Department of Justice

United States Attorney’s Office

Western District of Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: PAO DARYL FIELDS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2018 (210) 384-7440

HONDURAN NATIONAL CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING BORDER PATROL AGENTS

In Del Rio, federal authorities filed a criminal complaint against 48–year-old Honduran National Leivin Pineda for allegedly assaulting a Border Patrol agent over the weekend near Eagle Pass, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.

The criminal complaint alleges that on September 2, 2018, Border Patrol agents observed the defendant, who they believed to be an illegal alien, walking along FM 1907 in Maverick County. According to the complaint, the agents attempted to approach Pineda, but he fled on foot into the brush. At several points during the foot chase, Pineda threw softball-sized rocks at a high velocity towards the agents’ heads. During the pursuit, the agents repeatedly gave verbal commands to stop, but Pineda refused. The complaint further states that due to Pineda’s

actions and that the rocks thrown at the agents could cause serious physical injury or death, a pursuing agent drew his firearm and shot Pineda in the upper chest/left upper arm area in order to neutralize the threat.

Pineda is currently in federal custody following medical treatment and release from a hospital. A detention hearing is scheduled for 1:00pm on September 11, 2018, before United States Magistrate Judge Victor Roberto Garcia in Del Rio. Upon conviction, Pineda faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the assault charge.

The FBI, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility (CBP OPR) are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Watters is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.