UPDATE: Yuma Sector Border Patrol said in a press conference Thursday that there were two other men that crossed into the United States illegally with the third suspect that was fatally shot. According to Border Patrol when the group was discovered the three men went separate ways, but the other two were arrested without incident.
Border Patrol did not disclose the name of the suspect or the identity of the agent. They also did not elaborate on the exact injuries of the victim.
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YUMA, Ariz. – The Yuma Border Patrol Sector said an agent with the sector discharged his service-issued weapon while being assaulted by a man who crossed illegally into the United States near Somerton, Arizona, Thursday night at approximately 10 p.m.
Border Patrol said during the arrest, the suspect allegedly grabbed the agent’s radio and collapsible steel baton and began striking him in the face and head, while he also attempted to remove the agent’s sidearm from its holster. The agent, fearing for his life, discharged his weapon, which struck the suspect.
Both the agent and suspect were taken to Yuma Regional Medical Center via ambulance, where medical professionals were unable to resuscitate the suspect and he was pronounced dead.
The agent sustained multiple bruises and lacerations to his head, face and torso, one of which required stitches to close the wound. He was also diagnosed with a concussion.
In accordance with CBP Policy, the agent has been placed on administrative leave.
Customs and Border Protection’s Use of Force Incident Team, the lead investigative agency, was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in processing the scene. The U.S. Border Patrol is fully cooperating with this investigation.
