Alleged human smuggler caught after leading officers on high-speed chase in stolen vehicle in Kerr County

KERRVILLE, Texas — A man who authorities say was involved in human smuggling, was in possession of a stolen truck, led authorities on a high-speed chase, then attempted to hide from police on private property has been arrested.

Jaime Vicente Montes, 22, of Memphis Texas has been charged with several crimes related to the incidents.

According to a press release from the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office, “On Saturday, August 21, 2021, at approximately 10:30 am, the KCSO was notified of a stolen truck from San Antonio that was headed west on IH10 from Boerne. Our office had information that this vehicle and suspect were alleged to be involved in human smuggling, and this truck had recently evaded from Texas DPS Troopers as well.”

“KCSO Patrol Division deputies spotted the truck headed westbound near mile marker 517 and initiated a traffic stop. At that time, the driver failed to yield and evaded from KCSO Deputies. The truck exited at exit 508 (Highway 16) at a high rate of speed and was unable to negotiate the intersection, crashing into the embankment on the west side of the intersection.”

“The driver then evaded foot and hopped over the fence into the USDA Knipling-Bushland Research Laboratory property.”

“A perimeter was set up in the area assisted by Kerrville Police Department, a Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden, Texas DPS. A Kimble County Deputy also responded with a K9 to assist with the search.”

“A Homeland Security Investigations helicopter was also called to assist and was able to locate the male suspect.”

“The driver was identified as Jaime Vicente Montes, 22, of Memphis, Texas. Upon interview, he admitted to smuggling humans and had dropped off two undocumented aliens in Austin before he was stopped.”

Mr. Montes was booked into the Kerr County Jail on two counts of human smuggling, two counts of evading arrest or detention, and one count of criminal trespass, with bonds totaling $111,500.”

“He is currently subject of an immigration detainer from the Department of Homeland Security and is being held without bond on that detainer.”

“We are pleased to have this suspect in custody,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha. “This was another strong interagency effort from the city, county, and federal level to stop human trafficking.”

Sheriff Leitha also said, “Through the cooperative work between KCSO SIU and Patrol divisions, KPD, TPWD, Homeland Security, and Texas DPS, this suspect was taken into
custody. With the dire situation on the border coming closer and closer to Kerrville, this kind of teamwork will be required to protect our communities.”

He went on to say, “Our SIU and Patrol divisions will continue to pursue and arrest those
who violate our laws and make millions for criminal cartels through human smuggling.”