Border Patrol detains 18 people after east San Diego County crash
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 04/13/2008 12:34:34 PM PDT


EL CAJON, Calif.—Border Patrol agents investigating a crash in east San Diego County have detained 18 people suspected of crossing the border illegally and fleeing from the scene of the collision.
Border Patrol spokesman Richard E. Smith says around 6 a.m. Sunday, a van hit a guardrail in Alpine, about 30 miles east of San Diego. The vehicle flipped over, but when authorities arrived, no one was inside.

Witnesses reported seeing people running away. The agents followed footprints into nearby hills where they found people hiding in the brush.

Smith says four people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and 14 others were taken to a Border Patrol station for questioning.

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_8912627