see also: in July 2007 News Releases:   CBP Air and Marine Acquires Helicopters for Border Security Mission   CBP Officers At El Paso Port Nab 50 Pounds Of Cocaine; Two Juveniles Taken Into Custody   CBP Border Patrol Agent Dies In the Line of Duty   Hong Kong to Scan U.S.-Bound Goods for Radiation as Part of Secure Freight Initiative   Border Patrol Assists in Third Canal Rescue in a Week   CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted For Murder, Rape, Burglary   Operation Streamline Nets 1,200-Plus Prosecutions in Arizona ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Yuma, Ariz. - A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agent from Yuma was the latest victim of violence Wednesday as he attempted to stop a fleeing vehicle, driven by a 17-year-old smuggling illegal immigrants.

At 5 p.m. a remote video surveillance system camera operator witnessed a large group of suspected illegal immigrants cross the Salinity Canal near County 9th Street in Yuma, Ariz. The camera operator notified Border Patrol agents in the area and watched as the group ran over the levee and proceeded eastbound before losing visual contact.

A short time later, the camera operator alerted agents that a light-colored vehicle was heading west toward the last known location of the group. The operator lost visual contact with the vehicle momentarily before it reappeared traveling east toward Yuma.

Agents spotted the vehicle as it approached the intersection of County 9th Street and Somerton Avenue. An agent attempted to stop the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban but the driver ignored the agent’s request and continued driving east before turning around and heading back toward the levee and the Colorado River. The agent then attempted to deploy a controlled tire deflation device to stop the Suburban. As the vehicle approached the agent’s position, the driver accelerated and veered toward the agent in an attempt to hit him.

The agent quickly moved out of the way and avoided injury. The vehicle turned around again and headed east towards Yuma. As the vehicle approached Yuma city limits the agent lost sight of the vehicle and contacted the Yuma Police Department with the vehicle’s description and last known location and route of travel.

The California Highway Patrol contacted Border Patrol agents at 5:40 p.m. to report that a vehicle matching the description of the suspected smuggling vehicle had been located. After the driver failed to yield to CHP officers and was traveling on Interstate 8 at a high rate of speed, the vehicle became disabled. Two occupants attempted to flee but were located and apprehended after a brief search.

A search of the vehicle revealed 16 additional people inside. All 18 occupants were taken into custody and were determined to be Mexican nationals illegally in the U.S. The agent that was nearly hit by the vehicle responded to the scene and positively identified the driver.

Additional information from CHP Officers revealed the vehicle was reported stolen from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico during an armed carjacking and was also being investigated by Mexican authorities.

The FBI was contacted regarding the assault. The driver faces charges of reckless driving and possession of a stolen vehicle, as well as prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for assault on a federal agent, illegal entry and human trafficking. The Mexican Consulate was notified and will be involved in the process.

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.