Yuma Sector Agents Arrest Two and Seize Firearm During Vehicle Stop

Monday, January 14, 2008

Yuma, Ariz. – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Yuma Sector’s Blythe Station arrested two individuals and seized a loaded firearm during a vehicle stop early Sunday morning.

About 5:30 am, agents performing traffic observations duties in Parker, Arizona noticed a suspicious 2001 Chrysler Cirrus SLX with three occupants traveling on a road commonly used by smugglers to circumvent Border Patrol agents.

Agents performed a vehicle stop, and while running records checks, discovered that all three U.S. citizen occupants had prior arrests ranging from drug possession to alien smuggling. One of the passengers had an active warrant issued by the State of Arizona for forgery. Upon searching the vehicle, agents discovered a loaded 22-caliber handgun wrapped in cloth, hidden inside the panel of the driver’s door.

Agents seized the weapon, detained the driver for carrying a concealed weapon, and detained the passenger for an outstanding warrant. The third passenger was released at the scene.

The two subjects and weapon were turned over to the Colorado River Indian Tribe Police.