On the morning of May 13, 2025, a routine traffic stop turned into a high-risk manhunt in Brownsville, Texas, when 25-year-old Alberto Pintor Jr. led law enforcement on a dangerous pursuit through residential neighborhoods. The events unfolded shortly after 10 a.m. when a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper attempted to stop Pintor at the intersection of Linda Street and Willow Street. What followed was a scene of escalating danger and urgency, culminating in a multi-agency search that drew in local police, state troopers, and federal agents.
Pintor, behind the wheel of a blue Ford Explorer, refused to comply with the traffic stop order. Instead, he accelerated and sped away, prompting the trooper to initiate a pursuit. As the chase unfolded, it quickly became apparent that Pintor was not just fleeing but actively resisting in a manner that endangered both law enforcement and civilians. The chase spanned several densely populated neighborhoods, forcing multiple schools in the area into lockdown as a precautionary measure.
According to DPS officials, Pintor at one point opened fire on the pursuing trooper’s vehicle. The precise number of rounds fired remains under investigation, but the trooper’s vehicle reportedly sustained damage, though no injuries were immediately reported. The situation took a further chaotic turn when Pintor crashed his SUV into another vehicle during the chase. Despite the collision, he exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a residential neighborhood, disappearing down an alley near Southmost Road.
With the suspect now armed and on foot, a coordinated manhunt was launched. Officers from the Texas DPS, Brownsville Police Department, and U.S. Border Patrol rapidly established a perimeter and began canvassing the neighborhood. Body-worn camera footage later released by authorities showed the intensity of the search effort. In the video, agents can be seen running through backyards, scaling fences, and moving with weapons drawn — underscoring the seriousness of the threat posed by Pintor.
As helicopters hovered overhead and patrol units blocked off surrounding streets, law enforcement combed the area yard by yard. Residents in the affected neighborhoods were urged to remain indoors and report any suspicious activity. Doorbell camera footage from locals later captured moments of officers dashing past homes, with sirens echoing in the background — a jarring reminder of the dangerous manhunt underway just outside their doors.
Brownsville Independent School District quickly placed several campuses under lockdown, including elementary and middle schools within the vicinity of the chase. Teachers and students were instructed to shelter in place while law enforcement worked to contain the situation. The lockdowns, which lasted for over an hour, were lifted only after the immediate threat had passed. School officials praised the quick response of local police in securing the campuses and ensuring the safety of students.
Meanwhile, investigators delved into Pintor’s background to better understand his motives and assess whether he posed a broader threat. According to preliminary reports, Pintor was known to local authorities and had prior run-ins with the law. Details surrounding the reasons for the initial traffic stop have not yet been disclosed, but sources suggest it may have involved a felony warrant or suspicion of illegal activity.
The incident brought life in parts of Brownsville to a standstill. Traffic was rerouted, public buildings were temporarily closed, and parents anxiously waited for updates on their children’s safety. The community, shaken but cooperative, rallied behind law enforcement, providing surveillance footage, tips, and access to private properties to assist in the search.
Despite the intensive search efforts, Pintor managed to elude capture in the immediate aftermath. Law enforcement agencies vowed to continue the investigation and search until the suspect is apprehended. They warned the public that Pintor should be considered armed and dangerous and urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact authorities immediately.
DPS spokesperson Sgt. Maria Gutierrez addressed the media hours later, thanking the community for their support and emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation. “We are doing everything we can to locate Mr. Pintor and ensure that he is brought to justice,” she said. “Our officers, along with our local and federal partners, are working around the clock. The safety of our residents is our top priority.”
As of now, the incident remains under active investigation, with authorities combing through video evidence, witness statements, and forensic materials collected at the scene. Questions linger over what triggered Pintor’s extreme reaction to the traffic stop and whether he had assistance in his attempted escape.
The May 13 incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a routine law enforcement interaction can spiral into a high-risk emergency. It highlights the dangers faced daily by officers and the unpredictable nature of encounters with armed suspects. For the residents of Brownsville, it was a harrowing day — one marked by fear, disruption, and a swift response that likely prevented further harm.
