Federal Complaint Reveals New Border Patrol Shooting Details

BLAINE, Wash. — An agent shouted “gun, gun, gun” and grabbed a firearm from a man’s waistband before the suspect broke free and ran, then a second agent shot him in the leg during the Border Patrol shooting in Blaine early Tuesday morning.

Those details emerged Wednesday from a federal affidavit filed after Nathaniel Anthony Muniz-Spry, 39, of Everson appeared in federal court on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington identified the suspect as Nathaniel Anthony Muniz-Spry and announced the federal charge Wednesday afternoon.

According to court documents, Border Patrol agents responded shortly after 5 a.m. June 16 after a border surveillance camera captured an individual walking south in a wooded area near Fourth Street and A Street, a location investigators describe as a frequent corridor for illegal border crossings and smuggling activity.

Agents Encountered Suspect Near Border

Agents located Nathaniel Muniz-Spry near the area shown on the camera. According to the affidavit, he told agents he was looking for a place to use the bathroom. He also said he had left his identification in a friend’s van.

Agents seated Muniz-Spry in the rear of a patrol vehicle while they checked his records. Dispatch then alerted agents to an active “approach with caution” warning linked to a prior law enforcement encounter.

Investigators say Muniz-Spry repeatedly placed his hands inside his sweatshirt pocket. He also tried to walk toward a wooded area after agents told him to remain seated. Those actions raised concerns among the agents.

Agent Found Gun During Search

Agents decided to conduct a pat-down search because of Muniz-Spry’s behavior and the officer safety alert in his record. During the search, an agent felt what appeared to be the grip of a handgun near Muniz-Spry’s waistband.

According to investigators, Muniz-Spry pushed away from the agent and reached toward his waistband. The agent grabbed the firearm and shouted, “gun, gun, gun” to warn fellow officers.

The struggle caused the agent to lose his balance. Muniz-Spry then broke free and ran. A second Border Patrol agent shot him in the leg moments later.

The agent who secured the firearm immediately yelled that he had the gun.

Those details closely match portions of security footage reviewed by PNW Daily. The footage captured agents shouting “gun” moments before the shooting.

Agents Provided First Aid

After medical staff treated Muniz-Spry for a gunshot wound to the leg, agents provided first aid at the scene and requested emergency medical services. While waiting for an ambulance, investigators say Muniz-Spry made a remark about his future.

According to the FBI affidavit, he told agents, “Give me the dignity of have one last cigarette before going to prison forever.”

Later that day, hospital staff released Muniz-Spry into law enforcement custody. FBI agents advised him of his Miranda rights, which he waived before agreeing to an interview.

Give me the dignity of have one last cigarette before going to prison forever.

— Nathaniel Muniz-Spry, per federal affidavit

During that interview, Muniz-Spry said he had been drinking for two days. He told investigators he had been with a friend who left to meet a woman and that he remained in the area. He said he entered the woods to use the bathroom before encountering Border Patrol agents.

Muniz-Spry also told investigators that he did not have identification because he believed his wallet had fallen out of his pocket after his friend dropped him off. According to the affidavit, he remembered hearing officers discuss the “approach with caution” warning that appeared during the records check.

Investigators say Muniz-Spry admitted breaking free from the agent who was searching him and running from the scene. He told agents he realized he had been shot only after he started running and then fell to the ground.

Toward the end of the interview, investigators advised him to tell the truth. According to the affidavit, Muniz-Spry responded, “My version will justify his actions.”

The statements contained in the affidavit represent investigators’ account of the interview and have not been tested in court.

My version will justify his actions.

— Nathaniel Muniz-Spry, per federal affidavit

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