Yuma border agent dragged into canal

FROM STAFF REPORTS
Jan 17, 2007

A Yuma Border Patrol agent was pulled into neck-deep water during an attempted apprehension Tuesday night near Andrade.

It was at least the third time within the past 12 months where an agent was either pulled into water or attempted to be pulled into water, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Chris Van Wagenen.

Around 8:15 p.m., a suspected smuggling vehicle exited onto State Route 186 and was attempting to head westbound on Interstate 8 when border agents spotted the vehicle.

Once the driver realized that he was spotted, he spun the vehicle around to head south toward the U.S. Port of Entry at Andrade.

The agent deployed a spike strip, which successfully deflated the vehicle's tires and stopped the pursuit near the All American Canal.

The three male subjects exited the vehicle and jumped into the canal.

As the agent approached the canal, one of the men grabbed the agent and pulled him into the water.