Roberto Ramirez, 21, of Tucson, Ariz., was arrested on Dec. 24, 2017 and subsequently charged by complaint with multiple offenses, including 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 in furtherance of a violent crime.
The complaint alleges that Ramirez arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint on I-19 near Amado while transporting two suspected illegal aliens. When agents referred Ramirez for further inspection, Ramirez fled from the checkpoint and drove northbound on I-19 at a high rate of speed. Several border patrol agents pursued Ramirez in their vehicles. During the pursuit, Ramirez fired several gunshots at the agents and attempted to ram their vehicles. Ramirez eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed. One of Ramirez’s passengers was ejected during the crash and suffered serious injuries.
At the initial appearance/detention hearing held today, the court ordered that Ramirez remain detained in custody.
Several of the charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.