OTAY MESA, Calif. – Early Tuesday morning, Border Patrol agents intercepted two Mexican nationals who had entered the U.S. illegally. Agents identified themselves and ordered the suspects to stop running. One man complied. The other took flight with a 45-inch stake in hand, later using it as a weapon to avoid arrest.
The incident began at approximately 6:30 a.m., west of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Agents were patrolling the area and observed two men jump out of a row of bushes and run north to a warehouse parking lot. One man was carrying a large wooden stake. The agents became suspicious of illegal activity and turned into the parking lot. Activating emergency lights and sirens, they ordered the men to halt in both English and Spanish.
One man stopped running and put his hands into the air. The man with the stake looked back at the agents and began to run faster. One of the agents pursued and, as he rounded the corner of a warehouse, the man with the stake swung at the agent. The agent dodged the stake, drew his weapon, and ordered the man to put down the stake and stop. The man continued to run. The agent tackled the man, who fought and kicked at the agent with both feet. Striking the agent in the face with his foot, the suspect ran towards an open field, then turned and faced the agent again, swinging with closed fists.
A nearby agent on patrol observed the chase, radioed for assistance, and took over the pursuit on foot. A nearby agent on an ATV responded to the call, located the suspect, and maneuvered himself in front of the fleeing man to cut off his escape route. The man, with an agent in front of him and behind him, gave up the pursuit. He was arrested and taken to a nearby station for processing.
Both subjects were deemed to be in the U.S. illegally. The fleeing suspect is in Department of Homeland Security custody and faces criminal prosecution for illegal entry and assault on a Federal agent. The second suspect was removed from the U.S. and returned to Mexico.
To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on major corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. The U.S. Border Patrol also maintains strong partnerships with international law enforcement agencies to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in border communities. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.