$25,000 Reward for Information

FBI and U.S. Border Patrol Seeking Information in Assault of Border Patrol Agent

McALLEN, TX—The FBI and U.S. Border Patrol are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person, or persons, responsible for the severe physical assault of a Border Patrol agent.

A Border Patrol agent was on patrol March 29 at approximately 7:40 p.m. near the McAllen pump area when he encountered a white 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee, displaying Texas license plate number “BH9-H687.” The area is known to law enforcement for alien and narcotic smuggling, and as such, the agent attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the Jeep. The Jeep sped away and, after a short pursuit, the driver of the Jeep drove the vehicle into the Rio Grande and fled on foot. The Border Patrol agent arrived in the area a short time later and was severely assaulted by several people.

During the assault, one of the attackers struck the agent in the face with a large piece of concrete, resulting in severe facial injuries. Suspects involved in the attack retreated into Mexico as backup arrived to assist the injured agent.

The agent is continuing to recover from his severe injuries after undergoing a series of facial surgeries. The Jeep was later recovered from the river and was found to contain five large bundles of marijuana.

All information received will remain confidential, and the following 24-hour telephone numbers are available for contacting the FBI or Border Patrol:

FBI: 956-984-6300

USBP: 800-863-9382