Shots reportedly fired at security workers at border

Gunshots were allegedly fired from Mexico on Wednesday morning at private U.S. security contractors guarding infrastructure along the border, according to U.S. Border Patrol officials.

A security officer from Pinkerton Government Services notified Border Patrol agents that he heard 12-15 shots at about 9:45 a.m. while he and two other guards were near the U.S.-Mexico border about 30 miles south of Wellton, keeping watch over equipment being used to build the fence.

Immediately after the shots rang out, the guards reported spotting a white four-door sedan driving slowly westbound along Mexican Highway 2.

By 9:50 a.m., a CBP Air and Marine Operations Yuma Branch helicopter responded to the area and spotted the vehicle driving off-road south of a military checkpoint in Mexico.

Mexican authorities were notified of the incident, according to Border Patrol officials. No one was injured.

This marks the second time in a week that violence with guns has been directed toward the United States from Mexico, according to the Border Patrol news release.

On Aug. 23, a CBP helicopter pilot was assisting ground agents after a suspected smuggling vehicle got stuck while escaping into Mexico near the Colorado River. While hovering above the vehicle the pilot, using the helicopter’s forward-looking infrared system, saw an occupant emerge from the vehicle and point a rifle in his direction.

The pilot reportedly maneuvered the aircraft away from the area. No gunshots were reported from either the pilot or agents on the ground.

In other Wednesday Border Patrol activity, Yuma sector agents intercepted a group of individuals suspected of conducting surveillance in support of smuggling.

During aerial surveillance near the Cabeza Prieta mountain range about 60 miles southeast of Wellton, a Border Patrol helicopter pilot sighted six individuals. He alerted agents at the Wellton station of their presence.

Agents from Camp Desert Grip responded and apprehended the individuals, who were determined to be Mexican nationals illegally in the United States.

During the apprehension, agents discovered those six were carrying camouflage backpacks containing binoculars, a one-way radio, a cellular phone and spare battery, a solar-powered battery charger, a compass and provisions for approximately one week. One of the subjects was also carrying a small amount of marijuana.

The group was transported to the Wellton station for further questioning and processing, according to Border Patrol officials.

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Sarah Reynolds can be reached at sreynolds@yumasun.com or 539-6847.

THIS STORY WAS UPDATED AT 4:26 P.M.