U.S. Border Patrol agent kills suspect after rock attacks

Originally published on February 19, 2014

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A U.S. Border Patrol agent on Tuesday fatally shot a suspected illegal immigrant near San Diego after being pelted with rocks.

San Diego public broadcaster KPBS reported that two Border Patrol agents discovered a group of people suspected of crossing the border illegally on a rugged trail in the Otay Mountains at around 6:30 a.m.

The agents split up as they chased after the suspects. One suspect threw rocks at one of the agents from a 75 foot-deep ravine. The agent was hit in the head, prompting him to fire at his attacker, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.

"Fearing for his life the agent discharged his service issued weapon resulting in the death of one assailant," the Border Patrol said in a statement. The agent suffered minor injuries and refused to be treated at a hospital. Two other suspected undocumented immigrants are now detained.

The Border Patrol has come under fire for allowing its agents to carry firearms of excessive power and its agents' readiness to use lethal weapons against illegal immigrants. Under the current policy, agents are empowered to use deadly force against rock throwers.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the number of assaults against agents along
the San Diego-Mexico border dropped from 133 in 2012 to 73 last year.

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