Thread: Authorities Search for Smuggler on Viejas Reservation

Authorities Search for Smuggler on Viejas Reservation

By Lauren Steussy
Friday, Dec 7, 2012 | Updated 11:51 AM PST

Authorities on the Viejas Reservation in San Diego's east county were searching for a dangerous human smuggler Friday morning, according to officials with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

The search began at around 5 a.m. near the reservation, a spokesperson with the agency said.

The spokesperson said the suspect is a known human smuggler who has been arrested before. There is currently a warrant out for his arrest, and he is considered dangerous.

Authorities said the suspect's name is Martel Valencia-Cortez.

Witness Anthony Tesam said he was leaving the reservation at 8:45 a.m. to go to work when he was stopped by authorities looking for a fugitive.

The authorities told Tesam that they were searching for an armed and dangerous man who ran a border checkpoint at Pine Valley. They showed Tesam the picture above of the suspect.

Tesam reported seeing dozens of law enforcement officials and Border Patrol agents near Willows Road near the reservation.

Check back here for updates on this developing story.

Authorities Search for Smuggler on Viejas Reservation | NBC 7 San Diego

4 hrs ago
fox5sandiego.com



ALPINE, Calif. — A suspected immigrant smuggler with a long rap sheet fled on foot from a traffic stop near Viejas Casino Friday, prompting an intensive manhunt in the surrounding hills and ravines.

U.S. Border Patrol officers spotted fugitive Martel Valencia-Cortez’s vehicle traveling through the Alpine area about 5 a.m. and tried to pull it over, according to USBP public affairs.

Valencia, the subject of a federal arrest warrant, pulled over and ran off, and the agents were unable to catch up to him.

Border Patrol personnel searched the area through the morning on the ground and aboard a helicopter, and set up a traffic checkpoint near where the suspect disappeared.

Officials believe Valencia may attempt to steal a vehicle in order to escape into Mexico. He has an extensive criminal record and a history of driving erratically — sometimes speeding the wrong direction on streets and freeways — to evade capture, according to the federal agency.

Smuggling suspect eludes Border Patrol | FOX5 San Diego