A Texas National Guard member found himself in custody after being accused of human smuggling and leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed pursuit near the Texas-Mexico border on Sunday.
The individual, identified as 26-year-old Savion Johnson by the Texas Department of Public Safety, allegedly attempted to evade authorities at a checkpoint in Kinney County. Kinney County Sheriff Brad Coe recounted the incident, stating that Johnson abruptly turned his vehicle around and sped away upon approaching the checkpoint.
Deputies from the Kinney County Sheriff’s Office and troopers from the DPS promptly initiated a pursuit. During the chase, the vehicle briefly halted, allowing a migrant passenger to flee on foot. Despite efforts, law enforcement officers were unable to apprehend the migrant.
The pursuit culminated on Highway 90, near Brackettville, where authorities deployed spikes to immobilize the vehicle. Inside, a sheriff’s deputy discovered identification linking Johnson to the Texas National Guard. Coe noted that Johnson had his uniform and helmet with him, indicating his active duty status under Operation Lone Star, a large-scale law enforcement initiative at the border.
DPS subsequently arrested Johnson, charging him with evading arrest, smuggling of persons, and unlawful carry of a weapon, according to DPS spokesperson Lt. Chris Olivarez. The investigation remains ongoing.
At present, no attorney has been identified for Johnson. Efforts to reach out to the local district attorney’s office, the US Attorney’s office, and Customs and Border Protection for comment have been made.
In response to the incident, Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, issued a stern statement condemning the accused. Mahaleris emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for individuals violating laws that oppose the state’s objectives, labeling the alleged actions as traitorous and criminal. He also highlighted the potential severe penalties, including a mandatory minimum prison sentence of at least 10 years, if found guilty.