Jury Returns Conviction On Felony Assault On Federal Officer Charges

     SAN DIEGO, CA – On Wednesday, October 31, 2018, a jury found defendant Carlos Miranda-Alonso guilty of felony assault on a federal officer, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1), and felony assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 111(b).  The defendant separately pleaded guilty to being an alien who knowingly eluded examination and inspection by immigration officers, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a)(2), a misdemeanor.

     According to the evidence presented at trial, the defendant illegally entered the United States on May 10, 2018 by crawling under the International Boundary Fence.  He then spent several hours making his way north before a U.S. Border Patrol Agent stopped the defendant while he was walking out of a protected wildlife estuary and onto a walking path near the Tijuana Estuary Visitor’s Center in Imperial Beach, California.

     When the Border Patrol Agent attempted to handcuff the defendant, the defendant swung his arm, hitting the Agent and breaking his grasp.  The defendant then ran several hundred yards into the estuary and for the next several minutes resisted the Agent’s attempts to capture him by striking the Agent’s arms.  When the Agent managed to get the defendant to the ground, the defendant picked up a section of 4x4 wooden fence post, stood up, and swung it at the Agent.  The Defendant dropped the post after the Agent drew his firearm; no shots were fired.  After approximately 15 minutes, the defendant was apprehended by several other Border Patrol Agents who had arrived on the scene to assist.

     “United States Border Patrol agents put their lives on the line every single day to protect our borders,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Braverman.  “This office will vigorously pursue justice against those who engage in violence against agents carrying out that critical mission.”

     “The safety and well-being of the federal law enforcement officers protecting our nation’s borders are a priority for the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” said John Brown, FBI Special Agent in Charge.  “As shown in today’s conviction, we will fully investigate and bring to justice those who assault officers while carrying out their daily duties in order to keep our country safe.”        

     “I would like to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for ensuring acts of violent aggression against Border Patrol Agents will not be tolerated.    I am also grateful for the jury’s just decision finding this defendant guilty,” said Chief Patrol Agent Rodney S. Scott. “Assault a U.S. law enforcement officer:  expect to be held accountable.”     

     The sentencing is scheduled for January 22, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. in front of Judge William Q. Hayes.