TUCSON, Ariz. – Tucson Sector Border Patrol and Air and Marine Operations (AMO) agents combined efforts to airlift a 19-year-old Guatemalan man with a broken ankle from mountainous terrain southwest of Three Points on Thursday.
The incident occurred after a Border Patrol agent encountered the injured man on a mountainside in the Coyote Mountains Wilderness area, known for its rugged peaks, massive rounded bluffs, sheer cliff faces, and large open canyons.
After the agent assessed the man’s injury, he called for assistance from the Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) team due to the remote location.
An AMO Blackhawk helicopter from the Tucson Air Branch was then dispatched to transport BORSTAR agents to the site. After BORSTAR agents helped stabilize the man, the AMO aircrew lifted him to safety and an awaiting EMT crew from the Three Points Fire Department for ground transport to a local hospital.
The man will remain in Border Patrol custody until he is released from the hospital, at which time he will be processed for immigration proceedings in accordance with Tucson Sector Guidelines.
Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol by calling 1-877-872-7435 toll free. All calls will be answered and remain anonymous.
