Last Updated on December 13, 2021 by CCAR Staff
A U.S. Border Patrol agent suffered serious injuries early Monday, Dec. 13, when he was struck at the Temecula checkpoint by a vehicle driven by what the California Highway Patrol said was a speeding drunken driver.
The agent was hospitalized at Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar and expected to survive, said Officer Mike Lassig, a CHP spokesman.
“We’re very fortunate,” Lassig said, adding: “It’s going to be a long road to recovery.”
The collision happened at 2:22 a.m. in a northbound lane of what Lassig described as a well-illuminated checkpoint on I-15 north of Rainbow Valley Road.
There are signs telling motorists that the checkpoint is up ahead, and stop signs at the checkpoint. The agents stand in the roadway and wave drivers through or refer them to the side for additional inspections.
But the 2013 Mini Cooper was traveling at about 60 mph when it hit the agent, propelling him into the air, Lassig said. The agent landed on the asphalt road.
The driver continued on for about one mile before stopping, Lassig said.
“Based on our investigation, the driver knew that he had struck something,” Lassig said. “The vehicle sustained major front-end damage to where you couldn’t see through the windshield.”
CHP officers performed a field-sobriety test on the driver and arrested Jaime Alejandro Garcia, 30, of San Bernardino on suspicion of felony driving under the influence of alcohol and felony hit-and-run.
His passenger, Karen Vianey Devora, 28, of San Bernardino was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a peace officer.
Both were booked into Cois M. Byrd Detention Center in French Valley.
Being hit by a vehicle is one of the biggest threats to officer safety, Lassig said.
“We’re out there, vulnerable,” he said. “Motorists need to slow down.”
