Armed Suspect Killed After High-Speed Chase on I-10 Near Sierra Blanca

Texas DPS troopers fatally shot the suspect after he opened fire on law enforcement during the pursuit

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A 33-year-old man from Wisconsin, James Douglas McMillan, was killed by Texas DPS troopers after a high-speed chase on Interstate 10 near Sierra Blanca. The incident began when McMillan fled a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint after a K-9 unit alerted to his vehicle, leading to a pursuit where he shot at law enforcement before officers returned fire and performed a PIT maneuver to stop his vehicle. McMillan then pointed his weapon at officers, prompting them to fatally shoot him. No other injuries were reported.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers that law enforcement can face during high-speed pursuits, especially when suspects are armed and willing to open fire. It also raises questions about border security and the protocols around vehicle searches at checkpoints.

The details

According to DPS, the pursuit began around 10:30 a.m. on March 4 after McMillan fled a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on I-10 in Sierra Blanca. Border Patrol agents had directed McMillan to pull over for a secondary search after a drug-sniffing K-9 alerted to his vehicle. During the chase, McMillan began shooting at DPS troopers, the Culberson County Sheriff's Office, Hudspeth County Sheriff's Office, Border Patrol Tactical Unit, and civilian vehicles. Law enforcement returned fire, and DPS troopers performed a PIT maneuver to stop McMillan's vehicle. He then barricaded himself and pointed his weapon at officers, who then fatally shot him.

  • The pursuit began around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
  • The shooting incident occurred later that same day.

The players

James Douglas McMillan

A 33-year-old man from Greenfield, Wisconsin who was killed by law enforcement after a high-speed chase and shootout on I-10 near Sierra Blanca.

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

The state law enforcement agency that was involved in the pursuit and shooting of the suspect.

U.S. Border Patrol

The federal law enforcement agency that initially attempted to stop the suspect's vehicle at a checkpoint, leading to the high-speed chase.

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What they’re saying

“The initial investigation shows the suspect driver — who is now identified as James Douglas McMillan, 33, of Greenfield, Wisconsin — took off from the checkpoint after a U.S. Border Patrol Drug K-9 alerted to the vehicle and agents directed McMillan to pull over for a secondary search.”

— DPS (mrt.com)

What’s next

The Texas Rangers, with assistance from the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol, are continuing their investigation into this incident.

The takeaway

This high-speed chase and shooting on I-10 near the border highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with armed suspects who are willing to open fire during a pursuit. It also raises questions about border security protocols and the use of force by officers in such volatile situations.