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Operation Stonegarden Partnership Leads to Arrest of Dangerous Fugitive

Release Date
Fri, 03/08/2019

TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assisted Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Deputies in arresting a dangerous fugitive that fled into a remote desert area west of Gold Canyon, Tuesday afternoon.

Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents assisted Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Deputies in arresting a dangerous fugitive that fled into a remote desert area west of Gold Canyon, Tuesday afternoon.
Border Patrol Agents assisted Pinal County
Sheriff’s Office Deputies in arresting a
dangerous fugitive that fled into a remote
desert area west of Gold Canyon

Agents patrolling aboard a Pinal County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) helicopter, operating under Operation Stonegarden, received a request for support from PCSO deputies along a rural highway in northern Pinal County. Deputies were searching for the suspect of an assault and robbery, who was last seen walking into a wilderness hiking area from the scene of the crime. 

The PCSO helicopter deployed agents to the area who, after an extensive tracking operation, found the man hiding under a small tree and took him into custody without incident.

PCSO Deputies assumed custody of the man, who will face a series of state charges for his actions.

Operation Stonegarden is a Department of Homeland Security program, managed by the Border Patrol, which grants funds to other law enforcement agencies to enhance and strengthen border security throughout the United States.

Collaboration between state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies has created a greater force against transnational criminal organizations in southern Arizona and the disruption of illicit activities in border communities.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021