By SDCN Staff
Campo, CA–San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents arrested a 36-year-old convicted felon driving with a 15-year-old female passenger who was reported missing from Yuma, Arizona.
During a search of the vehicle, agents found a loaded gun underneath the driver’s seat.
On Wednesday, at approximately 6:40 p.m., agents patrolling near the Golden Acorn Casino observed a 2009 BMW sedan leave the parking lot and park on Crestwood Road under the Interstate 8 overpass.
Agents approached the vehicle to question the occupants. They asked the driver for his identification. A record check revealed the driver to be a United States citizen with a previous felony conviction. The juvenile passenger was reported missing from her home.
Believing the juvenile was in danger, agents contacted the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for assistance. Deputies with the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Substation arrived on the scene and took custody of the driver, car, and loaded gun. The minor was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
“I am proud of the great work our Border Patrol agents demonstrated in stopping this convicted felon and rescuing this young girl from harm,” said Chief Border Patrol Aaron Heitke. “Our agents patrol the border day and night to keep dangerous criminals from entering our communities.”