Sonoita, Arizona - An off-duty Tucson Sector Border Patrol agent from the Sonoita Station rendered critical life-saving care to a motorcyclist who was involved in a hit-and-run collision Tuesday afternoon along State Route (SR) 82 in the Whetstone area.
On Tuesday, October 31, at approximately 12:00 p.m., the off-duty agent was traveling along SR 82 near mile post 49 when he observed an individual, suffering from injuries, on the side of the road. The agent learned that the 29-year-old man had been riding his motorcycle and was struck by a pickup truck which left the scene.
The motorcyclist’s leg was severed during the crash; the agent immediately applied a tourniquet on the man’s injured limb in order to stop arterial bleeding – effectively saving the man’s life.
Once called to the scene by the agent, state troopers secured the scene and began an investigation while the Sonoita Elgin Fire Department and a Life Flight helicopter crew stabilized and transported the victim to the Banner University Medical Center in Tucson.
Authorities eventually located and arrested the hit and run driver.
“The actions of our agents are a reflection of their selfless character on and off duty. It demonstrates our commitment to preserving life in all aspect of law enforcement as well as the importance of our continued emergency response training.” Patrol Agent in Charge, Jiggs Rawls.