FBI investigates shooting near Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine, Wash.

A U.S. Border Patrol agent fired his service weapon during an early-morning encounter near the Canada-U.S. border in Blaine, Washington. The suspect was injured; no agents were hurt.

FBI takes lead after Border Patrol agent opens fire near Peace Arch crossing

The FBI is investigating a shooting involving U.S. Border Patrol agents near the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine, Washington, cp24.com reports. The incident took place on Tuesday morning at the corner of 4th Street and A Street, approximately 100 metres from the crossing that separates Blaine from South Surrey, B.C.

FBI spokesperson Amy Alexander confirmed in an emailed statement to CTV News that no agents were injured. "The subject was injured and transported to the hospital," Alexander said. A firearm was recovered at the scene, though Alexander did not specify how it was connected to the incident. "This was an isolated incident, and there is no danger to the public," she added.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed that an agent discharged his service weapon during an encounter with an individual near the border. The agency's office of professional responsibility is reviewing the officer's use of force, while the FBI leads the criminal investigation, Scott said.

The Blaine Police Department issued a brief statement on social media asking for public patience while investigators process the scene. "All media requests need to go to the FBI," the department said.

Local U.S. immigration lawyer Len Saunders, who has lived in Blaine for 25 years, said the shooting occurred at around 5:30 a.m. and prompted a "massive law enforcement" response to a wooded area adjacent to the border. Saunders described the location as a known hotspot for smuggling activity. "There is lots of people who they catch, who usually sneak in through the park or sneak in through the bushes," he said. "But it's very rare that you actually hear that someone is shot for an action like this."

The Canada Border Services Agency declined to comment, directing all inquiries to U.S. authorities.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)