The fatal shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland on Interstate 91 near the Vermont-Canada border culminated in the arrest of 21-year-old Teresa Youngblut, a resident of Washington state. The incident, which unfolded during a routine traffic stop for an immigration inspection, spiraled into a deadly exchange of gunfire, leaving Agent Maland and the passenger of the stopped vehicle, Felix Baukholt, deceased. Youngblut, the driver, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical care in New Hampshire. She faces charges of assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
The tragic encounter occurred on January 20, 2025, when Agent Maland initiated a stop on a blue 2015 Toyota Prius hatchback bearing a North Carolina license plate. The vehicle’s registered owner, Baukholt, a German citizen, was flagged in a Department of Homeland Security database for having an expired visa. Youngblut was driving the Prius with Baukholt as her sole passenger. The seemingly routine stop quickly escalated into violence when, according to the FBI’s criminal complaint, Youngblut drew a handgun and fired upon the agent without warning.
The ensuing chaos saw Baukholt attempt to draw his own firearm, prompting at least one Border Patrol agent to return fire. This exchange resulted in all three individuals – Agent Maland, Youngblut, and Baukholt – sustaining gunshot wounds. Baukholt died at the scene, while Agent Maland succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital. The incident spurred a significant investigation involving multiple agencies, including the Vermont State Police and the FBI.
The investigation unearthed a trove of tactical gear and ammunition within the Prius, including a ballistic helmet, night vision equipment, a loaded magazine, full-face respirators, and a substantial quantity of ammunition. The discovery of these items, coupled with prior surveillance of Youngblut and Baukholt, raised concerns about their intentions. A week before the incident, a concerned citizen had reported the pair to law enforcement after observing them dressed in tactical clothing and carrying what appeared to be a firearm.
The surveillance of Youngblut and Baukholt had commenced following this report from a hotel employee in Lyndonville, Vermont, who noted their all-black tactical attire and Youngblut’s open-carry holster. Attempts by Vermont State Police and Homeland Security Investigations to engage the duo in a consensual conversation were rebuffed, with Baukholt and Youngblut claiming they were in the area to explore property purchases.
The incident deeply impacted the U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector, where Agent Maland, a Minnesota native and Air Force veteran, served. Maland, 44, had a distinguished career, including nine years in the military and 15 years in federal service. His experience included a previous post as a Border Patrol agent in Texas along the southern border. He was also a K-9 handler. His death is a profound loss to his colleagues and the agency. The FBI continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and Youngblut awaits her first court appearance.
The information surrounding the shooting death of Border Patrol Agent Maland paints a picture of a seemingly routine traffic stop escalating into a deadly confrontation. The discovery of tactical gear and ammunition within the suspects’ vehicle, coupled with their prior surveillance by law enforcement, suggests a level of preparedness that raises questions about their motives. As the legal process unfolds, further details may emerge that shed more light on this tragic incident. The case highlights the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers in their daily duties and the profound impact such events have on their agencies and communities.
