CBP Arrests Kidnapping Suspect Attempting to Flee the United States

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a man who was wanted for kidnapping as he attempted to cross into Mexico.

“CBP continues to maintain excellent collaboration and coordination with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners. Utilizing our officers and our law enforcement technology, we prevented this individual from fleeing the country and thus we are able to bring him to justice,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

On Feb. 19, CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge working outbound operations referred a 1997 Ford Expedition to secondary for inspection as it attempted to leave the United States.

A CBP officer conducts an outbound examination at Hidalgo International Bridge

The vehicle was driven by a 37-year-old male Mexican citizen.

In secondary, CBP officers conducted a fingerprint check and utilizing national law enforcement databases confirmed his identity as Evaristo Barcenas Zarco, 37, a Mexican citizen from Michoacán, Mexico wanted for kidnapping issued on Oct. 11, 2000 by the Municipal Court Judge in Edinburg, Texas.

CBP officers turned Barcenas over to the Edinburg Police Department pending criminal proceedings. Charges and allegations contained in criminal complaints are merely accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link.