Update: Yuma schools lockdown lifted after agents thwart smuggling attempt

Border Patrol agents in search of individuals who fled the scene

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma Sector Border Patrol says several undocumented immigrants attempted to flee in a Yuma neighborhood causing nearby schools to go into lockdown. But agents were able to thwart the large human smuggling attempt.

Agents say they observed two vehicles loading people up and driving off. Shortly after, Border Patrol pulled them over to investigate.

"Once the stop was performed, we had one vehicle, a grey ford expedition, go ahead and stop in the area of 40th Street and 5E. All six occupants of that vehicle were apprehended," says Yuma Sector Border Patrol Supervisor Vincent Dulesky.

But the other vehicle tried to get away.

"It eventually made its way to Pacific Avenue, going northbound in a southbound lane, where it sideswiped a utility truck," explains Dulesky.

The black Chevy Suburban made its way to a neighborhood at Palo Verde and Avenue 2 1/2 E-- close proximity to Rolle Elementary School and Yuma Lutheran School.

"Just seein' the helicopters flyin' over and kinda was wonderin' what was goin' on," says local worker Matthew Haynes.

The Yuma Police Department (YPD) alerted both schools and they were put on lockdown.

"I know it’s always as a precaution and as a safety measure, but I think parents, not just in this neighborhood, but across all neighborhoods would want, would want their kids safely inside a school building… especially if there’s a law enforcement presence and they need an opportunity to make it safe," explains local resident Leanne Worthen.

And that’s just what they did.

The occupants in the Suburban got out of the SUV and ran in various directions, but they didn’t get very far.

"They were able to get and apprehend all seven of those individuals," says Dulesky.

A total of 13 people in both vehicles were apprehended, 11 of them are undocumented.

"We had help from YPD dispatch. We had help from Air and Marine Operations. Even our own radio dispatchers did a great job in communicating with those agents on [the] ground," explains Dulesky.

Both schools lifted the lockdown shortly after the scene was cleared.