CBP: Human smuggling leads to pursuit and agents assaulted

YUMA, Ariz. - (KYMA, KECY) A U.S. citizen is in custody after Border Patrol agents in San Diego said the man led them on a high-speed chase, assaulted agents, and was found with four Mexican nationals hidden in his truck.

Early Tuesday morning agents said the 37-year-old male was driving a white 2007 Ford F-350 and was pulled over. 

While giving verbal commands border agents said the truck took off leading agents on a high-speed pursuit along Interstate 8.

Border Patrol deployed a spike strip to stop the vehicle from fleeing. The driver’s vehicle stopped near Sunrise Highway and Interstate 8.

The suspect then took off running on foot and was able to get away from agents at one point, according to Border Patrol Agent Justin Castrejon.

When agents began searching, Castrejon said the suspect jumped out of the bushes and attacked one of the agents. As they wrestled on the ground another agent was able to break it up and placed the man under arrest.

The agents sustained several cuts and bruises but required no immediate medical attention.

Following CBP’s investigation, three male Mexican citizens and one female Mexican citizen were found in the pick-up truck, Castrejon said. All were in the United States illegally, according to CBP. 

All four were taken for processing while the driver was charged with human smuggling and assault on a federal officer.