The deputy initiated a traffic stop, but the SUV sped away and ran through a stop sign southbound on Toltec Road.
As the driver of the SUV approached Curtis Road at a high rate of speed, the vehicle left the roadway and became stuck in mud. The deputy witnessed (5) subjects flee from the vehicle on foot.
The deputy cleared the vehicle as additional units responded and discovered bundles of packaged marijuana totaling 518 lbs. PCSO units located three subjects a half mile from the vehicle, while United States Border Patrol Agents apprehended the remaining two near the Santa Cruz River.
The subjects were identified as:
- Sergio S. Orozco, 25 (Driver)
- Jose Ramon Medina‐Lopez, 23
- Jorge Alberto Matute‐ Vanegas, 21
- Josel Rafael Vanegas‐ Mencia, 23
- Ivis Misael Chapa‐ Duvon, 25
Drug load pictured after it was processed by Pinal County Narcotics Detectives
- Sergio S. Orozco
- Jose Ramon Medina‐Lopez
- Jorge Alberto Matute‐Vanegas
- Josel Rafael Vanegas‐Mencia
- Ivis Misael Chapa‐Duvon
Sergio S. Orozco is a legal US citizen from Eloy. The other four suspects are illegal immigrants.
Eight Illegal Immigrants Arrested Following Pursuit
On 7/24/2012 at 6:15 a.m., a PCSO deputy on patrol near Eleven Mile Corner Road near Selma Hwy observed two vehicles heading northbound, exceeding the posted speed limit. The vehicles were a red, 1999 Dodge van and a blue, 1993 Chevrolet pickup.
As the deputy pulled behind the second vehicle to initiate a traffic stop, the driver of the pickup pulled off Eleven Mile Corner Road onto an unmarked farm entrance.
As the deputy pulled up to the truck, all doors were open and several Hispanic male subjects were seen fleeing on foot.
Additional PCSO units responded with assistance from Eloy Police. A search of the area turned up (8) subjects all identified as being in the United States illegally. All individuals were turned over to United States Border Patrol agents for processing.
“Our deputies continue utilizing their training to identify and apprehend criminals involved in smuggling drugs and illegal immigrants through Pinal County,” Sheriff Paul Babeu said. “This ongoing problem has not slowed despite record enforcement by PCSO deputies and our partners targeting heavy smuggling activity. We will continue apprehending and prosecuting foreign and domestic criminals who expose the lack of Federal control along our southern border.”
