Fleeing in Las Cruces: Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Assault on Border Patrol Agents

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer after ramming a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle while fleeing in a stolen car in Las Cruces.

According to court documents, on March 31, 2025, Christopher Jack Leach, 33, learned there was a warrant for his arrest in Arizona, borrowed a friend’s vehicle under false pretenses, and fled toward Florida with a passenger knowing the vehicle was stolen. He traveled across state lines while evading law enforcement.

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On April 2, 2025, Leach was driving the stolen vehicle through Las Cruces when he saw law enforcement following him and fled at a high rate of speed. U.S. Border Patrol agents responded and during the pursuit Leach accelerated toward an unmarked Border Patrol vehicle on a narrow street, prompting an agent to exit. Leach continued his flight, at one point driving into the agents’ vehicle, causing a collision, and fleeing the scene.  Leach was later apprehended by the New Mexico State Police.

Leach pleaded guilty to assault upon a federal officer involving physical contact. At sentencing, he faces up to eight years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, New Mexico State Police, and Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting the case.