Louisiana Man Leads Cops on 120MPH Chase, Busted with 10lbs of Weed

SIERRA BLANCA, TX – A reckless flight from law enforcement ended with a crash and arrest this week, as Louisiana resident Benjamin Thomas Mackey now faces federal charges after allegedly attempting to outrun Border Patrol agents with ten pounds of marijuana stashed in his vehicle. The incident, unfolding on I-10 East near Sierra Blanca, left one agent injured and showcased a blatant disregard for public safety.

According to court documents, the trouble began at the Sierra Blanca Border Patrol checkpoint when a K-9 unit alerted to Mackey’s vehicle. Initially compliant, Mackey allegedly shut off his engine as directed, then abruptly floored it, speeding away from the inspection point. Agents report Mackey’s vehicle nearly struck one of their own, forcing the agent to dive out of the way to avoid serious injury.

What followed was a harrowing pursuit. Two agents engaged, with speeds quickly exceeding 120 mph as Mackey barreled east on I-10. Additional agents converged on Mackey as he entered the town of Sierra Blanca, attempting to box him in. He allegedly continued driving erratically and dangerously, ultimately losing control and slamming into a concrete barrier near a local gas station.

Even after the crash, Mackey didn’t surrender. He bolted from the wreckage on foot, continuing his attempt to evade capture. Agents eventually apprehended him, but not before one sustained leg injuries requiring hospitalization. A search of Mackey’s vehicle revealed the source of his desperation: ten pounds of marijuana, suggesting a clear intent to traffic the illegal substance.

Mackey is currently charged with one count of high-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint. A conviction could land him up to five years behind bars. The sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, factoring in U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant legal considerations. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced the charges.

The U.S. Border Patrol is leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stanley Serwatka is handling the prosecution of this case. It’s crucial to remember that a criminal complaint is simply an allegation; Mackey, like all defendants, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops.

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