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Courts and Police
About 660 pounds of marijuana were later discovered in the vehicle and seized by Mexican authorities, said agent David Kim of the Border Patrol's El Centro sector. The incident began about 5 p.m. Dec. 18 after the driver illegally passed vehicle barriers near the Imperial Sand Dunes and entered Interstate 8 eastbound, where agents gave pursuit after the driver didn't stop. The agents deployed spike strips on the freeway just east of Sidewinder Overpass as the Cherokee continued, deflating three tires. The Cherokee exited onto Andrade Road and headed south, then went through the port of entry, where it crashed with another vehicle on the Mexico side. Kim said he was not informed of any injuries and that neither Border Patrol nor Customs and Border Protection agents crossed the border into Mexico. "We did engage in a pursuit but we backed off as soon as we spiked the tires," Kim said. "We knew there was a potential to run into traffic and pedestrians. The reason we made the decision to back off near the port of entry is because we had a helicopter up and he was able to follow the vehicle. Everything our agents did was well within policy. "From all indications we got from Mexican authorities, the crash was minor damage to the other vehicle," Kim said, adding that Mexico authorities seized the illegal drugs. "Mexican authorities did tell us they apprehended the driver. Last we heard, he is in custody and will be charged in connection with the drugs." Kim added the incident is an example of improved relations between Mexican and U.S. authorities because of ongoing cooperation agreements. The plates on the Cherokee were stolen, Kim said. "The El Centro sector Border Patrol’s Mexican Liaison Unit was able to contact Mexican authorities and get a disposition what happened to the Jeep Cherokee," Kim said. "In years past, we may have never known if a suspect was brought to justice.” Bryon Wells can be reached at bwells@yumasun.com or 539-6852.  |
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