OTAY MESA, Calif.—During a three-hour period, Border Patrol agents faced three hazardous incidents Wednesday evening. Two involved Mexican nationals for illegal entry and one involved a U.S. citizen who rammed an agent’s patrol vehicle twice.
The first incident began around 6 p.m., when agents attempted to pull over a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. The 30-year-old male driver refused to yield and fled on westbound State Route (SR) 905. Several agents in the area responded to assist, activating their sirens and lights.
During the pursuit, the fleeing driver made an abrupt turn, hitting an agent’s patrol vehicle. As the pursuit came to a stop on the SR 905 shoulder, the Tahoe driver initiated a second hit on the agent’s vehicle. Other nearby agents moved in and successfully stopped the SUV. The U.S. citizen driver was arrested on charges of assaulting a Federal officer.
The second incident occurred near the U.S./Mexico International Boundary at Otay Mesa, Calif. At 7:30 p.m., an agent approached a man who was hiding in tall brush just north of the border. As the agent neared, the 47-year-old Mexican national jumped up and ran before confronting the agent by taking an aggressive stance with a knife in his hand. The agent eventually pried the knife from the man’s hand and put him in handcuffs. The man was also in possession of a glass pipe and a small amount of methamphetamine. The man faces charges for illegal entry into the U.S.
The final incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m., when agents detected a 36-year-old male Mexican national about 300 yards north of the international boundary, also at Otay Mesa. As agents approached, the man became combative and struck the agents with punches and kicks. Minutes later, the agents used pepper spray to divert the man and then were able to handcuff him. The man is facing charges for illegal entry into the U.S.
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.