Border Tire Shredder Accidentally Deployed
Officials at the San Ysidro border crossing are trying to determine why a tire shredder designed to stop suspect vehicles inadvertently became activated, puncturing the tires of 19 motorists.
The shredder rose from the pavement just north of the border crossing early Tuesday, said Lauren Mack, spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security. Some people driving across the shredder had their tires flattened instantly; others drove for several miles.
The spikes are buried in the roadway leading to northbound freeways and are activated if a motorist fails to stop for U.S. inspectors.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
