The FBI announced the arrest of a suspect in the killing of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David 'Chris' Maland near the Vermont-Canada border. The suspect, Teresa Youngblut, a 21-year-old Washington state resident, was taken into custody following the fatal shooting on Monday.
The United States Attorney’s Office District of Vermont has charged Youngblut with assault on a federal law enforcement officer. Agent Maland, a 44-year-old Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, was struck by gunfire during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 between Newport and Orleans, Vermont.
Maland, who worked as a Border Patrol agent at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station, had nine years of military service and 15 years working for the federal government. He was also a K-9 handler and had previously served as a Border Patrol agent in Texas near the southern border.
According to an FBI criminal complaint, the incident occurred during an immigration inspection of a vehicle driven by Youngblut, with Felix Baukholt, a German citizen, as the passenger. Gunshots were reported at the scene, resulting in Agent Maland, Youngblut, and Baukholt sustaining gunshot wounds. Baukholt was declared deceased at the scene, while Maland passed away after being taken to a local hospital.
Youngblut is currently receiving care at a facility in New Hampshire. A search of the vehicle revealed various tactical gear, ammunition, electronic devices, and other items. Investigators had been surveilling Baukholt and Youngblut prior to the incident, following concerns raised by a citizen who observed their suspicious behavior at a hotel in Lyndonville, Vermont.
Youngblut's first court appearance is pending. The FBI continues its investigation into the tragic incident that led to the loss of Agent Maland's life.
