The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an encounter with a group of illegal aliens that resulted in the shooting death of one man by a Border Patrol agent.
According to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, on Saturday February 19, 2022, at approximately 10:00 pm, the Sheriff’s Office was advised of an incident involving a Border Patrol agent and a group of illegal migrants in the area of East Geronimo Trail.
Investigation learned that two US Border Patrol agents were in the area about 30 miles northeast of Douglas, due to sensor hits indicating multiple persons present. Both Border Patrol agents were initially on horseback, and prior to getting to the group they dismounted due to the rough terrain.
As the agents approached, the group scattered resulting in one agent chasing one downhill, while the other agent chased two uphill. After the three migrants were regrouped, a fourth migrant, later identified as Carmelo Cruz-Marcos, was observed under a tree and began running downhill. One of the agents followed down the hill, both the agent and Cruz-Marcos tripping and falling several times, before the agent was able to apprehend the fleeing 32-year-old Cruz-Marcos.
The agent told investigators that Cruz-Marcos turned and struck him in the left shoulder with the fist glancing up into the agent’s cheek. The agent then tackled Cruz-Marcos who was face down with his hands under his body and refusing to change position. The scuffle reportedly continued, and a second assault occurred on the agent when Cruz-Marcos threw his elbow backwards into the agent before getting up from the ground.
Cruz-Marcos then ran approximately six feet away before picking up a large rock and turning back towards the agent making a throwing motion with the hand that held the rock.
The agent then claimed that he fired his weapon but did not know how many times because he was in fear for his life and safety. The second agent responded from his location a short distance.
Both the group of illegal immigrants initially detained, and agents involved, were interviewed separately by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office.
The Pima County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy of Cruz-Marcos on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, and determined the cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds.
The Mexican Consulate was advised of the identification of Cruz-Marcos of Puebla, Mexico and confirmed that they have contacted his family.