Two suspects involved in the fatal shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David "Chris" Maland in northern Vermont possessed an arsenal of weapons and tactical gear, according to court documents unsealed Friday (January 19). The suspects, Teresa Youngblut from Washington state and Felix Bauckholt, a German national, were involved in a shootout on a highway near the Canadian border. Bauckholt was killed, while Youngblut was wounded and remains hospitalized.
The incident occurred after a border patrol agent stopped a blue 2015 Toyota Prius for an immigration inspection. Multiple agents arrived at the scene, where Youngblut allegedly opened fire. Bauckholt attempted to draw his weapon, prompting agents to return fire. Maland, a 44-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran, was killed in the exchange. It remains unclear if he was struck by a bullet from Youngblut or a fellow agent.
Court documents reveal that the suspects had 48 rounds of .380-caliber jacketed hollow point ammunition, a ballistic helmet, and night vision equipment. Investigators also found a .380 caliber pistol and a .40 caliber pistol at the scene. Homeland Security Investigations had been monitoring the suspects since January 14 after receiving a tip from a hotel employee in Lyndonville, Vermont.
Youngblut faces charges, including the intentional use of a deadly weapon while interfering with federal law enforcement.
Maland's family described him as a devoted agent who "embodied service over self." He was planning to propose to his girlfriend at the time of his death. Maland is the first border patrol agent killed by gunfire in the line of duty since 2014.