Watch: Cochise County Sheriff Deputies Save Migrant After High-Speed Chase
Arizona has a human smuggling problem. High-speed pursuits between human smugglers and law enforcement plague the southern border nearly every day, stretching resources across Cochise, Santa Cruz, Pima, and Yuma counties, all of which border Mexico.
How Many Migrants Arrive Across the Arizona/Mexico Border?
This month, CBS News reported,
"...[the] Tucson sector...[has] seen the number of migrants arriving daily soar to as many as 1,900, an increase of 134% from an average of 812 in June, according to unpublished agency figures."
Law enforcement from all agencies working to combat this dangerous and escalating problem. Drivers as young as 13 years old have been apprehended attempting to drive migrants through Arizona counties.
Sheriff Mark Dannels of the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office says his department responded to at least 270 human smuggling situations this year.
The issue is intensifying, posing a danger to everyone involved. Drivers, migrants, law enforcement, and innocent bystanders are all impacted by this growing problem.
Watch at Officers Save a Migrant from a Car Trunk After a High-Speed Chase
Recently, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office documented a high-speed chase and the ensuing traffic stop. Using officers' body cam footage, the Cochise County Sheriff's Public Information Office put together an edge-of-your-seat video.
As the intense video begins, viewers find themselves behind the wheel with a Cochise County deputy as he begins the pursuit of a suspicious vehicle.
Through radio conversation, you discover the vehicle is making its way down Moson Road, south of Sierra Vista in Cochise County. As the car heads toward the more populated residential area of Sierra Vista, a decision is made.
Protecting the Public
As the vehicle turns, officer radios that he is calling off the pursuit in order to protect the public. Officers pick the chase up again north of Huachuca City as the vehicle moves out of populated areas onto the highway.
Just north of Huachuca City, Cochise County Sheriff's deputies use a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle. Officers roll up to the scene and exit vehicles in pursuit of the fleeing driver. It's then they report a fire in the trunk of the driver's car.
Lifesaving Measures
As the deputy handcuffs the driver, he asks, "Is there anyone in the trunk?"
The driver responds, "Yes."
"Guys, there are people in the trunk!" The officer shouts to the other officers, as they spring into action. Deputies race to the vehicle, unlatch the trunk, and save the single occupant riding inside.
Fortunately, this incident had a good outcome. Officers save the migrant and bring the driver into custody without incident.