DULZURA, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents tracked a group of five individuals in a remote area on Otay Mountain Wednesday morning and arrested four men, three of whom had prior immigration and criminal convictions.  Additionally, one man resisted arrest and assaulted the arresting agent.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., Border Patrol agents responded to a report of five individuals crossing the border.  Agents located the group around 9 a.m. on a mountain ridge.  As agents approached, the five fled in different directions.  Agents quickly located two men hiding in brush.  One man freely turned himself in to agents and admitted to being illegally present in the U.S.

The second man became combative when approached by agents.  He was asked to exit from a gully, but refused.  As an agent reached out for the man, the man grabbed the agent’s arm and pulled him down the hill forcefully; he then threw an elbow strike at the agent and attempted to flee.  The agent managed to follow the man and complete the arrest, but later needed to have treatment at an area hospital.  The combative man was later determined to have prior immigration and felony convictions, including sexual contact with a child.

As agents continued to scour the area, a Border Patrol K-9 alerted to an area where a third man was hiding in brush.  He also was determined to be illegally present in the U.S. and arrested.  Several hours later, a fourth man was arrested.  He was suffering from a knee injury and dehydration.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection responded and airlifted all four Mexican nationals to an area hospital.

After being treated for their heat-related illness, three suspects were turned over to agents for immigration and criminal violations.  The fourth man remains in the hospital.  A fifth person fled and was not located.

Brown Field Station Patrol Agent in Charge Mickey Valdez said, “Most of the illegal entries in the Brown Field area are attempted on foot through remote, rugged terrain.  This not only endangers our agents when subjects become combative, but endangers those entering illegally as well.”

From October 1, 2015, to August 31, 2016, Border Patrol agents in San Diego Sector intercepted 28,732 individuals who attempted to enter the U.S. illegally.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders.  To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.