“They have red and blue lights on their cars like everybody else, and they do have limited federal authority,” said John Madigan, tribal liaison for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Bureau of Indian Affairs has granted Sycuan and a handful of other California tribes, including those on the Los Coyotes and La Jolla reservations, the right to investigate and enforce numerous federal laws.
The driver, Melinda Olivia Montalvo, 27, of El Cajon, was charged with felony hit and run in connection with the incident, according to the California Highway Patrol.ĭay said tribal officers spotted the trio tossing a gun out of the speeding car during the pursuit, which began about 4 p.m., and that the vehicle was later found to contain a large amount of methamphetamine.Įxperts say the incident illustrates the growing profile of tribal security forces, some of which have taken on added powers since the emergence of the Indian casino industry. “This is an example of how it’s supposed to work and why we’re proud of our police department,” he said.Īuthorities say the three people in the Honda fled the crash scene on foot and were later apprehended and placed in custody.
