Federal agents arrested 32-year-old Benjamin Song, ending an 11-day manhunt for the Marine Corps veteran accused of taking part in a coordinated attack on law enforcement at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas.
Song, who authorities say was armed with two AR-15-style rifles during the July 4 ambush, is charged with three counts of attempted murder of a federal officer and three counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
"The FBI has worked tirelessly to arrest everyone associated with the shooting at the Prairieland Detention Center," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. "His arrest is the result of our determination to protect not only the community, but also our law enforcement partners that were the targets of a coordinated attack."
Authorities believe Song was one of 10 to 12 people who attacked officers outside the detention facility, which houses immigration detainees. Ten suspects were taken into custody immediately after the incident, but Song escaped and had been on the run for nearly two weeks. The FBI offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
The assault left one Alvarado police officer shot in the neck and multiple unarmed correctional officers under fire. According to the criminal complaint, the officer was shot by a suspect hiding in nearby woods, while others unleashed a barrage of bullets on staff emerging from the facility.
Federal officials say two individuals have also been charged for allegedly aiding Song’s escape in the aftermath of the attack.
“This was a deliberate and dangerous assault on law enforcement officers doing their jobs,” Rothrock said. “We will not tolerate violence against those who protect our communities.”
Song is expected to appear in federal court later this week.
