Suspected illegal immigrants nabbed after high-speed chase
Posted by David Brewer June 12, 2007 4:13 PM
FORT PAYNE - Three men who led law enforcement agents on a high-speed chase over the weekend near Fyffe are suspected of being illegal immigrants, DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris said in a statement today.

Harris said one of the three men is also believed to be connected with the gang MS-13 because of markings on his body. The identity of that man was not immediately known.

The authorities identified the driver as Julio Juan Miguel, age and hometown unknown, but have not yet determined the identities of his two passengers, he said. The three are being held in the DeKalb County Jail waiting to be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.

Harris said the chase began about 9:20 p.m. Saturday when Deputy Matt Wilson tried to stop Miguel's car after seeing it run off the road and hit a speed limit sign. The chase continued along Alabama 75 toward Fyffe when Fyffe Police Officer Neal Anderson joined the pursuit near the city limits.

Miguel's car allegedly struck Anderson's patrol car and traveled a short distance when Miguel locked his brakes, causing Wilson to hit the back of the car, Harris said.

Miguel and one of the passengers then ran but were caught by Wilson and Anderson after a brief struggle, he said.

Harris said Miguel was charged with driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, attempting to elude and other crimes.

Tony Durham, chief of corrections for the Sheriff's Department, said seven suspected illegal immigrants have already been turned over to ICE officers this year.

"We are doing everything we can to arrest and deport illegal immigrants who drink and drive; produce, sell or possess drugs; and prey on the Hispanic communities and the citizens of DeKalb County," Harris said

http://blog.al.com/breaking/2007/06/sus ... nts_n.html