VALENTINE – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Van Horn station apprehend an 18-year-old Mexican man who was found in possession of a firearm reported stolen in Valentine last week, according to a news release from Arain Carrera, special operations supervisor, strategic communications, Big Bend Border Patrol Sector Marfa.
On Monday April 15, Van Horn agents assisted with a home burglary investigation in Valentine. The home owner informed the agents that his 9-millimeter handgun, two handgun magazines, and an all-terrain vehicle ignition key had been stolen.
On Wednesday April 17, at about 11am, a Border Patrol agent encountered a man walking alone along a desolate road about 16 miles west of Valentine. When the agent approached the man, he noticed the man was in possession of a handgun. The agent was able to make the arrest without incident.
The man arrested appeared to be in possession of the items reported stolen two days earlier. After further investigation, it was determined that the man had broken into the Valentine residence agents previously responded to.
The man is a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States. He will be charged for illegal entry without inspection by the U.S. Border Patrol, in addition to possession of the stolen handgun and ammunition, and perhaps burglary of a habitation.
Said Patrol Agent in Charge of the Van Horn Station Jose Aleman, “Our agent’s service to protecting this community is reflected by their relentless efforts in apprehending this man. Fortunately, he was apprehended without incident.”