FBI Arrests Woman in Fatal Shooting of Border Patrol Agent in Vermont

U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland and his K9 partner, Cora in a file photo. David Maland/Joan Maland via AP

A Washington state woman has been arrested and charged in the deadly shooting of a United States Border Patrol agent, the FBI said Friday.

Teresa Youngblut, 21, was taken into custody following Monday’s fatal shooting near the Vermont-Canada border.

Youngblut has been charged with one count of using a deadly weapon while assaulting a border patrol agent and one count of using and discharging a firearm.

The shooting happened after U.S. Border Patrol agent David “Chris Maland, 44, initiated a traffic stop on Youngblut’s vehicle on Interstate 91 between Newport and Orleans. Youngblut and her passenger, German national Felix Bauckholt, were both armed at the time.

Youngblut allegedly opened fire and Bauckholt attempted to draw his gun, according to authorities.

Gunfire was exchanged and Maland later died from his injuries. Bauckholt was pronounced dead at the scene. Youngblut was injured and treated at a local hospital.

The FBI revealed that Youngblut and Bauckholt had been under surveillance since Jan. 14. A local hotel employee alerted authorities after seeing them armed and dressed in tactical clothing and protective gear. When investigators questioned them, they said they were in the area looking to buy property.

On the day of the shooting, law enforcement observed the pair in a vehicle at the Walmart parking lot, where Bauckholt was seen wrapping some unidentified objects in aluminum foil.

The FBI also said that Bauckholt’s immigration status was under question.

The shooting happened close to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station. Maland was assigned to the Swanton Sector which encompasses Vermont and parts of New York and New Hampshire. The sector also includes a nearly 300-mile stretch of the U.S.-Canada border.

“Our hearts remain with our partners at U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector as they mourn this tremendous loss,” the FBI said.

Maland was a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran. He also previously worked security duty at the Pentagon during the Sept. 11 attacks, his family said.

“He was a devoted agent who served with honor and bravery,” a family statement said. “He had a tremendous respect and pride for the work he did. He truly embodied service over self.”

House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green (R-Tenn.) gave tribute to Maland, saying he paid the ultimate price while in the line of duty.

“We owe an immense debt of gratitude to Agent Maland for nearly a decade of service protecting our communities in the force,” Green said. “We must never forget that the men and women in green on the frontlines of this border crisis defend our homeland at great personal cost.”

According to Maland’s cousin, Minnesota state Rep. Krista Knudsen, the border patrol agent was offered many promotions but turned them down to stay in the field.

“He will be remembered for his courage and commitment to protecting fellow Americans,” Knudsen said. “He is also a person who served faithfully with honor and bravery. He always put his service above himself.”

Meanwhile, the suspect’s first court appearance has not yet been scheduled.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News