Agent Kills Suspected Immigrant Smuggler
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A Border Patrol agent fatally shot a suspected smuggler of illegal immigrants during an early morning confrontation in an industrial area near the border, police said Sunday.
The agent was trying to question the driver of a Chevrolet Suburban parked in an area of Otay Mesa where smugglers are known to pick up illegal immigrants. In an attempt to flee, the driver grabbed the agent’s gun, police said.
Police Lt. Kevin Rooney said the agent fired his gun at the driver, who died at 3:31 a.m. after being taken to a trauma center. The driver had a gun and handcuffs in his possession, Rooney said. A female passenger was arrested on two felony warrants.
The Border Patrol agent, whose name was not released, is a 10-year veteran. The shooting is being investigated by San Diego police, the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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