Authorities have released new details about a shooting earlier this week involving U.S. Border Patrol agents near Arivaca, Arizona, that left one man critically injured.
The incident happened shortly after 7:30 a.m. Tuesday near West Arivaca Road, roughly 10 miles north of the U.S.–Mexico border. Officials now say agents were attempting to stop a vehicle connected to a human smuggling investigation when the suspect fled the scene.
During the pursuit, authorities allege the suspect fired at Border Patrol agents and at a federal helicopter assisting in the operation. Agents returned fire, striking the man after a foot pursuit. No law enforcement officers were injured.
The 34-year-old man was airlifted to a regional trauma center, where he underwent surgery. Authorities later said he was in serious but stable condition. He was taken into federal custody following treatment.
Investigators say the suspect is expected to face multiple federal charges, including assault on a federal officer, human smuggling, and weapons-related offenses. Officials also indicated he had an outstanding warrant at the time of the incident.
The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department are continuing to investigate the shooting. Authorities noted the area is frequently patrolled by federal agents because of its proximity to known smuggling routes along the southern border.
