Border Patrol agent shot in Arizona

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - A U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot while investigating sensor activity in an area north of the Mexican border in Arizona.  It happened at approximately 4:30 a.m. Tuesday near in a rural and mountainous area near Chimney Canyon in Pima County.

The Customs and Border Protection says the agent, who was not identified, was attacked by an unknown number of assailants, one of whom fired several shots at the agent in close proximity.

The 31-year veteran agent was hit several times in the leg and the hand and it is believed that he returned fire.  He was also hit multiple times in his bullet proof vest, which saved his life.

The agent was an experienced paramedic and was able to administer self-care and reach his vehicle. The agent called for emergency assistance from his patrol vehicle’s service radio after he was shot. Responding agents coordinated his emergency evacuation via air ambulance to a hospital.

The Border Patrol Tactical unit was immediately deployed by Air and Marine aircraft to the area where they located and arrested multiple illegal immigrants.  It was unclear if they were connected with the shooting. 

The FBI is leading the investigation.

The area where the shooting took place is a large ranch which has several trails that drug runners and migrant smugglers are known to use.