CCSO: Human smuggling suspect arrested near Elfrida

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office arrested a suspect in connection with a human smuggling case near Elfrida.

The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to contact a white Toyota Tundra in the area of Highway 191 near MP 2, the industrial complex, for a traffic violation.

Before affecting the stop, the vehicle pulled into the industrial area. As the CCSO deputy was contacting the vehicle, 15-20 occupants bailed from the vehicle.

CCSO said as the deputy went to contact the driver, the female driver put the vehicle into reverse, striking the deputy’s vehicle.

The deputy had to get out of the way to avoid being struck. The vehicle backed into an unknown object on the property, damaging the truck. The deputy again had to move to avoid being struck as the vehicle fled towards Highway 191.

The vehicle fled north on 191 at speeds reaching 100 miles per hour. As CCSO deputies pursued the vehicle, it fled west onto Double Abobe Rd before turning south onto Toltec Place.

Authorities said the vehicle went offroad for several hundred yards before stopping. CBP Air and Marine operations were overhead and tracked the female driver and male passenger as they fled into the brush.

With assistance from USBP ground units, USBP K-9, USBP Horse Patrol, and CBP Office of Air and Marine air support, the female driver was tracked to a residence off of Brooks Road near milepost 4.

CCSO said the female was hiding in a shed on the property, where she was taken into custody.

Deputies identified the female as Paola Yarlin Parra Cardenas of Tucson, AZ. She was charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer, unlawful flight from pursuing law enforcement, and criminal damage (police vehicle).

According to CCSO, the persons who bailed from the vehicle have not been located. Authorities said the male passenger has not been located.

CCSO reminds people to, “See something: Say something…”

Be sure to subscribe to the 13 News YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@13newskold