A U.S. Border Patrol agent arrested on felony DUI charges has been assigned to administrative duties.
Agent Victor Zavala was driving an unmarked government vehicle at the time, an official said.
On March 12 , a Pinal County Sheriff deputy saw Zavala driving the wrong way in a Chevrolet Tahoe, said Lt. Tamatha Villar of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department. He nearly collided with a number of vehicles and forced them off the road, she said.
After nearly crashing head on with Zavala’s vehicle, the deputy attempted to pull him over, however Zavala instead sped up. The pursuit reached speeds of approximately 85 mph and ended after the vehicle nearly collided with a fire truck, said Villar.
The deputy said Zavala had “glossy, glazed over eyes,” according to the incident report.
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Zavala was found to have a blood alcohol level of .200 — over twice the legal limit — after a blood test. He faces three DUI charges, along with unlawful flight from law enforcement, endangerment and reckless driving.
The charges were not filed until May 9 because officials were awaiting the results of the blood test.
Zavala will continue to be assigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of the investigation and trial, said Omar Candelaria, a spokesman for the Border Patrol's Tucson sector.
Candelaria said that he is unable to specify what sort of discipline Zavala would face if convicted of any charges. But did say it could range from letter of reprimand to termination of employment.
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