Washington State Woman Arrested in the Fatal Shooting of a Vermont Border Patrol Agent

A Washington State woman has been indicted in the fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent who was killed days after authorities began seeing her and a German companion who also died in a highway firefight.

Teresa Youngblut, 21, faces two weapons charges in connection with the death of Border Patrol agent David Maland, 44, who died Monday during the shootout in Coventry, a small town about 20 miles from the Canadian border.

According to an FBI affidavit, Maland pulled over Youngblut and Felix Baukholt on Interstate 91 because Baukholt appeared to have an expired visa. Youngblut, who had been driving Baukholt’s car, got out and opened fire on Maland and other officers without warning, the FBI alleges. Baukholt tried to draw a gun but was shot, the affidavit said.

At least one border agent fired at Youngblut and Baukholt, but authorities have not specified whose bullets hit whom.

Investigators had been conducting “periodic surveillance” of the couple since Jan. 14 after an employee at a hotel where they were staying reported concerns after seeing Youngblut carrying a gun and she and Baukholt wearing black tactical gear, according to the affidavit. Investigators tried to question the duo, who said they were in the area looking to buy property, but declined to have an extended conversation, the FBI said.

About two hours before the shooting, investigators saw Baukholt exiting a Walmart in Newport, which is just north of Coventry, with two packages of aluminum foil. According to the affidavit, he was seen wrapping unidentifiable items while sitting in the passenger seat.

During a search of the car after the shootout, authorities found cellphones wrapped in foil, a ballistic helmet, night vision goggles, respirators and ammunition, the FBI said. They also found a package of shooting range targets, including some that had been used, two-way radios, about a dozen “electronic devices,” travel and login information for several states, and an apparent journal.

The public defender who will represent Youngblut did not immediately return a voicemail seeking additional information. A man in a telephone directory for Youngblut’s family in Washington State identified himself as Youngblut’s grandfather and declined to comment.

Maland’s aunt, Joan Maland, declined to comment on the arrest on behalf of her family. The family released a statement expressing gratitude for the support they have received.

“To think that people who never knew David Christopher Maland personally would reach out with condolences and beautiful words of support has been beyond our imagination,” said The. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Our grief continues, please continue to pray for us. “

___ Associated Press writers Kathy McCormack and Patrick Whittle contributed to this report.