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American Killed in San Ysidro Gun Battle Was Smuggling 2 Chinese Men
[TimesOfSanDiego] Authorities Wednesday publicly identified a 23-year-old Riverside County man who opened fire on Customs and Border Protection personnel during a human-smuggling attempt at San Ysidro Port of Entry.Travis James Eckstein of Beaumont died at the scene of Monday evening’s shootout at the international border crossing, according to San Diego Police. The events that led to the deadly gunfire began about 7:45 p.m., when Eckstein refused to stop for CBP officers after driving out of Mexico into a secondary inspection area at the port facility, SDPD Lt. Matt Dobbs said. As the federal personnel tried to stop Eckstein, his white truck wound up blocked by another vehicle. He then allegedly began firing a gun toward some of the federal agents, getting out of his pickup while continuing to shoot. Seven officers returned fire, mortally wounding him. Customs personnel performed CPR on Eckstein until paramedics took over the unsuccessful lifesaving attempts, Dobbs said. None of the federal personnel were injured. Concealed in the back of Eckstein’s truck, officials found a pair of Chinese nationals, ages 18 and 27, with no legal status to enter the United States, according to CBP public affairs. The two men, who were unhurt, were interviewed and turned over to customs officers. Northbound vehicle and pedestrian operations at the port of entry were suspended for about 30 minutes due to the shooting. San Diego Police homicide detectives were called in to investigate the case, as is standard in all shootings involving law enforcement officers in the city. ‐City News Service Posted by: Abu Uluque 2019-06-06 |
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