Border Patrol agents shoot at rock throwers

By Lynn Brezosky
lbrezosky@express-news.net
Published 05:25 p.m., Friday, August 26, 2011

BROWNSVILLE — Border Patrol agents shot at suspected drug smugglers who pelted them with rocks from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande, authorities said Friday.One agent was struck in the back of the head during the incident Wednesday night near Havana, about 12 miles west of Mission.

The agent, part of a team of boat patrol agents called to help thwart an attempt to smuggle marijuana, was treated at an area hospital and released.

Border Patrol spokesman Henry Mendiola said he did not know how many shots were fired or whether anyone on the Mexican side was hit. He said the FBI was investigating.

Federal and state officials have asserted that agents and assisting police units are ready to respond with force when attacked. On June 9, Texas Rangers, state game wardens, and Border Patrol agents fired some 300 rounds in response to a smattering of gunshots from across the river.

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