Dangerous pursuit and crash results in smuggling charges

McALLEN, Texas – A 22-year-old man has been arrested for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Authorities took Luis Ruiz-Valadez into federal custody today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis at 9 a.m.

The criminal complaint alleges on April 18, authorities observed several subjects breach the border wall near Hidalgo and run to a nearby parking lot. There, Ruiz-Valadez was allegedly waiting in a red Ford F-150 pick-up truck. 

According to the charges, Ruiz-Valadez fled the scene at a high rate of speed and failed to yield when law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop for speeding. Throughout the high-speed pursuit, they observed three subjects laying in the bed of the truck, according to the complaint.  

Ruiz-Valadez allegedly crashed into a cement barricade on Expressway 83 and was taken into custody.

If convicted, Ruiz-Valadez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.