Deputy Richard Epps of the La Paz County (Ariz.) Sheriff’s Office warns other Police1 members of a tactic used lately in his area by coyotes, the smugglers of illegal Mexican aliens.
Twice this month when deputies have stopped suspected smuggling vehicles the drivers have unexpectedly kicked into reverse gear and rammed the patrol car parked behind, while their passenger load has bailed and run into the desert.
In one instance the deputy was approaching the stopped vehicle on foot and believes the driver tried to hit him as part of the ramming. About $3,000 worth of damage was inflicted on the units in these incidents, but fortunately no officers were injured.
“Coyotes are getting increasingly aggressive,” Epps tells Police1. “They’re losing money because of successful interdiction efforts.”
La Paz deputies have extended the distance between their patrol car and the violator vehicle on car stops, now staying back two to three car lengths. This tends to diminish a suspected driver’s focus on the unit, Epps explains. Out of their vehicle, deputies are primed for a sudden backup and ready to move out of the way. And, of course, they avoid standing or passing behind a violator’s vehicle.
“We want to make other agencies that work the border aware of this offender tactic,” Epps says. “I’d hate to see an officer get run over or have to shoot somebody.”
