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Updated 1:20 p.m.
May 3, 2010 (Alpine) – An off-duty Border Patrol Agent was reportedly pumping gas at a Circle K Station in Alpine last night when he was approached by a man who made threatening and challenging statements. The agent, who was dressed in civilian attire, displayed his badge and pointed a handgun at the still approaching subject, according to a preliminary Sheriff's report.
“Feeling threatened and fearing for his safety, the agent fired one round, striking the subject,” the Sheriff's press release states. Lieutenant Dennis Brugos of the Sheriff’s homicide division indicates the threats were gang related, the Union Tribune reports.
The wounded man, identified as Manuel David Thiel, 22, by the Union-Tribune, fled on foot and was discovered shortly after near the scene. He was transported to a local hospital and underwent surgery, ECM has confirmed. Authorities are at the hospital waiting to question Thiel, a family member has confirmed.
The shooting raises questions that are as yet unanswered.
"What was the reason?" asked Thiel's aunt, who asked that her name not be published. "Was he unarmed? Just because someone throws up a gang sign and came toward you, if that's what happened, you can't just start shooting people. Road ragers have followed me and I didn't step out and shoot them. Did the Border Patrol agent egg him on; did he say anything? We don't know anything about him."
According to Thiel's aunt, her nephew was permanently disabled and blind in one eye. When last she saw him two years ago, he was living in a group home near Alpine. Thiel is about 5 feet, nine inches tall and did not have a heavy build when last she saw him, she said. "He's a nice guy, a good kid," she added. Asked if Thiel is a gang member or has a history of violence, she replied, "Not that I know of." Asked if he has ever served time in prison, she said, "No."
Thiel's aunt questioned why the Border Patrol agent shot her nephew in the chest instead of trying other options, even if he felt threatened. She asked why he didn't get into his vehicle, call for backup, go into the store, or use less lethal force.
East County Magazine contacted the Sheriff's office to ask whether the victim was armed and if so, with what sort of weapon. The Sheriff's media representative referered our call to Lt. Brugos, who is out of the office today.
The Circle K manager refused to answer questions from East County Magazine this morning. When asked if there is a surveillance video that we could obtain or view, the manager hung up the phone.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Sheriff's homicide detail at (858) 974-2321, after hours at (858)-565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS(8477).
If you have information to share with media and the public on this issue, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org.
Comments
Shooting
I happen to have known Manuel for over a year. He lived in a group home for developmentally disabled. I know that he is very confrontational. He is tolerable, but he is very unstable. This story fits his profile and behavior to a tee. He gets his stimulation from events like this as this gains him points so to speak. His aunt has to be lying since he has quite a life long history in and out of prison. He actually has been able to maintain for quite sometime. MT did not pose a threat since he was always unarmed and has quite a small frame. His behavior is another story. I'm sure there was no way for this officer to know he was unarmed when he reached to pull up his baggy pants. If he would have known he was unarmed it is quite easy to overtake him. He actually was able to escape charges perhaps from his alleged mental state. But he is alive and well in prison for petty behaviors which violated his probation.His constant instability should keep him in there for more than a few years.
Thiel Shooting
@RJM- Manuel Thiel is not incarcerated anywhere. He's not in County Jail, State Prison or Federal Prison. As of late November 2010, this case was being handled by the homocide division of the Sheriff's office. Also, at age 22, how long a prison history could he have had?
I asked for surveillance tape from the gas station/market
but could not get it turned over. It would be very interested to see what it shows and whether it backs up the officer's contention that Manuel appeared threatening sufficiently to justify the use of lethal force, which seems questionable under these circumstances. With his vehicle right there, seems the officer would only have needed to buy enought time to get inside.
If you would like to contact me at 619-698-7617 or via email at editor@eastcountymagazine.org to be interviewed, I would like to speak with you.