A Texas teenager faces state and federal charges after leading U.S. Border Patrol and sheriff’s deputies on a 119-mile overnight pursuit while carrying 14 illegal immigrants in her truck.
Selena Amanda Huitron, 17, of Austin reached speeds up to 100 mph Friday while being pursued by police through LaSalle, Frio and Bexar counties, the ABC-affiliated KSAT reported.
Ms. Huitron, a U.S. citizen, is accused of transporting and smuggling immigrants in her Ford F-150.
Berin Salas, chief supervisory Border Patrol agent in the Laredo sector, said five men escaped when the pursuit abruptly ended at Interstate 35 and Splashtown, but three men and three women from Mexico were taken into custody along with a mother from Guatemala and her two daughters, ages 5 and 15, KSAT reported.
“It is very unusual for us to have 119-mile pursuit,” Mr. Salas told the station. “I think the driver was scared and didn’t know what to do.”
Mr. Salas said the teen girl is considered a juvenile under federal law but an adult under state law.
James Keith, BCSO spokesperson, said Ms. Huitron faces felony charges of evading arrest and three counts of aggravated assault on a public servant, the station reported.
Mr. Keith said the girl allegedly rammed three BCSO patrol cars that had blocked in her vehicle.
Police say an investigation is ongoing.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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