An Arizona man has admitted to assaulting a federal officer after he rammed a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle while fleeing law enforcement in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Court documents state that Christopher Jack Leach, 33, learned of an arrest warrant for him in Arizona on March 31, 2025. He borrowed a friend’s car under false pretenses and drove toward Florida with another person, knowing the vehicle was stolen. Authorities say he crossed state lines while attempting to evade police.
On April 2, 2025, as Leach drove through Las Cruces in the stolen car and noticed law enforcement following him, he sped away. U.S. Border Patrol agents joined the pursuit. During the chase, Leach accelerated toward an unmarked Border Patrol vehicle on a narrow street. An agent exited the vehicle before Leach continued driving and struck the agents’ vehicle before leaving the scene. He was later arrested by New Mexico State Police.
Leach pleaded guilty to assault upon a federal officer involving physical contact. He could face up to eight years in federal prison and three years of supervised release when sentenced.
“Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.”
The case was investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with help from U.S. Border Patrol, New Mexico State Police, and Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting.
