CALEXICO, Calif. – A U.S. Border Patrol agent assigned to the Calexico Border Patrol station was assaulted while patrolling near the border fence, Monday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:16 a.m., near the intersection of 1st. Street and Heffernan Avenue, when a man later identified as Josue Gomez-Reyes approached a Border Patrol agent inside her assigned, fully marked patrol vehicle.
Gomez launched an object which struck the driver side window of the patrol vehicle. The object, a partial lawnmower blade, broke the window and struck the agent on her arm. The blade and shattered glass caused injuries to the agent’s arm and face.
The injured agent immediately gave chase to the attacker who absconded northwest towards 1st. Street. Other agents responded and apprehended the attacker.
“It is unacceptable for our Border Patrol agents to come under such a violent attack, but I am extremely proud of the quick determination of our agent to give chase and arrest her attacker,” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “Our agent was ambushed while faithfully carrying out her sworn duties as a law enforcement officer by a gang member with a lengthy criminal history here in the United States. Anytime a person chooses to attack a Border Patrol agent, they will know that they are going up against a highly trained professional and that once arrested they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Gomez, a 33-year-old Mexican national illegally present in the United States, was placed under arrest and was turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for further investigation.
Gomez has an extensive immigration and criminal record in the United States. Gomez’ gang affiliations are still under investigation.