EPCSO: Off-duty Border Patrol agent was attacked in deadly January shooting

The U.S. Border Patrol agent involved in a deadly shooting last month was attacked before fatally shooting his attacker, revealed officials with the El Paso Sheriff’s Office Tuesday.

Officials said on January 14 just before 4 a.m., the Socorro Police Department responded to 354 Melendez in reference to an Aggravated Assault in progress.

A preliminary investigation reportedly found that off-duty Border Patrol Agent Luis Chavez was attacked by Juan Daniel Jacques, 33. Jacques allegedly struck Chavez multiple times with a metal object.

Officials said Agent Chavez fired his duty weapon at Jacques, who later died of gunshot wounds.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office previously said the case was being investigated as a possible case of self-defense.

After a thorough investigation, the case has been referred to the District Attorney’s Office for review and any additional action.

Last week, a spokesperson for the U.S. Border Patrol told ABC-7 there were no charges filed against Chavez.

Earlier this month, the family of Jacques held a protest for justice, right outside Chavez’s house where the shooting took place.

Family members told ABC-7 that the off-duty Border Patrol agent, Chavez, and Jacques were lifelong friends and they felt the investigation was being swept under the rug.

“I didn’t believe it when I found out,” said Jacques’ brother David Perez.

Perez told ABC-7 that Jacques and Chavez grew up together as kids, and they were together the night of the shooting, Jan. 14.

Family members were told by officials that Jacques threatened Chavez with a chain.

“This is not fair,” said Allison Gotay, Jacques’ stepfather.

“How is this situation self defense when this guy works for the federal government? He’s already trained to deal with this situation,” Gotay said.

“Danny is not here, so we can’t hear his side of the story,” said family member Carlos Montes.

Family members also told ABC-7 they are infuriated because Chavez is still working.

Jacques leaves behind six children.