Hereford, Arizona - Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents from the Brian A. Terry Station arrested two Tucson area residents Monday after they fled from agents attempting to pull their vehicle over near Hereford.
The incident occurred near the San Pedro River crossing on State Route 92 when agents responded to a citizen’s report of a suspicious vehicle near the highway that was possibly loaded with narcotics.
Responding agents encountered a Ford Explorer near the reported location. When agents attempted to stop the vehicle, it sped off down a rural road.
Border Patrol agents followed the vehicle until the driver, in an attempt to evade arrest, drove off-road through a barbwire fence into a field. The vehicle then became stuck in a ditch. Agents arrested both occupants, and found marijuana bundles inside the vehicle.
Agents seized the vehicle and transported the subjects and 91 pounds of marijuana to the Brian A. Terry Station for processing.
The occupants are both U.S. citizens and are being held on federal drug smuggling charges, awaiting a disposition.
Federal law allows agents to charge individuals by complaint, a method that allows the filing of charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. An individual is presumed innocent unless and until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.