Suspect backs into deputy, he'll be okay
August 15th, 2008 @ 7:30am
by Sandra Haros/KTAR

A Maricopa County sheriff's deputy suffered minor injuries when he pulled over a car carrying about 15 suspected illegal immigrants in the north Valley.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said the stop was made Thursday afternoon near Interstate 17 and Table Mesa Road.

``They (the suspects) were fleeing into the desert. The driver backed into one of our deputies. We're looking into charging the driver with assault. As they fled, I think he hit another occupant of the car."

Arpaio said two women and two children were among the car's occupants.

He said the incident demonstrates the dangers deputies face.

``Whenever our deputies enforce the law, there's always a chance for some type of violence," the sheriff said. ``There's always a chance for some tpe of violence. We've been very lucky with 1,100 arrests on criminal violations of human smuggling. We try to do the best we can."

He added, ``There's a lot of violence connected with illegal immigration. But, I don't lose any sleep at night. The reason is I have full confidence in my deputies. They know how to take care of business."

Those who tried to flee after Thursday's traffic stop were caught.


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