A spokeswoman for the U.S. Border Patrol reported that a man who entered the country illegally was arrested outside Temecula on suspicion of possessing semi-automatic weapons.
On Jan. 17, U.S. Border Patrol agents stationed out of the Murrieta office encountered a “suspicious” SUV traveling west on Chihuahua Valley Road, north of Warner Springs, reported agent Mary Beth L. Caston.
“The 40-year-old driver of the 1998 Toyota 4-Runner initially failed to yield when agents attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver subsequently pulled over and attempted to flee from the scene. After a brief foot chase, agents took the driver into custody,” Caston said.
Agents questioned the man, who admitted to being in the United States illegally, Caston said. They searched the SUV and discovered two semi-automatic rifles and two loaded magazines hidden in the rear cargo area, she added.
“The firearms, magazines, and vehicle were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol. The suspect is being held in Department of Homeland Security custody pending Federal charges for possession of firearms by an illegal alien,” Caston said.
The suspect’s identity was not released by authorities.
