Violent car chase and shootout kills 8 in northern Mexico

MONTERREY, NUEVO LEON: At least 8 killed, including seven suspected criminals and one civilian, during a violent shootout and car chase that ended with an ill-fated five-vehicle accident in the drug-plagued northern region of Mexico, officials said Saturday.

Mexican military and police forces at around 12:40 a.m. local time chased and exchanged fire with at least three other vehicles that were carrying suspected members of an organized crime group in San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon: located in the outskirts of Mexico's third largest city, Monterrey.

The car chase ended with a dreadful accident involving five vehicles, including the three involved in the car chase, one state patrol vehicle and two civilian vehicles. During the accident, an unnamed civilian was killed, and seven suspected criminals were discovered dead due to fatal gunshot wounds.

In addition, two police officers were injured during the accident. One is reportedly in critical condition.

Official reports from Mexico's National Security Department also said eight assault rifles were seized, and one alleged kidnapped individual was freed.

Also, officials said around seven suspects were able to flee after the accident, but no further details were available.

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