Probationary Human Smuggler Flees Border Patrol Agents, Smashes Vehicle, Arrested

Human smuggler is currently serving a probationary sentence for a previous smuggling attempt

A human smuggler's vehicle collided with a civilian vehicle in the Yuma Foothills. [Photo by CBP]

YUMA – Five people were arrested after Border Patrol agents from the El Centro and Yuma Sectors thwarted a human smuggler, who is currently serving a probationary sentence for a previous smuggling attempt in June of 2019.

According to Border Patrol, on Thursday afternoon Calexico Station agents attempted an immigration stop on Interstate 8 in the Imperial Dunes Recreational area. The human smuggler, a male 29-year-old U.S. citizen, refused to stop and a pursuit began that continued into the Yuma area.

During the pursuit, the smuggler dropped off three adult Mexican males and one adult Honduran male at a gas station at the intersection of 16th Street and Redondo Drive. An agent arrived at the gas station and apprehended the passengers.

The smuggler then tried to flee from authorities through town, and traveled back onto the Interstate 8 going westbound before turning around and traveling eastbound exiting in the Foothills. When the smuggler exited the interstate, his vehicle collided with another vehicle. The smuggler left his vehicle and barricaded himself in a nearby house.

Border Patrol agents found the smuggler hiding in a closet inside the home and took him into custody. The residents, who were home at the time, were unharmed.

The driver involved in the smuggling attempt was arrested on human smuggling charges and the four illegal aliens were arrested for immigration violations.

The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the Yuma Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.

About ADI Staff Reporter 12168 Articles
Under the leadership of Editor-in -Chief Huey Freeman, our team of staff reporters bring accurate,timely, and complete news coverage.