BORDER PATROL AGENT SHOOTS MAN AT CIRCLE K IN ALPINE
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 asked Thiel's aunt, who asked that her name not be published.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.