Border Patrol agent arrested, accused of killing four women

Authorities in Texas said Saturday that a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent has been arrested on suspicion of killing four women and abducting a fifth.

Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar said during a news conference that the agent, identified as Juan David Ortiz, was arrested Saturday, according to multiple reports.

{mosads}The sheriff said that Ortiz was a 10-year veteran supervisor with Border Patrol, local NBC/ABC affiliate KGNS reported.

Webb County District Attorney Isidro Alaniz said authorities were able to find Ortiz after a woman he allegedly kidnapped tried to escape. Ortiz was captured in the parking lot of a Laredo, Texas, hotel after fleeing from state troopers.

Alaniz said Ortiz will face four murder charges and one count of aggravated kidnapping, according to KGNS.

“We want to reassure the citizens of Laredo that the community and your families are safe,” the Laredo Police Department said in a statement on Saturday afternoon, according to the Houston Chronicle.

“There has been a recent breakthrough in the investigations and there has been someone detained. That information belongs to the corresponding agencies who are handling the information and will make a more in depth release at the appropriate time. We value the release of timely information and we are making this notice public in order to remove any unnecessary fear in the community.”

CBP spokesman Andrew Meehan expressed condolences to the victims’ family and friends in a statement to The Hill, but said the agency could not comment on an ongoing investigation.

“Our sincerest condolences go out to the victims’ family and friends,” Meehan said.

“While it is CBP policy to not comment on the details of an ongoing investigation, criminal action by our employees is not, and will not be tolerated,” he added. “Out of respect to the victims’ family and friends, we ask that deference and due process be given to the investigation so that all the facts are brought to light and they can receive the closure they deserve.”

— Updated 5:25 p.m.