Border agents use Taser to subdue driver of van carrying 25

By Tom Mallory, CONTENT DIRECTOR / ONLINE EDITOR
Monday, April 26, 2010 at 9:17 a.m.

EAST COUNTY — A van carrying 25 apparent border crossers was stopped on westbound Interstate 8 early Monday morning by U.S. Border Patrol agents and the driver was hospitalized after being shocked with a Taser during a struggle.

Border Patrol Agent Mark Endicott said the driver pulled over when agents tried to stop him near the Ribbonwood Road exit at 5:11 a.m. but bolted out of the car before it came to a stop, letting it roll slowly forward as he ran away along the freeway.

Endicott said agents were able to stop the white Chevrolet van and run after and catch the driver, who struggled with the agents until they subdued him with a Taser. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries and is likely to face alien smuggling charges, Endicott said.

The van’s occupants were detained and were to be deported if agents determine they’re in the country illegally.

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