MARICOPA, Ariz. – An illegal immigrant from Mexico is in PCSO custody following a vehicle pursuit Monday evening.

On 4/23/2012, at approximately 8:30 p.m., a Pinal County Sheriff Office deputy on patrol heading eastbound near Meadow View and Green Road’s observed a white, 2003 Ford F-150 pickup traveling westbound at a high rate of speed.

Carlos Munoz-Parra

The deputy turned around to conduct a traffic stop at Osa and Javelina Roads. After the deputy activated his emergency lights, the truck accelerated away from the deputy at a high rate of speed.

After a vehicle pursuit that covered approximately four miles, the driver pulled to a stop along Dune Shadow Road and ran from the vehicle into the desert.

The deputy approached the truck to secure the vehicle and notice a loaded AK-47 rifle had been discarded near the passenger door. The deputy also identified a female passenger kneeling beside the truck, covering a small 4 year old child.

The 26 year old passenger identified herself as the child’s mother, and both were secured and placed into the deputy’s vehicle. (It should be noted both are U.S. citizens.)

TThe passenger identified the driver of the truck as Carlos Munoz-Parra, 33, of Sinaloa, Mexico. A search involving PCSO deputies, United States Border Patrol agents, and rangers with the Bureau of Land Management was conducted. Munoz-Parra was apprehended minutes later by a BLM Ranger K-9 Unit hiding in the desert. When asked why he didn’t stop, Munoz-Parra indicated he had been drinking and was an illegal immigrant.

The passenger informed deputies Munoz-Parra was giving her a ride to a friend’s house at the time of the pursuit. She also informed deputies she told Munoz-Parra to stop so she and her son could get out.

A search of the vehicle turned up a plastic bag containing marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia used for smoking methamphetamine. Munoz-Parra admitted the drugs and rifle were his and he was attempting to sell the AK-47.

Identity processing conducted by USBP showed Munoz-Parra has a history of unlawful entry into the United States and has been involved in numerous human smuggling cases.

ShSheriff Paul Babeu stated, “Yet another prime example of why we need to secure our southern border. Those who sight lower apprehensions as a way to justify proper border security fail to acknowledge people like Munoz-Parra who continue to come and go as he pleases while breaking our laws and putting citizens of Pinal County at risk. The mother and child who were taken along for the ride are lucky to be alive.”