April 19, 2023 - Imperial County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at approximately 8:00 p.m., a Deputy from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office responded to the United States Border Patrol Station in Calexico to meet with agents regarding a K-9 alert on a vehicle during a checkpoint operation on Interstate 8 near Calexico.

A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of three firearms, one of which was confirmed as stolen. A records check of the driver, identified as Christopher Trevor Torres DOB 7/3/02, revealed that Torres was a convicted felon.

The passenger, who was the only other occupant of the vehicle, was identified as Victoria Vargas DOB 6/25/02. Vargas was released with the vehicle. At that time, a records check of Vargas determined that she had no wants or warrants. Vargas was later arrested by California Highway Patrol officers for DUI in the Winterhaven area, and she was subsequently booked into the Imperial County Jail.

The vehicle was stored pursuant to Vargas' arrest. Vargas was set to be released from custody on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at about 6:30 p.m. when the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office received warrants for both Vargas and Torres out of Texas for murder. Vargas was arrested by the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office for a confirmed warrant. Torres, who was already in custody for the aforementioned weapons violations, was also served with the confirmed warrant. The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office is currently working with the Dallas Police Department Homicide Division for the release of evidence and successful extradition.

We want to thank the United States Border Patrol and the California Highway Patrol for their collaboration and efforts in this case.

Source: Imperial County Sheriff’s Office