ALPINE, Calif. (KGTV) -- U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested two teenagers after they fled from an immigration checkpoint on Thursday. One of the teens was wanted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for alleged involvement in an armed robbery.
On Feb. 4, around 3 p.m., a 16-year-old male who is a United States Citizen arrived at the Interstate 8 checkpoint, near Pine Valley, driving a Grey Mercedes sedan, the department said.
The female passenger was 15-years-old and also a U.S. citizen. Agents working the checkpoint say the driver sped off after agents started questioning them.
Agents pursued the Mercedes but lost sight of it after it exited the freeway. A short time later, agents discovered the Mercedes abandoned in the Viejas Casino parking lot.
Working in coordination with the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians, Casino Security Team, and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, the teens were found hiding in one of the building’s stairwells.
After running a background check, agents discovered the 16-year-old driver was wanted in Los Angeles for his alleged involvement in an armed robbery involving a shot-gun. Agents later found out the Mercedes was stolen.
“I am proud of the diligence displayed by our agents,” said Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke. “Their hard work helped stop a person wanted for involvement in a violent crime.”
The San Diego Sheriff's Department took the teenagers into custody pending further investigation.
