Sheriff: Mexican Shot by US Agent Threw Big Rocks

A U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot a man who officials said assaulted him with a barrage of rocks in rugged terrain near the Otay Mesa border crossing Tuesday morning, reigniting a debate over whether agents should use lethal force against rock throwers, reports the Union-Tribune .

The unidentified agent fired his gun Tuesday after Mexican national Jesus Flores Cruz hurled several large rocks, including one about the size of a basketball, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, which is leading the investigation, reports the Washington Post .

“Fearing that another rock strike to the head could kill or incapacitate him, the agent fired his duty pistol at least twice at the man, striking him,” sheriff’s homicide Lt. Glenn Giannantonio said.