YUMA, Ariz. – Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents helped save a life when they apprehended five illegal aliens and two human smugglers near Blythe, Calif., Tuesday.
At approximately 6:25 p.m., Blythe Station agents performed a vehicle stop on a silver 2018 Ford Explorer traveling Highway 78 with seven occupants. Agents identified five passengers as adult males from Mexico, illegally present in the country. The male driver and final male passenger were identified as U.S. citizens responsible for the smuggling attempt.
While being transported to the Blythe Station, the 34-year-old U.S. citizen passenger became unresponsive and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital by agents. Hospital staff administered Narcan and advised agents the subject may have had a stroke brought on by methamphetamine use. The individual was transported via helicopter to a regional hospital.
The driver, a 31-year-old man from Fontana, Calif. was found to have an extensive criminal history including possession of burglary tools, under the influence of a controlled substance, obstructing a public officer, second degree burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, multiple convictions for taking a vehicle without owner’s consent, and multiple convictions for possession of a controlled substance.
During a search of the individuals and vehicle, reported stolen in San Francisco. Agents discovered a loaded .40-caliber handgun along with extra ammunition, methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
All illegal aliens were processed for immigration violations and the citizens were presented for prosecution.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of criminal activity charges without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials welcome assistance from the community. Individuals can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. Reporting illicit activity could result in saving someone’s life.