Authorities in southern Arizona are investigating a shooting involving a U.S. Border Patrol agent that left one person critically injured early Tuesday morning, according to local officials. The incident occurred in a rural area of Pima County and prompted a large law enforcement and emergency response.
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The shooting took place near milepost 15 on Arivaca Road in the Arivaca area. Emergency responders from the Santa Rita Fire District and American Medical Response were dispatched to the scene at approximately 7:30 a.m. on January 27 following reports of gunfire.
Officials confirmed the incident involved a Border Patrol agent. When first responders arrived, they found one individual in custody suffering from critical injuries. The injured person received immediate medical treatment at the scene.
Due to the severity of the injuries, the individual was airlifted by medical helicopter to a regional trauma center for further care, according to local station KVOA. Border Patrol officers remained at the scene as authorities secured the area and began their investigation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said its Criminal Investigation Division is assisting alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The sheriff’s department is also leading a parallel use-of-force review involving the Border Patrol agent, calling the process standard practice to promote transparency when federal agencies are involved.
Authorities have not released the identities of either the injured individual or the agent involved, and no details have been provided about what led up to the shooting. Residents were advised to avoid the area while investigators worked, and officials said there is no ongoing threat to public safety as the investigation continues.[/read]