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A border patrol surveillance vehicle saw an SUV near Bisbee being loaded with drugs on Feb. 23, a U.S. Attorney's Office news release said.

The vehicle was observed heading west on Highway 92 when agents activated their law enforcement lights until the vehicle stopped a red light.

The driver sped off the road, began driving on a dirt area, while maintaining a high rate of speed, the release said. The vehicle came to a stop after briefly becoming airborne and landing in a ditch.

Two agents proceeded on foot to the SUV's front doors on both sides. When the passenger refused to exit, an agent opened the door to remove him.

While the two were engaged, the driver identified as Sparks, slammed the car in reverse. The passenger door trapped the agent and dragged him underneath.

The passenger got back in the vehicle and slammed the door shut after the agent was able to free himself.

Sparks drove the vehicle back onto Highway 92 heading east. Agents found the vehicle with the bundles of marijuana the next day.

The agent sustained substantial injuries in his knee that required significant surgery, the news release said.

Sparks's term will be followed by an additional five year of supervised release.