http://www.swtexaslive.com/node/3140

Shooter in custody following assault on Border Patrol agents
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January 29, 2007
By Bill Sontag
Feature Writer

The peace of a Sunday evening (Jan 29, 2007) was shattered about 10 p.m. when Border Patrol agents found themselves in a gunfight with an unknown assailant on Del Rio’s north side. Streets in the upscale Sage Hills subdivision became the routes of a chase when an agent pursued a “suspicious vehicle,” according to Hilario “Lalo” Leal, supervisory U.S. Border Patrol agent and agency spokesman.

Leal told LIVE! early Monday morning that about 10 p.m., agents noticed a vehicle being driven erratically, and information about the sighting was given to more agents on the north side of the city. License plates were noted and checked through the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) for outstanding “wants” or warrants. The driver of the vehicle attempted to swerve off the road along U.S. Highway 90 West and Agarita Drive, when the pursuing agent turned on his overhead flashing warning lights.

At this point, Leal said the male subject opened his door, revealing the barrel of a rifle, and was quickly ordered to stay in his vehicle. The driver complied, but then resumed northward travel along Quail Creek Drive, as the agent again pursued. The subject stopped again, exited his vehicle, and once more aimed the weapon at the agents. The agent fired at the subject, missing his target, whereupon the subject again sped away to the Los Campos subdivision.

There, he abandoned his vehicle at the intersection of Rimfire Drive and Shirley Drive, fleeing into desert scrub on foot. By this time Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety helicopters were overhead, and spotted the subject with on-board night vision screens.

Leal said two search canines were deployed, successfully picking up scent from the subject’s vehicle, and leading agents to the general area where the subject was hiding. The night vision surveillance on the helicopters revealed the subject’s specific location, allowing pilots to direct agents there as the subject again fired a shot at the agents.

According to Leal, the subject was talked into surrender, and is currently in custody at the Del Rio Station of the Border Patrol on U.S. Highway 90 East. Border Patrol officials declined to reveal information about the subject, pending arraignment scheduled later today or Tuesday (Jan. 29).