C.B.P. News Release

Yuma Sector Agent Assaulted while Arresting Gang Member

(Tuesday, November 25, 2008)

Yuma, Ariz. – A Border Patrol agent assigned to the Yuma Sector’s Yuma Station was assaulted while arresting an admitted gang member Sunday morning.

At about 2 a.m., two Border Patrol agents encountered three illegal aliens who had earlier illegally entered the U.S. along the northern Colorado River area on the corner of 16th Street and Redondo Drive. The first agent apprehended two of the subjects while the third ran away in an effort to evade arrest.

The second Border Patrol agent pursued the illegal alien on foot for about 60 yards before he caught up to the alien and attempted to arrest him. While trying to affect the arrest, the alien became combative with the agent, causing both to fall to the ground. Due to the impact, the agent dislocated his shoulder but was still able to gain control of the illegal alien until another agent arrived on scene to handcuff the individual.

The injured Border Patrol agent was transported to the Yuma Regional Medical Center for treatment and later released. He is currently recuperating from his injuries.

In subsequent interviews, the illegal alien claimed to be affiliated with the Sureno 13 gang.

The FBI was contacted in relation to the assault and responded for possible prosecution for assault on a federal agent.

In the end of fiscal year 2008 there were 73 assaults on Border Patrol agents – a 62 percent decrease compared to FY 2007 statistics.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Contacts For This News Release

Yuma Sector
Public Affairs Office
Phone: (928) 341-6567

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2008_6.xml