Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting of Border Patrol Agent from Minnesota
BURLINGTON, Vt. — Federal authorities have announced an arrest linked to the tragic shooting death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent. On Friday, the FBI’s Albany field office confirmed that a 21-year-old woman, Teresa Youngblut, from Washington state, was taken into custody in connection with the death of David “Chris” Maland, who hails from Minnesota. Youngblut is facing charges of assaulting a federal law enforcement officer, as revealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Vermont.
The FBI expressed their condolences, stating, “Our hearts remain with our partners at U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector as they mourn this tremendous loss.” Maland, a 44-year-old agent, was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota, and was killed on Monday afternoon during an immigration inspection after a traffic stop.
Details of the Incident
According to official statements from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Maland was conducting the traffic stop when Youngblut, who was driving a vehicle with a passenger identified as Felix Baukholt, was approached by agents for an immigration check. Initial investigations showed that Baukholt, a German national, had an expired visa listed in the Department of Homeland Security’s records.
Gunfire erupted shortly after the Border Patrol agents initiated the stop, leading to a harrowing exchange of shots. Reports reveal that both Youngblut and Baukholt possessed firearms, with Youngblut allegedly firing at least one shot towards the agents from the driver’s seat. Baukholt attempted to draw his weapon during the confrontation.
In the subsequent crossfire, both Maland and the passenger were hit, resulting in Baukholt’s death at the scene and Maland’s later demise at a local hospital. Youngblut is currently receiving treatment for her injuries.
Evidence and Background
Following the shooting, law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the vehicle, recovering two firearms, ammunition, and various tactical equipment including a ballistic helmet, night-vision monocular, and tactical belts with holsters. Authorities also found shooting range targets and two-way radios inside the car.
Prior to this incident, authorities had been monitoring Youngblut and Baukholt for almost a week, observing them in tactical gear at various public locations. An incident on January 14 led a hotel employee to contact law enforcement due to concerns about the couple’s unusual attire and the sighting of Youngblut carrying a firearm.
Community Impact
This violent event temporarily disrupted traffic on Interstate 91, located roughly 20 miles from the Canadian border, in Coventry. The community of Orleans County, which has a population of about 27,000, was deeply affected by the incident.
Maland had served in various capacities during his career, including security duty at the Pentagon during the September 11 terrorist attacks, according to Minnesota State Representative Krista Knudsen, a cousin of the fallen agent. In a show of solidarity, law enforcement from across Vermont escorted the hearse carrying Maland to a funeral home on Thursday, paying their respects to a dedicated public servant.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name of Agent | David “Chris” Maland |
| Age of Agent | 44 |
| Location of Incident | Coventry, Vermont |
| Suspect’s Name | Teresa Youngblut |
| Passenger’s Name | Felix Baukholt |
| Current Status of Youngblut | Receiving medical care |
