SIERRA BLANCA, TEXAS — A 33-year-old Wisconsin man was shot and killed Wednesday after fleeing a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in a stolen vehicle, leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase and exchange of gunfire along Interstate 10, according to state authorities.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) identified the driver as James Douglas McMillan of Wisconsin. Authorities say the incident began at the Sierra Blanca Border Patrol checkpoint, located about 90 miles east of El Paso.
Drug K-9 Alert at Checkpoint
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, McMillan was passing through the Sierra Blanca checkpoint when a Border Patrol drug K-9 alerted to his vehicle.
When agents asked him to pull over for a search, DPS says McMillan instead sped away from the checkpoint, initiating a pursuit.
The chase continued along Interstate 10, at times exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour. A DPS helicopter joined the pursuit as multiple agencies coordinated efforts to stop the vehicle.
Gunfire on Interstate 10
Authorities allege that during the chase, McMillan began firing shots indiscriminately out of his vehicle window at both law enforcement officers and civilian vehicles traveling on the highway.
Law enforcement officers returned fire while continuing the pursuit.
DPS stated that troopers performed a tactical maneuver to force McMillan’s vehicle to crash approximately 70 miles from where the chase began.
After the crash, officials say McMillan barricaded himself inside the vehicle.
“McMillan barricaded himself in his vehicle and eventually pointed his weapon towards officers — officers then discharged their weapons,” DPS said in a statement.
McMillan was shot and killed at the scene. Authorities confirmed that no other individuals were injured during the incident.
Stolen Vehicle and Suspected Drugs
Following the crash, investigators discovered drugs inside the vehicle, including substances believed to be fentanyl.
DPS later confirmed the car had been reported stolen in Maricopa, Arizona, on March 2.
Multiple agencies participated in the response, including:
- United States Border Patrol
- Culberson County Sheriff’s Office
- Texas State Troopers
Authorities have not clarified which specific agency fired the fatal shots.
Conflicting Details on Where Shooting Began
A spokesperson for the Culberson County Sheriff’s Office initially indicated that gunfire began inside the checkpoint. DPS later clarified that the shooting began on Interstate 10 during the pursuit.
The checkpoint where the incident originated recently installed a “first-of-its-kind” semi-autonomous vehicle barrier system designed to prevent high-speed escapes. Officials have not confirmed whether the barrier was activated during the incident.
Witness Accounts and Scene
Witness video captured multiple law enforcement vehicles pursuing the suspect’s car as it weaved through highway traffic.
One motorist described seeing a flash grenade followed by loud gunshots as officers surrounded the crashed vehicle near Van Horn, Texas.
Additional footage showed the suspect’s vehicle wedged in a roadside ditch with doors open and officers surrounding it.
Investigation Ongoing
The incident is now under investigation by the Texas Rangers with assistance from the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol.
DPS stated there is no ongoing risk to the public but advised motorists to avoid Interstate 10 near Kent, Texas, while investigators process the scene.
Conclusion
The deadly pursuit that began at a remote Border Patrol checkpoint in Sierra Blanca escalated into a high-speed chase and highway shootout that ended with the suspect’s death.
Authorities continue reviewing evidence, including ballistic findings, body camera footage, and dashcam recordings, as part of the multi-agency investigation.
