Agents Seize Weapons, Ammunition; Solar Panel from Smugglers

Tucson, AZ. – Two firearms, more than 200 rounds of ammunition, one solar panel, and several radios, cell phones and binoculars were seized this weekend by Tucson Sector Border Patrol, a component of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Joint Field Command-Arizona.

Ajo Station agents arrested a U.S. citizen and four illegal immigrants Saturday in possession of one AK-47 assault rifle, one fully loaded 30-round magazine, a solar panel, and several radios and cell phones. Smugglers often use solar panels to power their communication devices in remote areas of the border. The subjects were apprehended after agents stopped their vehicle south of the Border Patrol checkpoint on State Road 85. The subjects were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with the weapon, ammunition and other items seized.

Also on Saturday, Casa Grande Station agents arrested a U.S. citizen attempting to smuggle 100 rounds of 7.62 ammunition and 100 rounds of .38 Super Auto ammunition into Mexico. The vehicle, driver and ammunition were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

On Sunday, Tucson Station agents conducting checkpoint operations on State Road 86 seized a loaded .45 caliber semiautomatic handgun after a record check revealed the weapon had been reported stolen. The firearm was turned over to the Arizona Department ofPublic Safety.

As Arizona law enforcement efforts continue to disrupt transnational criminal activities, the Border Patrol and other federal, state, local and tribal agencies are committed to keeping Arizona communities safe. Partnerships between law enforcement agencies serve as a formidable force against smugglers and other criminals.

CBP welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

CBP announced the JFC-AZ in February 2011 as an organizational realignment that brings together the Tucson and Yuma Border Patrol Sectors and Air Branches, as well as the Tucson Field Office, under a unified command structure. JFC-AZ integrates CBP’s border security, commercial enforcement and trade facilitation missions to more effectively meet the unique challenges faced in Arizona. Follow us on Twitter @CBPArizona or visit the attached site for more information.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Border Patrol Agent Rescues Driver from Accident

Tucson, AZ – A Border Patrol agent from the Casa Grande Station rescued a female driver on August 4, after her vehicle rolled on its side while traveling on Interstate 10.

The agent was headed east on I-10 when he saw a vehicle lying on its passenger side. He immediately pulled over to assist and noticed the engine idling, the fuel tank leaking, and the driver trapped inside. Acting swiftly and without regard for his safety, the agent struck the windshield with his steel baton to gain access to the trapped woman. At the same time, two uniformed military personnel stopped to assist. Using a crowbar, they removed the windshield, allowing the agent to enter the vehicle, shut off the engine, and safely extract the lone occupant.

The driver sustained minor abrasions and complained of a headache. The Arizona Department of Public Safety arrived and took control of the scene. Shortly afterward, a Marana Fire Department crew arrived and provided medical attention to the woman.

The Border Patrol is an all-threats agency with dedicated agents trained to provide assistance to anyone in distress. Fortunately, in this case, the agent was in the area and everyone was able to safely leave the scene.

Since launching the Southwest Border Initiative in March 2009, the Department of Homeland Security has made significant investments toward establishing a secure and safe border environment to improve the quality of life throughout Arizona communities.

Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Anyone can report suspicious activity by calling the Border Patrol at 1-877-872-7435. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Arizona, Arkansas and Georgia

Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. Four police officers from Arizona, Arkansas and Georgia was added to the website: Bryan Muth; Frank Gillette; Cory Harris; and, Harold Goldhagen.

Bryan Muth was a police officer for the Phoenix Police Department (Arizona). After his retirement in 2005, he began working as a private investigator in the Phoenix area. Bryan Muth is the author of Judging the Police. According to the book description, “the post Rodney King era police officer is more tenuous fearful of citizen complaint or prosecution than ever before in history. The "L" word (liability) is fast becoming the first concern of a cop not public safety. Officers are being reviewed through citizen groups, ADHOC committees, or civil juries whose members only yesterday told a police officer "I wouldn't do your job for a million bucks". Offenders as young as ten years old are trying to intimidate an officer from doing his job by demanding to talk to the officer's supervisor. Unfortunately, it is working! You are not as safe from crime as you would think or that police administrators and politicians would like you to believe.”

Bryan Muth is currently working on his second book, How Near Anarchy. A portion of the proceeds from his second book are slated to go a law enforcement legal defense fund based in Washington, DC, that defends police officers from unwarranted prosecution.

Frank V. Gillette retired from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. He is the author of two books, A Cop’s Diary and Pleasant Valley. In addition to his writing, he apparently stayed alert and involved. According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety monthly newsletter, in August 1984, Frank Gillette was gathering firewood west of Young Airport when he saw a large aircraft making its final approach. Frank Gillette also noted unusual activity on nearby roads. He called a narcotics officer and reported the activity, leading to one of the largest cocaine seizures in Arizona history; over 1,370 pounds with a street value of $148 million.

Cory B. Harris has over 13 years of military and law enforcement experience. He has served with The United States Air Force, Little Rock Police Department (Arkansas), United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the United States Marshal Service. He has law enforcement training and experience in field training, crime prevention, investigations, operations, apprehension, and protection. He is also a recipient of the Little Rock Police Department’s Medal of Merit. Moreover, he is the first law enforcement official from the state of Arkansas to be added to the website.

Cory B. Harris is the author of Zipper Le Series One: Outlook on Leadership And Liability Issues in the Criminal Justice System. According to the book description, Cory B. Harris’ book, “takes you behind the badge to examine tough issues in the criminal justice system. It tackles civil liability, race, and leadership issues to name a few from the outlook of the author. The author gives examples using his own experiences that are simple and easy to understand to give the reader unique insight. The book contains many case studies, and stories that are interesting yet they have a simple meaning. The book explores how different groups of people look at these issues in different ways, as well as how important it is for criminal justice officials to stay mentally fit.”

Harold Goldhagen is a retired captain from the Atlanta Police Department. He is also the author of Signal 63: Officer Needs Help. According to the book description, “As the Civil Rights Movement changed everything, Atlanta, Georgia could be any city. Cops are cops; people are people; crime is crime. Serving in the police is tough, and Officer Harold's circumstances were anything but ordinary.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 557 police officers (representing 231 police departments) and their 1174 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.