Border Patrol agents assaulted in separate incidents

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents experienced three separate acts of violence within the past few days, all near the Calexico area.

The first incident occurred Thursday at 7:45 p.m. when agents assigned to bike patrol just east of the Calexico port of entry encountered a man suspected of illegally entering the United States. After questioning, the man resisted arrest and physically assaulted the agent. The agent deployed his pepper spray and was able to safely arrest the man.

The man was offered medical attention but declined.

The 24-year-old Mexican citizen will be held pending charges of illegally entering the United States and assaulting a federal agent.

The second incident occurred Thursday at 10:08 p.m., when agents assigned to patrol near the Gran Plaza Outlets in Calexico reported individuals in Mexico were throwing rocks into the United States attempting to cause harm or destruction. Agents nearby responded and the aggressors soon left the area. No arrests were made, but Mexican officials were notified.

The third incident occurred Friday morning at 9:43 a.m., when an agent patrolling the desert west of Mount Signal, encountered a man suspected of being in the United States illegally. While the agent approached, the man started to run toward Mexico. After a brief chase, the agent attempted to arrest the man but he resisted and began to assault the agent. After a brief scuffle, backup arrived and took custody of the man.

The man was offered medical attention but declined.

The 41-year-old Mexican citizen was turned over the FBI for further investigation.

All agents assaulted suffered no major physical injuries.