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