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Teen Arrested for Smuggling Undocumented Immigrants in Cochise County
In a daring attempt to smuggle three undocumented immigrants, an 18-year-old was apprehended by Cochise County Sheriff’s Deputies after a high-speed police pursuit in the picturesque town of Tombstone, Arizona.
Police Pursuit on Highway 80
The incident unfolded around 8:30 pm on a fateful Tuesday evening when authorities received a tip-off about a potential smuggler heading north on Highway 80. The suspect was behind the wheel of a black Subaru WRX with Colorado plates, catching the attention of vigilant deputies patrolling the area.
Tense Traffic Stop
Deputies wasted no time in flagging down the suspect near Curtis Flats Road. However, the driver’s non-compliance with instructions raised suspicions. When asked to lower the windows, the driver hesitated, prompting deputies to take swift action.
High-Speed Chase
What ensued was a heart-pounding chase as the driver hit the gas pedal, weaving in and out of traffic, endangering lives in a bid to evade law enforcement. The pursuit escalated as the suspect recklessly drove into oncoming lanes and sped through the St. David area.
Foot Chase and Arrest
After a nail-biting pursuit, the driver’s antics came to an end as tire deflation devices were deployed, bringing the vehicle to a halt. In a desperate attempt to flee, all occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby trailer park.
Legal Consequences
The driver, identified as Alexander Martinez from Phoenix, was swiftly apprehended and taken into custody. Martinez now faces a slew of felony charges, including Human Smuggling, Endangerment, Felony Flight, and Resisting Arrest. He is currently held on a $50,000 bond at the Cochise County Jail.
Continuing Investigation
The investigation into this brazen smuggling attempt is ongoing, with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office leaving no stone unturned in unraveling the full extent of this criminal operation. Meanwhile, the three undocumented immigrants have been handed over to the US Border Patrol for processing.
Stay tuned as the authorities delve deeper into this harrowing incident that sheds light on the dark underbelly of human smuggling operations in Cochise County.
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