Early Wednesday morning, the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted two individuals off the coast near Point Loma, who are suspected of smuggling. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that their Cutter Sea Otter spotted a high-speed personal watercraft breaching the maritime boundary line around 5:44 AM, prompting a speedy response from a San Diego Coast Guard station.
The suspects attempted to evade capture by the boatcrew, engaging in maneuvers that the Coast Guard described as erratic and dangerous. Trying to elude the Coast Guard, two rounds of LA-51, a non-lethal warning device, were discharged. One of the suspected smugglers sustained an injury during the chase, as a warning shot inadvertently hit them in the arm. The crew rendered first aid, and both suspects were taken ashore for further processing.
Upon reaching the shore, emergency medical services were on hand to transfer the injured individual to UC San Diego Medical Center in Hillcrest. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security took custody of both persons to delve into the case, as part of a wider effort to thwart the persistent issue of maritime smuggling along the boundary between the U.S. and Mexico.
