http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/border/115402

Published: 02.11.2006

Man in fleeing truck shot, killed at border
By Alexis Huicochea
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
A man was shot to death Thursday night at the Douglas port of entry as he attempted to run down at least two Customs and Border Protection officers, an official said Friday.

The incident occurred around 9:10 p.m. when the Douglas Police Department was trying to pull a vehicle over for speeding, said Sgt. Mark Wilkinson, a department spokesman.

As the officer was trying to catch up to the driver, the truck ran a red light, at which time the officer radioed in to warn the port of entry that the vehicle was heading toward them, Wilkinson said.

The man, whose name has not been released, was trying to drive into Mexico but was unable to get through the port because there were vehicles in the lanes, said Brian Levin, a Customs and Border Protection spokesman.

He then drove the truck, which was stolen, at high speed into the inspection area of the port of entry where several officers were standing, Levin said.

Two officers who were in the vehicle's direct path each fired one shot at him, he said.

"Because of the threat to their lives, the officers took necessary action and each fired one shot," Levin said.

The truck came to a stop as it rammed into a booth, he said.
Officers went to check on the man and found him to be wounded, at which time they rendered first aid, Levin said.

The man was taken to a Douglas hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officials would not say where the man was from.
The officers, whose names also have not been released, have the option to take administrative leave, Levin said.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is handling the investigation.
● Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at 629-9412 or ahuicochea@azstarnet.com.