On Wednesday, Oct. 21, at about 12 a.m. local time, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer on duty at a SENTRI-designated vehicle inspection lane at the Calexico West Port of Entry in California was approached by a 35-year-old man on a bicycle.
As the subject approached the primary booth on his bike, the officer stopped the bike’s forward movement by reaching out and securing the subject’s left forearm, at which point the subject dismounted and brandished what was determined to be an eight-inch knife. The officer drew his weapon while stepping back in an attempt to create a safe distance from the man. The subject raised his knife and aggressively moved toward the officer. The officer discharged his weapon multiple times and struck the individual, who then fell to the ground.
Officers immediately responded to secure the scene and provide emergency medical aid until emergency medical service personnel arrived. EMS continued medical aid and transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:38 a.m.
The officer involved was not injured. As standard policy, the officer is on administrative leave. The officer entered on duty in February 2008.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General, the Calexico Police Department and CBP are investigating the incident. We have met with the Mexican Consul General in Calexico about this incident.
A shooting is a very traumatic event for any law enforcement officer. Taking another human’s life is the last thing that we want to do.