Man shot with stun gun dies at US border crossing

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.