A manhunt is underway for Michelle Zajko, 32, suspected of buying the handguns used to kill U.S. Border Patrol agent David "Chris" Maland during a traffic stop on January 20. Authorities describe Zajko as "armed and dangerous," drawing attention to her connections to several violent incidents spanning multiple states.
The tragic shooting occurred on January 20, near the Canada-Vermont border, when Maland initiated what would become a fatal traffic stop of Teresa Youngblut, 21, who was driving Felix Baukholt's Toyota Prius. Youngblut allegedly opened fire on Maland, resulting in both Maland's death and Baukholt's subsequent demise at the hands of federal agents.
According to court documents obtained by The Times Union, Zajko purchased .40-caliber and .380-caliber semiautomatic handguns at a gun shop in Mount Tabor, Vermont, just days before the incident. These weapons are believed to be the ones employed during the attack on Maland.
Federal authorities revealed Zajko's history of violent connections, making her more than just a fugitive linked to Maland’s death. She is also considered a person of interest in the December 2022 murders of her parents, Richard and Rita Zajko, at their Pennsylvania home, alongside another murder of a landlord in California. The FBI is actively pursuing leads related to her past interactions with individuals related to violent crimes across the country.
The grim details surrounding Maland's death show the chaos of the shootout. Reports indicate Youngblut exited her vehicle and began firing at the agent without warning. Maland, who was on duty, was struck, and the confrontation escalated, resulting not only in his death but also Baukholt’s as he attempted to return fire.
Youngblut has since been charged with assault on a federal law enforcement officer, facing strong evidence against her, as noted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who remarked, "The evidence of the charged offenses at this time appears to be strong.” She was ordered to be held without bail, reflecting the perceived danger she posed to the community.
Throughout this investigation, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have been on high alert, following leads indicating Zajko’s involvement with individuals suspected of multiple violent acts. Youngblut and Baukholt, as authorities revealed, had drawn attention even before the incident, having been placed under surveillance after concerns were raised by hotel staff. Reports indicated they were seen behaving suspiciously, carrying firearms, and wearing tactical gear.
Agent Maland, remembered as a dedicated officer and U.S. Air Force veteran, had over nine years of military service and fourteen years with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. His passing marks not only the loss of a well-respected officer but serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officials every day.
Following the shooting, the FBI’s Albany office released statements expressing condolences to the Swanton Sector of the Border Patrol, emphasizing the tragic loss being felt among his colleagues and community. “Our hearts remain with our partners at U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector as they mourn this tremendous loss,” stated the bureau.
Now, as authorities seek Zajko's whereabouts, they urge anyone with information to come forward. The investigation continues to unravel the connections between Zajko, Youngblut, and the violent acts they are linked to, highlighting the reach of their actions across state lines and the urgent need to bring them to justice.
Zajko’s case raises significant questions about the broader social issues of gun violence, the mental state of perpetrators, and the community’s safety. The story of Agent Maland is one of service and dedication, overshadowed by the tragic circumstances of his untimely end, and it calls for community awareness and vigilance against the potential for such violence to recur.