On Feb. 4, 2016, three Border Patrol Agents from the El Paso Border Patrol Station were conducting bike patrol duties in downtown El Paso, Texas. While working near a commercial bus station, the agents heard a loud “bang” nearby and went to investigate.
When the agents arrived, they observed an injured man lying on the ground. The agents realized that the man had been shot, and witnesses pointed out a suspected assailant as he fled.
The agents chased the subject on their bicycles and caught up to him at a nearby intersection where he was attempting to carjack the driver of a pickup truck with a handgun. Multiple agents gave the subject verbal commands to drop the handgun, but he ignored the commands.
Instead, the subject turned and pointed the handgun at one of the agents on scene. Another agent then fired four rounds from his CBP-issued handgun at the subject, striking him in the right arm and torso. The subject was taken into custody without further incident. The subject was transported for medical treatment but died from his injuries.
Result of the NUFRB
The CBP National Use of Force Review Board (NUFRB) determined that the application of force was in compliance with CBP Use of Force Policy in effect at the time of the incident.
NUFRB Recommendations
Consistent with the mandate to review and report, the NUFRB made a formal recommendation on potential improvements to policy and training following their consideration of this incident.