Diligence on the part of U.S. Border Patrol Agents at a traffic checkpoint in the Las Cruces, New Mexico, area resulted in the arrest of a U.S citizen with an extensive criminal history who was in possession of a stolen firearm.
On Tuesday at approximately 9:30 p.m., while conducting an immigration inspection of a passenger bus at the Interstate 25 checkpoint, U.S. Border Patrol agents using service canines alerted to a duffel bag belonging to Steven Valdez, a passenger on the bus. Agents received consent from Valdez to search the bag which revealed an unloaded 40-caliber pistol concealed in a sock, and a loaded magazine in another sock.
Records checks revealed an extensive criminal history, including a conviction of aggravated battery, resisting/evading and assault. The concealed firearm discovered in Valdez’s possession had also been reported stolen in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Valdez was placed into custody and arrested for being an aggravated felon in possession of a stolen firearm. Valdez was then remanded to the custody of the New Mexico State Police Department, who issued a warrant for his arrest.