In this Dec. 3, 2014 file photo, cars wait to enter the United States from Tijuana, Mexico through the San Ysidro port of entry in San Diego. San Diego police say a 40-year-old man died after a border inspector shot him with a stun gun at the nation’s busiest crossing. Police said Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014 that the man jumped over a counter and attacked an inspector after being escorted to a separate area for questioning at the San Ysidro port of entry between San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico and a records check revealed he was wanted on a felony charge. AP
SAN DIEGO – A 40-year-old U.S. citizen died after a border inspector shot him with a stun gun at the nation’s busiest crossing, authorities said Thursday.
San Diego police said the man jumped over a counter and attacked an inspector after being taken to a separate area for questioning at the San Ysidro port of entry connecting San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. A records check showed he was wanted on a felony charge.
In a statement, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said the man attacked two inspectors, and it described him as “combative.” It said officers found heroin during a body search.
The man attempted to enter the U.S. on foot Wednesday afternoon, according to the agency.
Authorities attempted to resuscitate the man, who was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Police said the man would not be identified until his family was notified.
Four customs officers suffered injuries and were hospitalized. Police called the injuries moderate; the agency said they were minor.
About 50,000 motorists and 25,000 pedestrians enter the country daily at San Ysidro.