Criminal Interdiction Unit and Drug Enforcement Administration agents conducted a joint operation that led to the shooting Wednesday afternoon, according to a news release.
Deputies tried to conduct a traffic stop on I-30, suspecting the driver, 36-year-old Rudy Chavira, of “carrying a substantial quantity of narcotics,” the release said. Chavira, who was the only person in the vehicle, drove away, leading to a chase, authorities said.
The pursuit continued westbound on I-30 and encountered heavy traffic as it approached the Dalrock Road area in Rowlett. Chavira stopped, and as deputies approached the vehicle, he opened fire on them, the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies returned fire. Chavira was shot and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. There were no other reports of injuries.
The cocaine was found in a search of Chavira’s vehicle after the shooting, authorities said.
The Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting.
The westbound lanes on Interstate 30 were closed from Horizon Road to Dalrock Road in Rowlett following the incident.
The closure was near the bridge over Lake Ray Hubbard between Rowlett and Garland. The southbound lanes on Dalrock Road at Sunset Boulevard were also affected, police said.
This story was originally published November 1, 2023 at 5:23 PM.
