SandBoxBlogs: Customs and Border Protection "Port Angeles CBP Assets Assist in Arrest of Murder Suspect"

"Port Angeles, Wash. - On June 3, 2012, CBP U.S. Border Patrol agents, CBP air assets, along with multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies apprehended a suspected murderer after an extensive manhunt near Port Angeles, Washington.

“I commend the actions of all law enforcement agencies involved in the search and arrest which potentially saved additional human lives,” said Blaine Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent John C. Bates. “Border Patrol routinely provides assistance and partners with local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies as requested.”

A Clallam County Sheriff’s spokesperson stated, “Sheriff Benedict greatly appreciates the close working relationship he enjoys with the Border Patrol and the rapid support and back-up provided by the dedicated and professional Border Patrol agents in Clallam County. The apprehension of this armed and dangerous subject was the product of the teamwork and skill of all of the Olympic Peninsula law enforcement agencies, and in particular the quick response we received from the Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection for ground and air assets.”

On June 3, 2012, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Port Angeles Border Patrol Station received a request for assistance from the Clallam County Sheriff's Office for an ongoing manhunt. The Clallam County Sheriff's Office was searching for a subject who had allegedly invaded a home on Blue Mountain Road near Port Angeles and murdered one occupant. CBP Border Patrol agents from the Port Angeles Station and a CBP helicopter from the Bellingham air branch responded.

Border Patrol Agents along with multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies helped establish a containment zone around the last known location of the suspect. The CBP helicopter and Border Patrol agents on the ground spotted an individual matching the murder suspect in a wooded area near Gelor Road. Border Patrol agents subdued and disarmed the subject who had a 9mm pistol and knife in his possession at the time of the arrest. The suspect and weapons were turned over to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.

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."