2 El Pasoans arrested after high-speed chase, alleged carjacking in Fabens
UPDATE (Sep. 2, 2026): Texas DPS said two El Pasoans were arrested and charged after a high-speed chase in the Fabens area. An arrest affidavit said one of the suspects is a confirmed criminal gang member.
On Aug. 27 at 9:15 a.m., Texas DPS troopers and Criminal Investigations Division agents helped U.S. Border Patrol chase a Cadillac on I-10 West near Tornillo. A trooper used stop sticks to disable the Cadillac, officials said.
When the Cadillac came to a stop in the Fabens area, five people got out and ran away, DPS said.
Texas DPS identified the driver as 21-year-old Tissiana Anahi Gonzalez from El Paso. Three undocumented migrants allegedly ran out the car as well. Agents and troopers apprehended the four.
A fifth passenger, 18-year-old Ryan Zachary Emmons of El Paso, allegedly ran to a nearby Speedway gas station off Fabens Road.
According to an arrest affidavit, Emmons allegedly opened the door of a Chevrolet Malibu at the gas station, pointed a gun at the driver's face and demanded her keys. He then commanded her to get out of the car and allegedly drove away in it.
Troopers chased Emmons in the Malibu and used a PIT maneuver to stop him, according to DPS. A PIT maneuver is a law enforcement tactic where authorities hit the back of a vehicle, causing it to swing and come to a stop. Authorities then took Emmons into custody with help from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office.
During questioning, Emmons allegedly admitted to smuggling three people in exchange of money. Documents said he also admitted to taking the Malibu and pointing a gun at the driver.
According to documents, the driver of the Malibu stopped at the gas station while going to a hospital for a pregnancy checkup. That's when Emmons allegedly walked toward her and the car.
The driver alleged Emmons said, "I don't want to hurt you get the f*** out of the car," documents said. She also alleged Emmons pointed the gun at her stomach and face.
Authorities later learned Emmons is a confirmed member of Gangster Disciples, according to documents.
Emmons went to a hospital for clearance. Documents said Emmons told authorities he had marijuana in his pocket.
Emmons was charged with aggravated robbery, human smuggling, evading arrest (by foot and with a vehicle), unlawful use of a vehicle and possession of marijuana.
Documents said Emmons shared the following statement:
"I'm sorry for any pain or trauma I caused. My intentions were never to hurt anyone. I panicked when I should've kept myself together. I'm sorry the car was crashed. My intentions were to stop on the ramp and surrender, but the cop rammed me. I'm sorry."
Meanwhile, Gonzalez admitted to picking up undocumented migrants in the past and working for a member of La Linea cartel, documents said. Investigators said Gonzalez worked for a member nicknamed "Cholo."
Documents said Gonzalez received a call from a Mexican phone number with the undocumented migrants' location. She said she would receive $500 per undocumented migrant, investigators wrote.
Gonzalez admitted to seeing law enforcement vehicles and drove away from them, documents said.
DPS said Gonzalez was charged with human smuggling and evading arrest.
(Courtesy: EPCSO)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott posted a video of the alleged chase on social media.
Outstanding coordination by Border Patrol, AMO, HSI and Texas DPS. Suspected human smugglers hit 100+ mph and bailed out when their vehicle was disabled. One then carjacked a civilian at gunpoint.
— CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott (@CBPCommissioner) August 27, 2026
Smugglers risk lives for profit. We will keep taking them down. pic.twitter.com/uGEWRNFCBk
FABENS, Texas (KVIA) -- A U.S. Customs and Border Protection social media video showed several agencies on a high-speed chase involving suspected human smugglers in the Fabens area.
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said the alleged smugglers drove more than 100 miles per hour and left the vehicle when it was disabled. In the video, a CBP official said the vehicle lost one of its front tires.
The video noted that the vehicle was stolen.
The video showed five people leaving the vehicle when it came to a stop. Two of the passengers, including the suspected driver, ran across the I-10, as seen in the video.
Scott alleged that one of the suspects who left the vehicle carjacked someone at gunpoint.
Scott said Border Patrol, CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO), Homeland Security Investigations and the Texas Department of Public Safety coordinated during the chase.
Outstanding coordination by Border Patrol, AMO, HSI and Texas DPS. Suspected human smugglers hit 100+ mph and bailed out when their vehicle was disabled. One then carjacked a civilian at gunpoint.
— CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott (@CBPCommissioner) August 27, 2026
Smugglers risk lives for profit. We will keep taking them down. pic.twitter.com/uGEWRNFCBk
ABC-7 reached out to the Texas Department of Public Safety for fore information.
