Emergency responders and federal agents gather at the scene of a U.S. Border Patrol-involved shooting in Blaine on Tuesday. The FBI is leading the investigation into the incident, which occurred in a residential neighborhood near Fourth Street and A Street. (Photo courtesy of Sam Kimbell)
BLAINE, Wash. — The FBI is investigating a U.S. Border Patrol-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday near the intersection of Fourth Street and A Street in downtown Blaine.
The Blaine Police Department announced the incident Tuesday morning and said the shooting poses no threat to the public.
“There was a USBP involved shooting at the corner of 4th Street and A Street,” the department said. “There is no threat to the public.”
Residents Caught Inside Crime Scene Perimeter
The investigation also disrupted daily life for residents living near the scene.
Sam Kimbell, who lives on Fourth Street, said investigators established part of the crime scene in her driveway after the incident.
“What I can tell you, is the suspect went down IN my driveway,” Kimbell told PNW Daily.
According to Kimbell, law enforcement restricted access to her property Tuesday morning while investigators processed evidence.
“I cannot leave for work and my son could not go to school this morning because our yard and driveway are a crime scene per Blaine Police Department and Border Patrol,” she said.
Kimbell said investigators allowed residents to leave on foot, but they could not move vehicles through the crime scene.
“I was told we can technically leave on foot but that doesn’t help me get to work. I can’t pull my car out of my garage,” she said.
She added that the restrictions affected more than her household.
“We are not the only people blocked in,” Kimbell said. “There are others further down and an apartment complex across the street also affected.”
Despite the disruption, Kimbell praised the response from authorities.
“It is what it is,” she said. “Grateful for the quick response and actions of Border Patrol and the Blaine Police Department.”
Kimbell said she has security camera footage of the incident and plans to provide it to investigators before releasing it publicly.
Police Ask Public to Avoid Area
Meanwhile, police asked residents and travelers to avoid the area while investigators process the crime scene.
“We ask for your assistance and patience in the area while the FBI investigates the incident and the crime scene,” the department said.
Police did not disclose what led to the shooting. In addition, officials have not said whether anyone suffered injuries or how many people were involved.
The department directed all media inquiries to the FBI. However, federal authorities had not released additional information as of Tuesday at 10am.
Incident Occurs Near Border
The shooting occurred several blocks south of the Peace Arch border crossing between the United States and Canada.
As a result, investigators remained in the area Tuesday while they documented the scene and collected evidence.
Blaine police emphasized that the incident does not pose an ongoing threat to the community. Nevertheless, officers asked drivers and pedestrians to expect delays near the investigation area.
Investigation Continues
PNW Daily has requested additional information from federal authorities. Additionally, the newsroom has asked for details about injuries, the circumstances leading to the shooting and the status of those involved.
For now, investigators have released only limited information. However, PNW Daily will update this story as authorities provide additional details.
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