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.)
The 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.
Sheriff 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.”
Carlos Munoz‐Parra, 33, of Sinaloa, Mexico is now facing the following charges:
CASE TYPE & ARS CODES:
ARS 13-3102A.1.a CARRYING A DEADLY WEAPON IN FURTHERANCE OF A FELONY ARS 13-3102A.8 POSSESSING A DEADLY WEAPON DURING CHAPTER 34 OFFENSE ARS 13-3102A.4 POSSESSION OF A DEADLY WEAPON BY A PROHIBITED POSSESSOR ARS 13-3405A.1 POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA ARS 13-3415A POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA ARS 28-622.01 UNLAWFUL FLIGHT FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT
