A U.S. Border Patrol agent was tragically killed during a routine traffic stop in Vermont on January 20, 2023, when a fatal encounter unfolded. David Maland, the agent involved, was shot by 21-year-old Teresa Youngblut, who was driving a Toyota Prius at the time. Youngblut now faces serious charges, including using a deadly weapon to assault, resist or impede federal law enforcement, and assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities have launched an extensive investigation into the events that resulted in Maland’s untimely death.
The incident took place when Maland attempted to stop Youngblut's vehicle. Accompanying her was Felix Baukholt, a German national with an expired visa, making his presence in the United States illegal. The confrontation escalated when Baukholt reportedly attempted to draw a firearm, prompting another Border Patrol agent to discharge his service weapon. Tragically, Maland sustained fatal injuries during the exchange of gunfire.
“Her German companion also tried to draw a firearm, and at least one Border Patrol Agent fired his service weapon. The exchange of gunfire resulted in Border Patrol Agent David Maland sustaining fatal injuries,” – U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), alongside Border Patrol and Vermont State Police, is investigating the incident. Investigators discovered tactical gear, including a ballistic helmet and hollow-point ammunition, inside the Prius. Additionally, they found Youngblut's journal and a package of shooting range targets at the scene, offering potential insights into the suspects' intentions.
“They found tactical gear including a ballistic helmet, a night vision monocular, a tactical belt, and hollow-point ammunition in the vehicle.” – Police
Earlier that day, Youngblut and Baukholt were spotted at a Walmart in Newport, Vermont. Court documents revealed that Baukholt purchased two packages of aluminum foil at approximately 1 p.m., which were later found at the site of the incident.
“They observed Baukholt enter the Wal-Mart at approximately 1 p.m. and came out with what was later confirmed by Wal-Mart employees to be two packages of aluminum foil,” – Court documents
Attempts by Vermont State Police and Homeland Security Investigations to engage in a consensual conversation with Youngblut and Baukholt were met with resistance. They claimed they were in the area to explore purchasing property.
“Investigators with VSP (Vermont State Police) and Homeland Security Investigations attempted to initiate a consensual conversation with Baukholt and Youngblut, but they declined to have an extended conversation, claiming that they were in the vicinity to look at purchasing property,” – Court documents
In the aftermath of the shooting, Maland was rushed to a local hospital but was pronounced dead less than an hour later. Youngblut, who was also shot during the incident, received treatment at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. If convicted of her charges, she faces a maximum prison sentence of life and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.
“The events leading to this prosecution tragically demonstrate how the men and women of law enforcement regularly put their lives on the line as they try to keep our communities and our country safe,” – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher for the District of Vermont
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