SUV Bursts Into Flames After Flight From Border Patrol Agents

TUCSON, Ariz. – U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Tucson Sector pulled two migrants away from a burning vehicle last Friday evening.

Agents assigned to the Brian A. Terry Station responded to a human smuggling attempt involving an SUV near State Route 92 and Coronado National Park around 6 p.m.

Agents encountered the suspect SUV speeding from the area and attempted to make a vehicle stop. The driver failed to yield, ultimately driving off the road and into a wire fence line. As it came to a stop, the SUV caught fire and soon was engulfed in flames.

Agents rushed two individuals lying near the vehicle to safety. In all, six people were encountered, including four migrants, one Canadian and one U.S. citizen smuggler.

The Palominas Fire Department arrived at the scene and extinguished the car fire. None of the individuals involved were injured.

All subjects were taken into custody. But the only charges brought so far are against the U.S. citizen driver who faces prosecution for federal human smuggling charges.