Bullets fly at Bar KS Ranch in Nogales as suspects disappear

By Julia Bishop

U.S. Border Patrol agents attempting to stop a marijuana-laden SUV that entered the country illegally Wednesday got into a gunfight with the smugglers.

At about 7 p.m., agents were notified that the camera operations division "had picked up on" a vehicle crossing the border near the Bar K S Ranch just south of the Royal Road subdivision, said Lu Majeda, agency spokesman.

"Our agents responded," Majeda said, "and attempted to intercept a gray newer model SUV. While making that attempt the vehicle eventually stopped and a group of people exited the vehicle.

Shots ring out

At the same time, shots were fired on our agent. We don't know if the shots came from the suspects that came out of the SUV or if there was a scout or someone already in place that was shooting.

Majeda explained that it is common for smugglers to have people in place on the ground to watch as drug loads are moved through an area.

"The shots hit our agent's vehicle, but did not hit the agent. He did return fire. At this time, we do not know if any of the others were hit or injured."

Suspects fled

All suspects fled the scene. Agents found 700 pounds of marijuana in the gray Dodge Durango. The vehicle and drugs were seized. One person in the area was detained for questioning but Majeda said that at this time it is unclear if that person is connected with the shooting incident.

Majeda said that because the matter is under investigation he could not comment on the number of suspects, amount of shots fired or if the SUV had U.S. or Mexican registration plates.

Because the incident is qualified as an attack on a federal officer it has been turned over to the FBI.