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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San Diego - Shortly after 6 a.m. this morning, an off-duty Border Patrol agent witnessed a Chrysler Cirrus run a red light and collide with a Honda Accord that was making a left turn at the intersection of Black Mountain Road and Park Village road.

As the Border Patrol agent parked his vehicle to check on the condition of the woman driving the Honda, he noticed the Chrysler attempting to leave the scene. The Chrysler came to a stop after a short distance and the driver fled on foot. When the agent caught up to the fleeing suspect, he placed him under arrest and handed him over to San Diego Police officers who arrived a short time later.

The Border Patrol agent then assisted San Diego Police by acting as a translator for the suspect who turned out to be an illegal alien in possession of false documents. The suspect is being held on $51,000 bail for driving without a license, leaving the scene of an accident and providing false documents to a peace officer. The suspect will eventually face deportation.

This incident illustrates how committed our agents are to the public safety and working with other local, State and Federal agencies, reducing crime in our communities and improving the quality of life.

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.