CALEXICO, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents conducting anti-smuggling operations arrested a United States citizen and two undocumented individuals, Sunday afternoon.
At approximately 3:55 p.m., agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a gray 2017 Ford Explorer on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 8 near Gordon’s Well exit. Agents engaged their lights and sirens and the driver failed to yield to agents. A CBP air support unit near the area joined the pursuit. Other agents in the area set up vehicle immobilization devices (VID) further east of where the pursuit was taking place. As the vehicle approached the area agents successfully deployed their VID, deflating all four tires on the vehicle.
Although all four tires were deflated the driver continued to evade. The air support unit broadcasted that, one of the four tires, was disintegrating. The driver began to slow down when both passengers exited the vehicle. One of the passengers attempted to abscond while the other remained in place due to injuries sustained. After a brief foot pursuit, agents apprehended the individual. Agents placed both individuals under arrest.
Agents continued to pursue the vehicle as it refused to stop. Agents gave verbal commands for the driver to pull over. The driver finally pulled over ending the pursuit and placed under arrest.
Agents interviewed of all three individuals and determined that the driver was a United States citizen, the two passengers were nationals of Mexico, who did not possess the proper documentation to be in the U.S. legally. An Emergency Medical Team evaluated the two Mexican nationals and determined they needed further medical assistance and were transported to a local hospital to be treated for road-rash and other non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver a 30-year-old, male was transported to the El Centro Processing Center where he will face federal charges. Both individuals will be processed accordingly once released from the hospital.
The vehicle will be seized as per El Centro Sector guidelines.
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