A Border Patrol agent shot and wounded a Russian man suspected of crossing the border illegally into Arizona, the agency said Friday.
The agent tried to arrest the man Thursday near the Arizona border with Mexico, and a physical altercation ensued, according to the agency. The agent shot the man, who was flown to a Phoenix hospital and is expected to survive. The Border Patrol agent was not seriously injured.
“As the agent attempted to arrest the subject, a physical altercation ensued, and the agent discharged his firearm, striking the subject,” U.S. Customs and Border Patrol said.
The FBI is joining CBP’s Use of Force Incident Team in investigating the shooting.
“The Consulate General is in contact with the state police and intends to obtain consular access to the victim,” the Russian Embassy said in a statement.
An agency spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment from the Washington Examiner.
