A woman from Washington state has been accused of the deadly shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent during a traffic stop in Vermont. The incident occurred shortly after authorities started monitoring her and a German companion, who tragically lost their lives in the ensuing exchange of gunfire on the highway, according to the FBI.
Teresa Youngblut, a 21-year-old individual, is being charged with two weapons offenses in relation to the tragic incident that resulted in the death of Border Patrol Agent David Maland. The unfortunate shootout took place in Coventry, a quaint town located approximately 20 miles away from the Canadian border.
An FBI affidavit reveals that Youngblut and Felix Baukholt were pulled over by a border agent on Interstate 91. The agent suspected Baukholt of having an expired visa. Unexpectedly, Youngblut, who was driving Baukholt’s car, got out and opened fire on Officer Maland and the other officers, as stated by the FBI. Baukholt attempted to draw his own weapon but was shot in the process.
Authorities have not specified whose bullets hit whom, but it is known that at least one border agent fired on Youngblut and Baukholt.
“The events leading to this prosecution tragically demonstrate how the men and women of law enforcement regularly put their lives on the line as they try to keep our communities and our country safe,” acting U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher said in a statement. “We intend to honor them, and the memory of Border Patrol Agent Maland, by performing our prosecutorial duties so that justice may be done.”
According to the affidavit, Youngblut and Baukholt had been under investigation since January 14. The investigation began after a hotel employee reported their concerns upon seeing Youngblut with a gun and both individuals wearing black tactical gear. The FBI conducted periodic surveillance on the duo and attempted to question them. However, Youngblut and Baukholt only shared that they were in the area to purchase property and declined to engage in further conversation.
Authorities discovered several items during a thorough search of the car following the shootout. These included cellphones that were wrapped in foil, a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators, and ammunition, according to the FBI. Additionally, they found a package of shooting range targets, some of which had already been used, two-way radios, around a dozen electronic devices, travel and lodging information for multiple states, and what appeared to be a journal.
The public defender’s office, which will represent Youngblut, did not respond to a voicemail asking for more information. When contacted, a man who identified himself as Youngblut’s grandfather declined to comment. Attempts to reach Youngblut at a Seattle residence were unsuccessful, as no one answered the door, and neighbors declined to comment.
Maland’s family chose not to comment on the arrest, as confirmed by his aunt, Joan Maland. However, they did release a statement to express their appreciation for the support they have received.
“To think people who never knew David Christopher Maland personally would reach out with condolences and beautiful words of support has been beyond our imagintation,” they said. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Our grief continues, please continue to pray for us.”