Border Patrol agent injured after car explodes

Border Patrol agent injured after car explodes

Written by
Debbi Baker
7:10 a.m., March 15, 2012
Updated 8:26 a.m.

EAST COUNTY — One person was killed and a Border Patrol agent was injured overnight Thursday after a car exploded just east of Pine Valley.

Border Patrol agents received a call just before midnight that someone was driving the wrong way on Interstate 8 near east of Buckman Springs, Acting Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre said.

An agent spotted the car and a pursuit began. Agents then deployed spike strips and the car was disabled and pulled over on Old Highway 80, De La Torre said.

As the agent got out and started to approach the vehicle it blew up.

“Once he got up to the driver’s side door the vehicle exploded,” De La Torre said.

The agent was knocked back from the blast and suffered burns. The car was engulfed in flames and the driver died.

The wounded agent was flown by helicopter to a hospital for treatment. His name and further information about him has not been released. De La Torre said his injuries are not considered to be life threatening.

Sheriff’s homicide and bomb arson detectives are conducting the investigation. No information about the driver has been made public nor have officials said how or why the car blew up.

Old Highway 80 is shut down in both direction between Sunrise Highway and Buckman Springs Road until further notice.

Border Patrol agent injured after car explodes | UTSanDiego.com

Have heard about this repeatedly on the radio this morning. Says the agent was burned on his face. Hope and pray he will recover well.