PHOENIX — A suspected human smuggler was critically injured in a rollover crash while attempting to flee from Border Patrol agents in southern Arizona on Saturday, officials confirmed.
According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) news release, the pursuit unfolded near Sonoita, a rural area about 28 miles northeast of Nogales, after detection technology flagged a vehicle heading north from the U.S.-Mexico border around 3 p.m.
What Led to the High-Speed Chase and Crash?
Authorities attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to comply. Before continuing north, three individuals—two from Guatemala and one from Mexico—exited the car and ran into the desert. CBP later apprehended them, confirming they were in the U.S. illegally and now face charges for illegal reentry.
The driver sped past additional agents along State Route 83, leading them on a four-mile chase before losing control, rolling the vehicle, and crashing.
Suspect Airlifted to Hospital, Facing Charges
Agents found the driver unconscious outside the wrecked vehicle. Due to the severity of the injuries, emergency medical personnel airlifted the suspect to a nearby hospital for treatment.
CBP officials confirmed that the driver is now facing human smuggling charges.
