C.B.P. News Release

New Handheld Night Vision Camera Helps Border Patrol Stop Arson Suspect

(Monday, March 09, 2009)

Marfa, Texas – A new piece of equipment provided an immediate assist to Border Patrol agents of the Marfa Sector when it was deployed last week.

An agent at the Sanderson Station was operating a FLIR milCam Recon III Locatir, which is a handheld night vision camera, when he captured a local man who decided to set a pasture on fire. The agent watched as the man stopped his vehicle beside the road, got out and then bent down. The agent could see a strong glow of light from the man’s hands. The man returned to his vehicle and drove about 10 feet and then watched as the fire took hold and began to spread.

The agent began to take photographs before the man drove away. Agents were able to stop the man and detail him until local sheriff was able to view the photos.

The man was arrested and charged with second degree felony arson.

Marfa Sector received the new technology in late February.

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
Bill Brooks
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (432) 729-5217

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/new ... 2009_2.xml