YUMA, Ariz. – United States Border Patrol agents from the Yuma Sector were involved in a shooting incident early today on Interstate 10 and in the 1300 block of Main Street in Quartzsite, Arizona.
Early this morning, Border Patrol agents responded to a call for assistance from the La Paz County Sheriff’s Department in an attempt to locate a suspect and vehicle involved in an officer-involved shooting with the Department of Public Safety on Interstate 10 at milepost 57.
Patrol agents located the sedan on I-10, near milepost 17, and attempted to stop the vehicle but the suspect failed to yield. Agents pursued the suspect to milepost 11 where the suspect stopped and fired at agents. Agents returned fire at the suspect as he fled on foot to a nearby commercial truck he commandeered to flee the scene.
Agents, along with the La Paz County Sheriff’s Department, pursued the truck until the suspect eventually stopped in the 1300 block of Main Street in Quartzsite. The suspect, fired at law enforcement and was subsequently shot at by agents and pursuing agencies, where he sustained serious injuries.
The suspect was transported via ground ambulance to an area hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
None of the agents, other law enforcement, nor bystanders were injured during this event.
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Carl Landrum said, “Every day our Agents stand ready to protect the people of Arizona, while providing national security for our Nation. I would like to commend the actions of all law enforcement personnel involved, who relied on their training, vigilance, and commitment to Service of this Nation in defense of themselves, their law enforcement partners and all members of our communities.”
The FBI, CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility, the Department of Public Safety and the La Paz County Sheriff's Department are involved in the ongoing investigation. For further information, please contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety.