Shots Fired At International Bridge; Juarez Gun Battle Leaves Three Dead

What started as an overnight crash in El Paso ended with shots fired on an international bridge.

Shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday, El Paso Police say a Chevy Suburban crashed into another vehicle at Castner and Lee Trevino in the Lower Valley, with the driver of the Suburban then taking off.

A police sergeant chased the driver for a short time until they got near the Zaragoza bridge. At that point, the sergeant watched the SUV driver try to make his way into Mexico.

ABC-7 has learned U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents shot at the SUV. Agents performing southbound traffic inspections spotted the vehicle heading toward them, and fearing for their lives, shot at the vehicle.

In addition, there were reports of gunfire on the Mexican side of the border. Chihuahua state police say at least 20 gunmen were involved in a shootout half a mile from the Ysleta Port of Entry early Sunday morning in the Juarez Valley.

Three people died as a result of the shootout, and several bullet-riddled vehicles were left along the Waterfill Zaragoza Highway.

Many questions remain unanswered Sunday, including whether or not anyone was struck. The suspect’s name was not known as of Sunday.

The El Paso Police Crimes Against Persons unit is investigating and helping the FBI.