Body found in Arroyo Colorado

HARLINGEN - A body was found in the Arroyo Colorado on Thursday during a search for a teenager who police suspect may have been  involved in an Oct. 1 burglary of a dollar store.

Police Sgt. John Parrish said Thursday afternoon that the body had not yet been identified and that he could not speculate on the gender.

The body was found about 11 a.m. in the arroyo behind C.B. Wood Park near Harding Avenue, Parrish said.

Justice of the Peace Rolando Muniz ordered an autopsy.

Parrish said authorities could tell the body had been in the water for "several days" because it was in "bad shape."

Fire Battalion Chief Darrell Loftus said it took about an hour to recover the body, which was pulled from rough terrain on the embankment of the arroyo along the hike-and-bike trail.

For several days, police have been searching the arroyo for Jesus Jair Mercado, 17, of Harlingen, Parrish said. On Wednesday, police released Mercado's name and photograph and said they were looking for him in connection with the Oct. 1 burglary of the Family Dollar at 110 Rangerville Road.

Mercado has not been seen since the night of the burglary, according to the Wednesday police department news release.

Police said a man smashed the store's front glass door close to midnight and was seen running away when an officer arrived. The man was seen running down the Arroyo Colorado embankment near the store, according to the news release.

Police conducted a manhunt by boat and helicopter but did not locate the man that night or the next day.

"Mercado has not been seen since the night of Oct. 1, 2008, and the family is concerned for his well-being," the news release states.

Family members believe Mercado may be staying in the San Benito area, according to the Wednesday news release.