A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent at the Tucson Sector Border Patrol escaped injury after a U.S. citizen allegedly made an attempt to run him over on Monday.
Agents working at the Federal Route 15 checkpoint encountered the driver behind the wheel of a Dodge pick-up truck when a K-9 unit flagged the vehicle for further investigation. Instead of pulling over, the driver allegedly proceeded to accelerate directly at the nearest agent. Prior to a potential impact, the agent was able to deploy a spike strip, deflating two of the driver’s tires.
Agents pursued the driver for approximately 30 miles until they were able to deploy a second spike strip, deflating the vehicle’s remaining two tires. The driver then attempted to flee on foot but was immediately apprehended by agents. After a quick inspection of the disabled vehicle, agents uncovered two bales of marijuana weighing approximately 56 pounds. The street value for the marijuana is approximately $27,800.
The agents then searched biometric records and discovered that the driver was on parole from the Arizona Department of Corrections. He was subsequently placed in custody and faces charges related to fleeing the agents and attempted drug smuggling.
“The agent showed incredible fortitude, maintaining the presence of mind to deploy spike strips in an attempt to prevent the driver from inflicting harm to others,” Tucson Sector Chief Paul Beeson said. “The agent’s quick thinking and composure reinforces the importance of utilizing safe tactics and the necessity for our agents to remain vigilant at all times.”