Smuggling Incident - CBP Campo Station
Significant Spike in Smuggling Operations
Municipal and Federal Policing Agencies surrounding large cities have noted increases in fentanyl, meth, various forms of contraband, and human smuggling operations funnelling through their jurisdictions en route to these metropolitan areas. NightHawks have proven effective in curbing the flow.
01.19.2023 INCIDENT - Campo Station, California
US Customs Border Patrol (CBP) Campo CSAT (Intelligence) agents surveilling a suspect vehicle, at approximately 3:57 p.m., CSAT agents reacquired the suspect vehicle at the Golden Acorn Casino located in Campo California. Agents surveilled the suspect vehicle as it travelled eastbound on Old Highway 80. Agents requested assistance from CBP Boulevard Station, Boulevard CA, (BLV) agents with a Vehicle Immobilization Device (VID).
At approximately 4:03 p.m., as the suspect vehicle approached Ribbonwood Road and Old Highway 80, CSAT re-engaged the vehicle prior to the VID deployment. The VID deployment missed the suspect vehicle tires.
The pursuit was terminated and surveillance continued. The suspect vehicle entered the I-8 Westbound lanes and temporarily pulled over on the I-8 Westbound lanes east of Williams Road. Two rear passengers were seen bailing out of the vehicle and running northbound into the brush. The suspect vehicle continued I-8 Westbound (toward San Diego) and failed to yield (FTY).
Conditions were wet, moderate traffic, and visibility was low. As speeds reached in excess of 100 MPH, the pursuit was once again terminated. CSAT was approved to maintain surveillance (Covert) in order to advise the (728) I-8 West Checkpoint of the suspect vehicle`s location.
NightHawk Prevents Pursuit Escalation
At approximately 4:15 p.m., the suspect vehicle approached the 728 Checkpoint and agents deployed two sets of NightHawk VID`s, both programmed to remotely deploy simultaneously and cover all lanes of roadway.
The suspect vehicle stopped prior to the NightHawk VID`s and attempted to turn around and drive the "wrong way," however, he was unable to do so. Campo agents conducted a felony stop and arrested two principals for 8 USC 1324 Alien Smuggling (among other charges), without further incident.
Both principals were determined to be illegally present in the USA. Two illegal aliens were later arrested at the location of the bail out. Prosecution will be sought.
- No agents, civilians, or criminals were injured.
- No government, civilian, or suspect vehicles were damaged.
- No property was damaged.
- Notifications to command were made in a timely manner.
"The NightHawks are very effective in preventing High Speed pursuits and criminals from entering into populated areas and presenting an unneeded danger to the public. Thank you MATADOR Law Enforcement Technologies and please continue to do what you do!" commented Campo Station Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Keith D. Ritchason.
Smuggling Incident - CBP Campo Station
Significant Spike in Smuggling Operations
Municipal and Federal Policing Agencies surrounding large cities have noted increases in fentanyl, meth, various forms of contraband, and human smuggling operations funnelling through their jurisdictions en route to these metropolitan areas. NightHawks have proven effective in curbing the flow.
01.19.2023 INCIDENT - Campo Station, California
US Customs Border Patrol (CBP) Campo CSAT (Intelligence) agents surveilling a suspect vehicle, at approximately 3:57 p.m., CSAT agents reacquired the suspect vehicle at the Golden Acorn Casino located in Campo California. Agents surveilled the suspect vehicle as it travelled eastbound on Old Highway 80. Agents requested assistance from CBP Boulevard Station, Boulevard CA, (BLV) agents with a Vehicle Immobilization Device (VID).
At approximately 4:03 p.m., as the suspect vehicle approached Ribbonwood Road and Old Highway 80, CSAT re-engaged the vehicle prior to the VID deployment. The VID deployment missed the suspect vehicle tires.
The pursuit was terminated and surveillance continued. The suspect vehicle entered the I-8 Westbound lanes and temporarily pulled over on the I-8 Westbound lanes east of Williams Road. Two rear passengers were seen bailing out of the vehicle and running northbound into the brush. The suspect vehicle continued I-8 Westbound (toward San Diego) and failed to yield (FTY).
Conditions were wet, moderate traffic, and visibility was low. As speeds reached in excess of 100 MPH, the pursuit was once again terminated. CSAT was approved to maintain surveillance (Covert) in order to advise the (728) I-8 West Checkpoint of the suspect vehicle`s location.
NightHawk Prevents Pursuit Escalation
At approximately 4:15 p.m., the suspect vehicle approached the 728 Checkpoint and agents deployed two sets of NightHawk VID`s, both programmed to remotely deploy simultaneously and cover all lanes of roadway.
The suspect vehicle stopped prior to the NightHawk VID`s and attempted to turn around and drive the "wrong way," however, he was unable to do so. Campo agents conducted a felony stop and arrested two principals for 8 USC 1324 Alien Smuggling (among other charges), without further incident.
Both principals were determined to be illegally present in the USA. Two illegal aliens were later arrested at the location of the bail out. Prosecution will be sought.
- No agents, civilians, or criminals were injured.
- No government, civilian, or suspect vehicles were damaged.
- No property was damaged.
- Notifications to command were made in a timely manner.
"The NightHawks are very effective in preventing High Speed pursuits and criminals from entering into populated areas and presenting an unneeded danger to the public. Thank you MATADOR Law Enforcement Technologies and please continue to do what you do!" commented Campo Station Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Keith D. Ritchason.