El Paso, TX, was the scene of a foot chase late Tuesday night as a suspect attempted to evade law enforcement following a routine traffic stop. According to El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte in a social media post, deputies from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office initiated a stop on Montana Avenue due to a vehicle with a defective headlamp. The events unfolded around 9:40 p.m., July 23.
The situation quickly escalated after deputies approached the vehicle and detected, "a strong odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage coming from inside," as per El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte. The driver, later identified as Rafael Borruel, exhibited an odor of alcohol and was requested to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which he refused. Shortly thereafter, Borruel became uncooperative and proceeded to flee on foot, triggering a vigorous pursuit.
In response to the incident, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper joined the effort, resulting in Borruel's capture following a chase extending several hundred yards. Reflecting on the incident, El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte remarked, "You can’t outrun the law, and you can’t escape accountability," emphasizing the department's commitment to public safety. "If you drive under the influence and try to run, you will face the consequences," he stated, underscoring the gravity of driving while intoxicated and evading arrest.
After the apprehension, Borruel faced charges of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Evading Arrest on Foot. His detainment transitioned to the El Paso County Detention Facility, where bonds were set at $5,000 for the DWI charge and, $3,000 for Evading Arrest.
