Texas National Guardsman ‘is caught smuggling a migrant across southern border in his work SUV’ after fleeing checkpoint, sparking 100mph chase ended by cops using a spike strip

A National Guardsman is accused of smuggling a migrant across the border into Texas while deployed to prevent asylum seekers from entering the US – and his arrest was captured in dramatic footage.

Specialist Savion Amari Donovan Johnson, 26, was arrested Sunday around 3:45 p.m. after a high-speed chase with police in Brackettville, Texas.

Texas Department of Public Safety officers and the Kinney County Sheriff’s Office pursued him after he abruptly turned around at a checkpoint on Highway 674.

His sudden change of course was suspicious and their pursuit led to a 15-mile chase at speeds of more than 100 mph.

Sheriff Brad Coe confirmed Johnson was a member of the Texas National Guard assigned to Operation Lone Star, which aims to prevent migrants from crossing the border at the Eagle Pass crossing.

Dramatic bodycam and dashcam footage showed Johnson being pulled from his silver GMC SUV given to him for work after it was eventually stopped by traffic spikes.

Dramatic bodycam and dashcam footage showed Johnson being pulled from his small GMC SUV after it was eventually stopped by traffic spikes

“Why are you running, dude?” the arresting KCSO officer asked as he handcuffed Johnson behind his back as he lay face down on the grass.

“I got very scared,” he replied.

Other police in the background said a Hispanic man fled south.

“I’m so fucking stupid,” Johnson said, to which the deputy agreed, “Yeah, you’re fucking stupid, man.”

“You know how many people you could get killed, man? Jesus Christ.’

Johnson told officers he had no weapons on him, but did have one in his car. He was then loaded into the back of the KCSO vehicle.

Other officers then searched the car and attempted to track down the fleeing migrant.

The sheriff’s deputy pulls Johnson out of the car and throws him to the ground

Johnson, a Texas National Guardsman, is handcuffed as the deputy berates him for the high-speed chase

Authorities discovered he was from the Texas National Guard as they searched his belongings and found official identification and equipment. The deputy also photographed a handgun lying on the passenger seat.

Johnson, who lives in San Antonio, was reportedly paid $5,000 to $6,000 to take the man across the border undetected, police said.

The man he was reportedly transporting later surrendered to authorities to be processed by Border Patrol agents.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s office lashed out at Johnson in a strongly worded statement after his arrest.

“If the allegations are true, the suspect is a traitor and a criminal,” said press secretary Andrew Mahaleris.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy for Texans who violate laws that directly contradict the mission we seek to achieve.

“The suspect’s illegal smuggling could earn him a mandatory minimum prison sentence of at least ten years. He deserves more.’

Police discovered he was from the Texas National Guard while searching his belongings and finding official identification and equipment

Johnson was attached to the 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and made several videos of guard exercises.

Coe said Johnson had his Texas National Guard gear in the car, and that he was not the first guardsman his office had caught allegedly smuggling. He added that people from all walks of life – including lawyers and preachers – were trying to make money from smuggling.

‘We don’t know what’s going on in their lives that makes them do this. But they will get caught,” he said.

Johnson was charged with human trafficking, evading arrest and unlawful possession of a weapon.

An arrest affidavit said a state trooper tried to pull him over for speeding, prompting the chase, and the guard slowed down to allow the migrant to jump out.

It is unclear whether Johnson has previously smuggled migrants across the border without being caught.