A shocking incident unfolded near the U.S. border with Mexico over the weekend as a silver sport utility vehicle, driven by a member of the Texas Army National Guard, led police on a high-speed chase spanning 15 miles. The chase came to a dramatic end as spikes were deployed to stop the vehicle, leading to the arrest of the driver, identified as Savion Amari Donovan Johnson.
This arrest marks the second instance in less than a year where soldiers have been caught attempting to transport migrants from the border in Texas. Johnson, described as a National Guard soldier, was found transporting a migrant in an official vehicle with equipment associated with the border security mission.
The arrest has raised concerns about the integrity of those involved in border security efforts, with state law enforcement and National Guard members playing a crucial role in enhancing border security. Thousands of National Guard members have been assigned to patrol positions along the border, under Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star.
Andrew Mahaleris, press secretary for Governor Abbott, condemned the actions of Johnson, stating that if the allegations are true, he is a traitor and criminal deserving of a mandatory minimum prison sentence of at least 10 years. Johnson faces charges of human smuggling, felony evading arrest, and unlawful weapons possession.
The arrest unfolded as a state trooper attempted to pull Johnson over for speeding, leading to a high-speed chase that reached speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. The chase ended with the deployment of spikes on the road, forcing the vehicle to stop.
As the investigation continues, Johnson’s motives and involvement in the smuggling operation remain unclear. The migrant who fled on foot during the chase was later captured by officials. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating illegal activities near the border.
