Agent Involved in Shooting in New Mexico
Press Release
NEW MEXICO - On Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at approximately 9:30 A.M. MST., U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol agents from the El Paso Sector initiated a vehicle stop on a silver Chevrolet Impala attempting to circumvent a U.S. Border Patrol immigration checkpoint located on HWY 185 near Las Cruces, New Mexico, where the vehicle failed to yield. The vehicle pursuit began and a male suspect fired multiple gunshots at agents. Agents returned fire.
The pursuit ended west of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. The male suspect was transported to a local area hospital for treatment. The male suspect succumbed to injuries and was pronounced deceased. It is unconfirmed at this time whether the suspect’s death was caused by the exchange of gunfire or was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Subsequent record checks indicate the man was wanted for murder in the State of Iowa. A female passenger was taken into custody.
Neither Border Patrol agents nor members of the public were injured during the pursuit. CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility and DHS Office of Inspector General responded to the scene. The incident is under investigation.