On June 1, 2021, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Sierra Blanca, TX Border Patrol Station observed a Nissan Altima circumvent a Border Patrol vehicle checkpoint on Interstate-10 East. BPAs followed and located the vehicle approximately four and a half miles from the checkpoint. BPAs, with the assistance of the Hudspeth County Sheriff’s Office, initiated a traffic stop of the vehicle.
When BPAs approached the vehicle, the driver sped away and continued eastbound on Interstate Highway 10. A vehicle pursuit ensued with HCSO in the lead and BPAs assisting. After the vehicle failed to yield for approximately six miles, the pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into a median barrier. As a HCSO Deputy Sheriff and BPAs approached the vehicle, they heard a gunshot. After approximately one hour, HCSO Deputies, BPAs and TX Department of Public Safety State Troopers approached the vehicle and discovered the driver with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Hudspeth County, TX, Justice of the Peace later pronounced the driver, a nineteen year old U.S. Citizen, deceased.
The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General was notified. CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing this incident which is being investigated by the Texas Rangers.