Shots reportedly fired at security workers at border
BY SARAH REYNOLDS, SUN STAFF WRITER
August 30, 2007 - 7:57AM
U.S. Border Patrol photo
This surveillance equipment was seized from suspected lookouts for
alien smugglers near Yuma.
Gunshots were allegedly fired from Mexico on Wednesday morning at
private U.S. security contractors guarding infrastructure along the
border, according to U.S. Border Patrol officials.
A security officer from Pinkerton Government Services notified Border
Patrol agents that he heard 12-15 shots at about 9:45 a.m. while he
and two other guards were near the U.S.-Mexico border about 30 miles
south of Wellton, keeping watch over equipment being used to build
the fence.
Immediately after the shots rang out, the guards reported spotting a
white four-door sedan driving slowly westbound along Mexican Highway 2.
By 9:50 a.m., a CBP Air and Marine Operations Yuma Branch helicopter
responded to the area and spotted the vehicle driving off-road south
of a military checkpoint in Mexico.
Mexican authorities were notified of the incident, according to
Border Patrol officials. No one was injured.
This marks the second time in a week that violence with guns has been
directed toward the United States from Mexico, according to the
Border Patrol news release.
On Aug. 23, a CBP helicopter pilot was assisting ground agents after
a suspected smuggling vehicle got stuck while escaping into Mexico
near the Colorado River. While hovering above the vehicle the pilot,
using the helicopter's forward-looking infrared system, saw an
occupant emerge from the vehicle and point a rifle in his direction.
The pilot reportedly maneuvered the aircraft away from the area. No
gunshots were reported from either the pilot or agents on the ground.
In other Wednesday Border Patrol activity, Yuma sector agents
intercepted a group of individuals suspected of conducting
surveillance in support of smuggling.
During aerial surveillance near the Cabeza Prieta mountain range
about 60 miles southeast of Wellton, a Border Patrol helicopter pilot
sighted six individuals. He alerted agents at the Wellton station of
their presence.
Agents from Camp Desert Grip responded and apprehended the
individuals, who were determined to be Mexican nationals illegally in
the United States.
During the apprehension, agents discovered those six were carrying
camouflage backpacks containing binoculars, a one-way radio, a
cellular phone and spare battery, a solar-powered battery charger, a
compass and provisions for approximately one week. One of the
subjects was also carrying a small amount of marijuana.
The group was transported to the Wellton station for further
questioning and processing, according to Border Patrol officials.
---
Sarah Reynolds can be reached at sreynolds@yumasun.com or 539-6847.
THIS STORY WAS UPDATED AT 4:26 P.M.
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