The tranquility of the Vermont-Canada border was shattered on Monday, January 20, 2025, by the fatal shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland during a routine traffic stop. The incident unfolded on Interstate 91, nestled between the towns of Newport and Orleans, Vermont, and quickly spiraled into a chaotic exchange of gunfire, leaving two dead and one wounded. The FBI, leading the investigation, announced the subsequent arrest of 21-year-old Washington state resident Teresa Youngblut, charging her with assault on a federal law enforcement officer. The ripple effects of this tragic event resonated deeply within the law enforcement community, particularly among Maland’s colleagues at the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector, who mourned the loss of one of their own.
The incident began with a seemingly routine immigration inspection. Agent Maland initiated a traffic stop on a southbound blue 2015 Toyota Prius Hatchback bearing a North Carolina license plate. The vehicle’s registered owner, German national Felix Baukholt, appeared to have an expired visa, prompting the stop. Youngblut was behind the wheel, with Baukholt as her passenger. What began as a standard procedure rapidly escalated into violence. According to the FBI’s criminal complaint, both Youngblut and Baukholt were armed. Youngblut allegedly drew her handgun and fired upon at least one of the Border Patrol agents without warning. Baukholt then reportedly attempted to draw his weapon, prompting a return fire from at least one agent.
The ensuing exchange of gunfire left all three individuals with gunshot wounds. Baukholt died at the scene, while Agent Maland succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital. Youngblut, also wounded in the exchange, received medical treatment at a facility in New Hampshire. The scene of the shooting became a focal point for a meticulous investigation. A Vermont State Police Crime Scene Search Team, following a bomb squad clearance, uncovered two packets of suspected cell phones wrapped in aluminum foil left behind a Border Patrol vehicle. A subsequent search of the Prius yielded a trove of tactical gear, including a ballistic helmet, night-vision equipment, a tactical belt and holster, ammunition, shooting targets, two-way radios, electronic devices, and removable storage media.
Further investigation revealed that authorities had been intermittently surveilling Baukholt and Youngblut since approximately January 14, 2025, prompted by a concerned citizen’s call. A hotel employee in Lyndonville, Vermont, had contacted law enforcement after observing the pair dressed in black tactical clothing and carrying protective equipment. Youngblut was seen openly carrying a firearm in a holster. Vermont State Police and Homeland Security Investigations attempted to engage Baukholt and Youngblut in a consensual conversation, but the pair declined to speak at length, claiming they were in the area to explore property purchases. This encounter preceded the fatal traffic stop by just a few days, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding investigation.
The fallen agent, David “Chris” Maland, 44, was a Minnesota native and a U.S. Air Force veteran, bringing years of service and experience to his role as a Border Patrol agent at the Newport Station. He dedicated nine years to the military and 15 to federal government service. His career also included a stint as a K-9 handler and prior experience as a Border Patrol agent in Texas near the southern border. This tragic incident cut short a career marked by dedication to duty and service to his country. His family shared his previous experience working at the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks, adding a poignant dimension to his life of service.
As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the full extent of the connection between Youngblut and Baukholt is still being explored. The tactical gear found in the Prius raises questions about their intentions and preparedness. The wrapped cell phones suggest a potential attempt to conceal communication. The investigation faces the task of piecing together the events leading up to the fateful traffic stop and determining what ultimately triggered the deadly exchange of gunfire. While Youngblut’s arrest provides a starting point for legal proceedings, the full story behind this tragic incident is still being unravelled. The legal process will now unfold, seeking to bring accountability and justice in the aftermath of this devastating loss.
