Man given probation for crashing into Border Patrol checkpoint nearly two years ago

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - It was an emotional day in the court Tuesday afternoon as 67-year-old Rogelio Sanchez was sentenced to four years standard supervised probation.

Sanchez crashed his pickup truck into a Border Patrol checkpoint in Yuma, injuring two agents in the process in October of 2023.

"Everyday since then has been a battle just to hold on to what little remains," said one of the agents.

They described the pain she has endured since the crash. 

"And just like that, I lost everything one night. I lost pieces of myself, I lost my arm, I lost my kidney, half of my liver, and other body parts," she says.

Sanchez was found guilty of attempted aggravated assault after agreeing to a plea deal earlier this year.

Sanchez and members of his family who were also in the car spoke in court Tuesday, saying it was all an accident.

"I want to apologize to all the people I injured. It was never my intention. It was an accident," said Sanchez.

The judge said that she believes the crash was not intentional, and recognized Sanchez's remorse while also understanding how this crash impacted the victims. 

The Probation Office will determine when Sanchez can begin serving his sentence.