Three more border agents assaulted

BY JEFFREY GAUTREAUX, SUN STAFF WRITER
Jan 24, 2007

One Border Patrol agent was nearly struck with a vehicle and two more nearly drowned within the past 10 days.

Yuma sector spokesman Chris Van Wagenen said these types of incidents are something the Border Patrol expects. He said those who profit from illegal activity are not going to give up control of the border without a fight.

"They're hoping to win through intimidation and violence."

On Monday night, a suspected illegal alien smuggler tried to strike a Yuma sector agent with his vehicle after being stopped near the Andrade port of entry, according to a Border Patrol release.

Three vehicles had been stopped near the Quechan parking lot on suspicion of alien smuggling. When an agent went up to speak to one of the drivers, he sped away. The vehicle smashed through a chainlink fence and drove toward a Border Patrol agent on a mountain bike.

"It was fortunate that no one was injured. The agent had to dive out of the way, but he's safe and now he's back on duty," said Van Wagenen.

Van Wagenen said the vehicle was able to escape back into Mexico. It is unknown how many people may have been inside.