PINE VALLEY, Calif. — U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested an armed U.S. citizen yesterday at the Interstate 8 checkpoint.
At approximately 7 p.m., a man, his wife, and their 19-year-old male passenger arrived at the Pine Valley checkpoint on Interstate 8 in a silver Chevrolet Trailblazer. Agents referred the male driver for a secondary inspection when a canine alerted to the couple’s SUV. Once in secondary, the K-9 again alerted and agents searched the vehicle.
Agents found a gun in the passenger’s backpack, as well as trace amounts of marijuana. He was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and for carrying a loaded firearm in public.
The man and all evidence were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations.
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. To report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at (619) 498-9900.