Perez-Rodriguez Accused of Hitting Federal Agents With Truck in Brownsville
The 28-year-old driver allegedly fled a traffic stop on October 2 after being told he lacked proper documentation, resulting in charges that carry a maximum 20-year sentence.
By Arjun Weber ·
Federal authorities in Brownsville, Texas, are prosecuting a local driver for striking two agents with his pickup truck during a traffic stop. The incident occurred on October 2, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Officials stated that Eduardo Perez-Rodriguez, 28, was driving a Ford F-150 when agents initiated a stop. They informed him he lacked documentation permitting him to remain in the country. Perez-Rodriguez refused to exit the vehicle and drove away, hitting the two officers in the process.
One agent sustained injuries to a foot after being run over by the truck. The Department of Justice has not released the full extent of the injuries for either officer. The driver has been charged with forcibly assaulting two federal agents. Prosecutors classified the vehicle as a deadly or dangerous weapon in the case.
The charges carry a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years. If convicted, Perez-Rodriguez could also face a fine of up to $250,000 for each count of the offense. He remained in custody as of Tuesday, November 10, while awaiting further criminal proceedings.
The case originated from a standard traffic stop that escalated when the driver failed to comply with orders to exit the vehicle. Federal officials are handling the prosecution under their authority to protect agents in the line of duty. The specific legal outcome will depend on the upcoming court hearings.
