Border Patrol agent injured in assault; suspect taken into custody

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - A Border Patrol agent was injured during an assault that happened while a suspect was being taken into custody in Cochise County Saturday, March 4.

According to a statement from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the incident happened near Foudy Road and State Route 92, west of Palominas, at approximately 4 a.m.

The Tucson Sector agent took a subject into custody after investigating the subject’s illegal entry into the U.S. While being placed in a vehicle, the subject assaulted the agent, injuring the agent’s face and hands. Additional agents responded and took the suspect into custody.

The assaulted agent was transported for medical treatment. Her condition was not released, but Chief Raul L. Ortiz said she is recovering.

The FBI is investigating the assault on a federal officer. The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is also investigating.

Ortiz said the suspect is being prosecuted for assault on a federal officer and illegal entry.