MEXICAN IMMIGRANT IN CRITICAL CONDITION FROM TASER USED BY BORDER PATROL DURING STRUGGLE

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Update:  The injured man, Anastasio Hernandez, died Saturday. The County Medical examiner's office listed high blood pressure, methamphetamine use, and the physical altercation with officers as contributing factors in his death.

May 29, 2010 (San Diego) – San Diego Police homicide detectives are investigating the serious injury of a 32-year-old Mexican border crosser. Following a struggle, a Border Patrol agent used a Taser to subdue the suspect, who quit breathing and is not expected to survive, according to SDPD.

 

Two brothers were arrested by Border Patrol Agents on Friday night around 7:20 p.m. for for entering the U.S. illegally. They were transported to a Border Patrol station in San Ysidro for processing. According to Police, the man who was injured had signed a Voluntary Return Order and was to be turned over to Mexican Immigration officials. His brother was scheduled to be returned to Mexico at a later time.

 

At the Port of Entry, the man became violent when agents removed the handcuffs, according to SDPD. The agents and the man all fell to the ground during the fight and agents radioed for assistance. Customs and Border Protection agents came to the assistance of the Border Patrol agents and also struggled with the man. Due to his combative behavior, a Customs and Border Protection agent used a Taser to subdue him.

 

Shortly after deployment of the Taser, the man stopped breathing. The agents immediately administered CPR and requested paramedics. The unconscious man was transported to a local hospital, where he is in extremely critical condition on life support and is not expected to survive.

 

The name of the subject and his brother are not being released at this time, pending notification of their family. The brother is still in custody locally. Names of the agents have not yet been released while an investigation is underway.

 


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