Tucson man charged with alien smuggling, firearm offenses among other charges

A Tuscon, Arizona man was recently charged in U.S. District Court with the transportation of illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury, high-speed flight from a Border Patrol checkpoint, assault on a federal officer and use of a firearm

Court documents allege that Roberto Ramirez, 21, arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint on I-19 near Amado, Arizona on Dec. 24, with two suspected illegal aliens.

After agents referred Ramirez for further inspection, he fled and drove northbound on I-19 at a high rate of speed. Several Border Patrol agents pursued Ramirez. During the chase, he fired several gunshots at the agents and attempted to ram their vehicles.

Ramirez eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed. One of the passengers was ejected and consequently suffered serious injuries.

At the defendant’s initial appearance and detention hearing, the court ordered that he remain in custody. Several of the charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.