YUMA — Border Patrol officials say a Yuma-area agent fatally shot a man who allegedly assaulted him after illegally crossing the border.
Authorities say the shooting happened Thursday around 10 p.m. near Somerton.
The Yuma Sector Border Patrol agent tried to arrest the suspect when he grabbed the agent's radio and steel baton. The suspect allegedly hit the agent in the face and head.
According to the agent, he then tried to take the agent's sidearm from its holster.
The agent says he feared for his life and fired his weapon.
Both men were taken to a Yuma hospital. The suspect was pronounced dead.
The agent suffered lacerations and bruises to his head, face and torso as well as a concussion.
Authorities say per policy, the agent is on administrative leave.
