A man who is suspected of sexually assaulting a child has been arrested at the Texas border.
Paciano Castillo Hernandez, 51, was caught at the Juárez-Lincoln International Bridge, which is part of the Laredo Port of Entry, on May 20.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers identified Hernandez, a U.S. citizen, with biometric technology.
When they checked federal databases, they discovered he was wanted by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
Hernandez, who was travelling in a vehicle when he was caught, is suspected of committing the alleged offense in San Antonio. He was booked into Webb County Jail.
Stock image of people crossing the Laredo Port of Entry foot bridge on the US/Mexico border in Laredo, Texas. Paciano Castillo Hernandez, 51, was arrested at the Juárez-Lincoln International Bridge, which is part of the Laredo Port of Entry.
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Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry, said: “Our frontline officers continue to maintain strict vigilance and their attention to detail and dedication to the border security mission resulted in this significant apprehension.
“Apprehensions of this heinous type clearly underscore the important work of our officers in keeping our communities secure.”
The CBP used The National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which “is a centralized automated database designed to share information among law enforcement agencies including outstanding warrants for a wide range of offenses.”
It said: “Based on information from NCIC, CBP officers have made previous arrests of individuals wanted for homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny and military desertion.
“Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.”
It comes a few days after Texas state troopers released footage showing the chase and arrest of a suspected people smuggler.
Roque Flores, of Eagle Pass, has been charged with smuggling of persons and evading arrest, said a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Lieutenant Chris Olivarez.
The incident took place on May 13, but the video was released on May 20.
The video starts with a view from the trooper’s dash camera, just before he turns around to follow a Mercedes-Benz.
As the Mercedes speeds up, the trooper ends up in a high-speed chase along the US-277.
The other driver appears to pull over into a property, prompting the trooper to screech his car to a halt and pursue the suspect on foot.
He can be heard yelling: “Come here! I’m going to get you!” At a different point, he can also be heard shouting: “You better stop! Hey, you’re not getting away!”
The officer also radios his colleagues to tell them about the chase and where it is taking place.
Eventually, the suspect stops running and walks toward the officer before he lies on the ground and submits to arrest.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.