Border Patrol Agents and Maverick County Sheriff's Office Stand Off with Mentally Unstable Armed Man in Quemado

DEL RIO, TX - U.S. Border Patrol agents and Maverick County Sheriff's deputies apprehended a man who barricaded himself in a trailer housing high-powered weapons, said a press release today.

On April 4, at around 2:30 p.m., MCSO received a call from a rancher near Quemado who reported a man had illegally entered onto the property and forced his way into a trailer, said the release. 

"Stored within the trailer were multiple firearms including two high-powered rifles and a 12-gauge shotgun," noted Border Patrol officials. "The caller also reported hearing a gunshot. Sheriff’s deputies reached out to Border Patrol for assistance, and, within a short time, a perimeter, comprised of armed Border Patrol agents from the Eagle Pass North Station and Maverick County Sheriff’s deputies, was established around the structure."

Agents ordered the man to exit the trailer, but they were unsuccessful. 

"At this time, the intruder was positively identified as a 29-year-old Eagle Pass man with possible bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia," said the press release. "He had been previously arrested for arson, terroristic threats, assault causing bodily injury, and attempting to take a weapon from an officer. Maverick County Sheriff’s Office mobilized their SWAT units. Despite repeated attempts by a negotiator, the man was unwilling to come out peacefully."

Because of this, MCSO SWAT and Border Patrol Tactical units (BORTAC) deployed a tear gas agent, which forced the man to exit and surrender without further incident.

Six firearms were accounted for and returned to the property owner, and the suspect was arrested by MCSO deputies. He is currently awaiting charges.

“Border Patrol is committed to utilizing innovative, sophisticated, and up-to-date tactics to resolve situations in the most peaceful manner possible,” stated Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew J. Hudak. “I commend the hard work of these agents and Maverick County Sheriff’s deputies for their vigilance in this arrest.”