Border control agents shoot dead a US citizen, 23, who 'opened fire on officers after refusing to stop for a routine vehicle inspection' as terrified bystanders hit the floor
- Seven Customs and Border Protection officers shot dead a 23-year-old man
- The unidentified male reportedly failed to stop at an inspection checkpoint
- He was shot dead after he opened fire on officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry
Border Control agents shot a US citizen dead on Monday night after he allegedly opened fire on them having failed to stop at a checkpoint.
Seven Customs and Border Protection officers engaged in the shootout at the San Ysidro Port of Entry near the US-Mexico border at Tijuana, officials said.
According to the San Diego Tribune, the shooting happened around 7.30pm. in a secondary inspection area at the San Ysidro border crossing.
Pictures posted on social media appeared to show border officials surrounding a white pickup
Footage posted on social media showed terrified bystanders lying on the floor in fear inside the border checkpoint building
A preliminary investigation revealed the alleged gunman was driving a white pickup and refused to stop for Customs and Border Protection officers.
The 23-year-old man then drove through the inspection area until he was forced to stop by a vehicle blocking his way out.
'The suspect began firing a gun out of his vehicle toward the officers, then exited his vehicle and continued firing at the officers,' San Diego police homicide Lt. Matt Dobbs said on Tuesday.
'The officers returned fire, striking the suspect.'
None of the border agents were injured in the shooutout, Dobbs said.
Police said they know the identity of the man, who was described as a white citizen of the US, but said they will not be releasing his identity until his family are informed.
Officers closed lanes both ways going into the checkpoint as they dealt with the incident on Monday
Shocking footage posted on social media showed the chaotic scene unfolding and armed agents appearing to swarm the pickup truck.
One witness, named only as Juan, claimed he heard '15 to 20 shots' and said he could see almost nothing apart from agents and police officers 'running up and down' the lanes.
A CPB spokesperson told CBS News, 'A white pickup truck arrived at the San Ysidro port of entry, along the San Diego/Tijuana border to enter the United States. The driver failed to stop for an inspection and there was an officer involved shooting.'
The spokesperson added that CPB 'is cooperating with investigations by other law enforcement agencies. Per CBP policy, the agency will also conduct an internal review of the incident.'
The San Diego Police department is now leading an investigation into the incident.
