Terry Gardener
New Member
A U.S. Border Patrol agent fired his service weapon at several alleged drug smugglers who were throwing rocks at him and another agent.
The incident happened at around 7 p.m. Monday near the B&M International Bridge in Brownsville, said Border Patrol spokeswoman Rosalinda Huey.
The agents were patrolling when they encountered several people who appeared to be carrying bundles of marijuana, authorities said.
When the agents confronted the individuals, they began throwing rocks at the agents, Huey said.
"One of our agents, in defense of himself and his partner, fired his service-issued rifle at the subjects. None of our agents were injured," Huey said.
It is unknown if anyone in the group of alleged smugglers was injured.
A helicopter was sent to the area to help search for the alleged smugglers, but none were located.
The agents recovered more than 13 pounds of marijuana that were left behind, Huey said.
Brownsville City Manager Charlie Cabler said the city had received inquiries involving gunshots fired Monday night. Authorities believe callers were referring to the same incident, although some reports said it sounded like guns were being fired between the B&M bridge and the Gateway International Bridge.
Cabler said to his knowledge no injuries were reported.
The Border Patrol said an investigation into the incident continues.
Source: Brownsville Herald, The (TX)
Copyright: 2011 The Brownsville Herald
Contact: Contact Us : Brownsville Herald
Website: Brownsville Herald
The incident happened at around 7 p.m. Monday near the B&M International Bridge in Brownsville, said Border Patrol spokeswoman Rosalinda Huey.
The agents were patrolling when they encountered several people who appeared to be carrying bundles of marijuana, authorities said.
When the agents confronted the individuals, they began throwing rocks at the agents, Huey said.
"One of our agents, in defense of himself and his partner, fired his service-issued rifle at the subjects. None of our agents were injured," Huey said.
It is unknown if anyone in the group of alleged smugglers was injured.
A helicopter was sent to the area to help search for the alleged smugglers, but none were located.
The agents recovered more than 13 pounds of marijuana that were left behind, Huey said.
Brownsville City Manager Charlie Cabler said the city had received inquiries involving gunshots fired Monday night. Authorities believe callers were referring to the same incident, although some reports said it sounded like guns were being fired between the B&M bridge and the Gateway International Bridge.
Cabler said to his knowledge no injuries were reported.
The Border Patrol said an investigation into the incident continues.
Source: Brownsville Herald, The (TX)
Copyright: 2011 The Brownsville Herald
Contact: Contact Us : Brownsville Herald
Website: Brownsville Herald
