Cochise County Sheriff's Office issued the following announcement on Feb. 24.
On Saturday February 19, 2022, at approximately 10:00 pm, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office was advised of an incident involving a United States Border Patrol agent and a group of illegal immigrants. This incident was reported to be one mile north of mile post 30 on East Geronimo Trail, which is approximately 30 miles northeast of Douglas, Arizona.
The investigation indicates that two US Border Patrol agents were in the area due to sensor hits indicating multiple persons present. Both Border Patrol agents were initially on horseback, and prior to getting to the group they dismounted due to the rough terrain.
As the agents approached, the group scattered resulting in one agent chasing one downhill, while the other agent chased two uphill. After the three subjects were regrouped, a fourth subject was observed under a tree and began running downhill. One of the agents followed down the hill, both the agent and the subject tripping and falling several times, before the agent was able to apprehend the fleeing subject.
During the agent interview, he advised that the male subject turned and struck him in the left shoulder with the fist glancing up into the agent’s cheek. The agent then tackled the subject who was face down with his hands under his body and refusing to change position. The scuffle reportedly continued, and a second assault occurred on the agent when the subject threw his elbow backwards into the agent before getting up from the ground. The subject then ran approximately six feet away before picking up a large rock and turning back towards the agent making a throwing motion with the hand that held the rock.
The agent advised that he fired his weapon an unknown number of times as he was in fear for his life and safety. The second agent responded from his location a short distance away and noted that the injured male subject was on the ground.
Additional Border Patrol Agents responded, and the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office was advised of the incident.
The group of illegal immigrants initially detained and agents involved were interviewed separately by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.
The Pima County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy of the deceased on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, and determined the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds. Further information gathered from the deceased provided a positive identification of 32-year-old Carmelo Cruz-Marcos from Puebla Mexico. The Mexican Consulate was advised of the identification and confirmed that they have contacted the family of Mr. Cruz.
The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is solely conducting the criminal investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Original source can be found here.
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