Border Patrol releases new information on downtown shooting

It was an attempted robbery that ended with two people dead.

That’s what U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said during a news conference Friday afternoon.

Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Self says three border patrol agents were patrolling the downtown area near the Greyhound bus station.

“The agents heard the sounds of a gunshot and immediately responded,” Self said.

That’s when agents saw a wounded person on the floor and a man running from the scene.

“The three agents pursued the subject who approached the pickup truck,” Self said.

Self said the man ran to a truck and attempted to carjack the driver at gunpoint.

“Agents drew their service agent firearms and ordered the subject to drop the weapon. The subject turned towards and pointed his gun at one of the agents,” Self said.

That’s when another agent fired his weapon and struck the man. Both men were taken to University Medical Center.

“Hospital officials reported that the victim died at 6:25 p.m. and the suspect died at 9:25 p.m.,” Self said.

Chief Self assures the public the agents were well within their jurisdiction to stop the crime taking place.

“Border patrol agents have authority bestowed upon them by Congress to conduct enforcement efforts within 25 miles of the international boundary,” Self said.

As with any shooting involving law enforcement, the agents will be on administrative leave pending an investigation and will be offered counseling.

“This is a traumatic event for anyone. It would be a traumatic event therefore we want to make sure we have this process available, we want to make sure they are taken care of,” Self said.

Officials say the investigation is still ongoing. They also tell ABC-7 El Paso police will be leading this investigation.