An arrest has been made in the tragic shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland during a traffic stop in Vermont. The FBI confirmed the arrest of 21-year-old Teresa Youngblut, a Washington state resident, who has been charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
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Court documents reveal new details about the events leading up to the incident, shedding light on the suspects’ movements and behaviors before the fatal confrontation.
Suspicious Behavior Before the Shooting
According to an affidavit unsealed by investigators, law enforcement had been keeping tabs on Youngblut and Felix Baukholt, a German national who was killed during the incident, after receiving a tip from a concerned hotel employee in Lyndonville, Vermont.
The pair reportedly checked into the hotel wearing all-black tactical clothing, with Youngblut openly carrying a firearm. Their behavior raised suspicions, prompting the hotel employee to alert authorities.
Agents from the Vermont State Police and Homeland Security Investigations attempted to approach the pair for a voluntary interview. However, Youngblut and Baukholt declined to cooperate, claiming they were in the area to scout for property to purchase.
Bizarre Activities Observed by Law Enforcement
Five days before the shooting, the pair were seen in downtown Newport, Vermont, still dressed in tactical gear and visibly carrying a handgun—legal in Vermont.
On the day of the fatal shooting, law enforcement observed Baukholt purchasing rolls of aluminum foil at a nearby Walmart. According to prosecutors, Baukholt used the foil to wrap cellphones, a tactic often associated with efforts to block electronic tracking.
The Fatal Encounter
The incident occurred on Monday when Border Patrol agents initiated a traffic stop under the pretext of an immigration violation. Between 3 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., agents reported gunfire at the scene.
The affidavit states that Youngblut fired a handgun at one of the uniformed Border Patrol agents without warning after exiting the driver’s side of the Prius. Baukholt also attempted to draw a firearm, leading at least one agent to return fire, resulting in Baukholt’s death.
Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered a cache of weapons, tactical gear, and cellphones wrapped in foil.
FBI Statement on the Arrest
“Agent Maland bravely served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force and continued that service as a law enforcement officer, making him a shining example of service over self,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Field Office.
“This arrest proves that the FBI, together with our partners, will work diligently to ensure that anyone who uses a firearm to assault such a public servant will be brought to justice,” Tremaroli added.
Unanswered Questions
While Youngblut has been taken into custody, officials have confirmed that the Border Patrol agents involved in the incident have not yet been interviewed. Court records also show that Youngblut has not responded to the charges publicly.
This tragic incident underscores the dangers faced daily by law enforcement officers who work to protect U.S. borders and communities.
