VALENTINE, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Van Horn Border Patrol Station apprehended an 18-year-old man who was armed with a stolen 9 millimeter handgun.
On Monday April 15, Van Horn agents assisted with a home burglary investigation in Valentine. The home owner informed the agents that his 9 millimeter handgun and two handgun magazines, along with an all-terrain vehicle ignition key had been stolen.
On Wednesday April 17, at approximately 11 a.m., a Border Patrol agent encountered a man walking alone along a desolate road approximately 16 miles west of Valentine. When the agent approached the man, he noticed the man was in possession of a handgun. The agent was able to make the arrest without incident.
The man arrested was in possession of the items which were reported stolen by the home owner in Valentine on April 15. After further investigation, it was determined that the man had broken into the Valentine residence agents previously responded to.
The man is a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States. He will be charged for illegal entry without inspection by the U.S. Border Patrol, in addition to possession of the stolen handgun and ammunition.
Patrol Agent in Charge of the Van Horn Station Jose Aleman said, “Our agent’s service to protecting this community is reflected by their relentless efforts in apprehending this man. Fortunately, he was apprehended without incident.”
Big Bend Sector Border Patrol agents patrol 517 miles of the southwest border, an area that extends from Sierra Blanca, Texas to Sanderson, Texas. The Van Horn Station area of responsibility consists of 31.1 miles of border with Mexico and approximately 4965 square miles of terrain. The U.S. Border Patrol is made up of over 19,000 brave men and women who courageously secure our nation’s borders. Help us secure our homeland, find out more at cbp.gov/careers.