AZMEX UPDATE 4-11-13

AZMEX UPDATE 4 NOV 2013


DPS Officer's Patrol Vehicle Rammed During Traffic Stop
Suspect was likely carrying supplies for Mexican Cartel
Monday, November 04, 2013 -

http://www.azdps.gov/Media/News/View/?p=450&utm_content=landis%40asrpa.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eazdps%2Egov%2FMedia%2FNews%2FView%2F%3Fp%3D450&utm_campaign=Officer's%20Patrol%20Vehicle%20Rammed%20During%20Traffic%20Stop

Phoenix - Angel Antonio Flores Tirado, a 26-year-old Mexican citizen, appears to have been on his way to deliver supplies to members of a cartel as indicated by evidence found in his vehicle.

A DPS Highway Patrol officer made a traffic stop on Flores just before 3:00 a.m. on November 4, 2013 along Interstate 10 near Wild Horse Pass. During the traffic stop Flores refused to obey the DPS officer and instead placed his pickup truck into reverse. Flores then rammed the officer's patrol car and fled from the scene.

The DPS officer gave pursuit. Flores abandoned his vehicle near the gate of a private community in Sun Lakes. Flores had left the vehicle in drive, so it rolled into the communities' gate causing damage.

Flores was located a short while later by the Chandler Police Department near Alma School and Riggs road. The DPS officer took custody of Flores.

The truck was loaded with a significant amount of survival gear along with food, beverages and clothing, including multiple pairs of walking shoes and camouflage jackets.

Also found in the vehicle were multiple batteries and cell phones in addition to a loaded 9mm glock handgun and ammunition.

Flores told the DPS officer he was going to drop off the supplies at the rest area near Casa Grande.

The suspect's statements, along with the items found in his truck, point to his likely involvement in an effort to resupply cartel members operating in the dessert. It is unknown at this time if the cartel members he was likely supporting were involved in human smuggling, drug smuggling, or both.

Flores was booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Jail for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon / dangerous instrument, aggravated assault-police officer, unlawful flight from law enforcement vehicle, false reporting to law enforcement, possession of weapon by prohibited person, and criminal damage.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety encourages the public to be vigilant and aware of potential organized criminal activity along Arizona's roadways and rest areas. If you witness such activity, contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 1 888 NO GANGS.


PhotosPhotos
Click here for photos relating to this press release.