Man charged with assaulting a Border Patrol agent in southern Arizona

PHOENIX — A Mexican man was arrested on Sunday for allegedly assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol agent in southern Arizona, authorities said.

Gerardo Tejada-Calleja, 22, was charged with assault on a federal officer and illegal entry into the United States, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced Tuesday.

U.S. Border Patrol handled the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Precup is handling the prosecution.

More details on the Border Patrol agent assault

On Sunday, a Border Patrol agent responded to a call regarding migrants near Vamori, a town southwest of Tucson. Upon arrival, Tejada-Calleja was found hiding under a tree when he then ran down a wash.

Following a pursuit, Tejada-Calleja and another person were found hiding under another tree. As the Border Patrol agent attempted to call on his radio for help, Tejada-Calleja allegedly reached for the agent’s gun and radio.

Tejada-Calleja then wrapped his arms around the agent and took him down to the ground, prosecutors said. Tejada-Calleja and the other person then fled again and eventually were caught and taken into custody.

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