Security footage obtained by PNW Daily shows a white van near the scene minutes before a Border Patrol agent shot an armed suspect Tuesday in Blaine. Witnesses describe what they saw. (Photo: PNW Daily)
BLAINE, Wash. — Security footage obtained by PNW Daily appears to show a white van repeatedly driving near a wooded area minutes before a U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and wounded an armed suspect Tuesday morning in Blaine.
The footage appears to show a white van making two slow passes near a wooded area just south of the Canadian border in the minutes before the shooting, raising questions investigators have not yet answered publicly.
The shooting occurred near Fourth Street and A Street, just south of the Canadian border. The FBI is leading the criminal investigation.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a Border Patrol agent discharged a service weapon during their encounter with the suspect. The suspect suffered injuries and received medical treatment. The agent was not injured.
“A firearm was recovered at the scene,” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said in a statement.
Security Footage Captures Activity Before Encounter
Security footage reviewed by PNW Daily captures activity between approximately 4:59 a.m. and 5:39 a.m. near the scene of the shooting.
The video shows a white van pulling near an apartment complex adjacent to a wooded area shortly before 5 a.m. The vehicle then turns around and slowly passes the area a second time before leaving.
Approximately 18 minutes later, the footage shows Border Patrol agents encountering a man emerging from the wooded area.
The agents attempt to stop the man as he moves away from them. Moments later, voices on the recording can be heard shouting warnings that include the word “gun.”
Seconds later, a gunshot rings out.
The footage appears to show the suspect falling to the ground after being struck in the leg. A firearm is visible near the suspect after he falls, according to PNW Daily’s review of the video.
Agents immediately move in, secure the firearm and begin rendering first aid.
Witnesses Describe What They Saw
The couple who live at the corner property where the incident unfolded spoke with PNW Daily Tuesday. They believe the man emerged from the woods as part of an illegal border crossing and that the white van seen in the footage was waiting to pick him up but left before agents arrived.
The resident whose driveway became part of the crime scene told PNW Daily she witnessed part of the confrontation directly. She said she saw the suspect extend his arm with what appeared to be a gun in the moments before the shot was fired.
CBP confirmed a firearm was recovered at the scene, consistent with what the resident described witnessing.
Investigators Seeking Additional Video
Border Patrol officials told PNW Daily that investigators continue to gather surveillance footage as they reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting.
Officials said investigators are awaiting potential video evidence from the Canadian side of the border as part of that effort.
The footage reviewed by PNW Daily appears consistent with investigators examining a possible cross-border event. However, federal authorities have not publicly identified the suspect, described the circumstances that led to the encounter or confirmed any connection between the white van and the shooting.
Authorities also have not publicly disclosed where the suspect originated before agents encountered him.
Blaine Police Assisted With Scene Security
Deputy Chief Brent Greene said Blaine police received a report of “shots fired” at 5:29 a.m.
One Blaine officer responded to the scene and assisted with scene security.
Greene said Blaine officers did not use force, discharge weapons, detain anyone or provide medical aid.
“We are assisting with scene security,” Greene said.
Greene also said there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Crime Scene Affected Nearby Residents
The investigation restricted access to several nearby properties throughout Tuesday morning.
The resident whose driveway became part of the crime scene told PNW Daily that investigators prevented some residents from leaving by vehicle while evidence technicians processed the area. She said the restrictions prevented family members from leaving for work and school and affected additional homes and an apartment complex near the scene.
Despite the disruption, the resident praised the response by Border Patrol agents and Blaine police officers.
“It is what it is,” she said. “Grateful for the quick response and actions of Border Patrol and the Blaine Police Department.”
What Remains Unknown
Many of the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
Security footage reviewed by PNW Daily provides a timeline of events leading up to the encounter. However, investigators have not publicly confirmed why the suspect was in the area, whether he had crossed the border, whether the white van seen in the footage was connected to the incident, or what led to the confrontation with Border Patrol agents.
At least one person who commented publicly on this story said they know the suspect and disputes that he was attempting to cross the border. PNW Daily has not been able to verify that claim.
One Border Patrol agent, speaking informally and not in an official capacity, also raised the possibility the incident may have involved an illegal smuggling attempt. Federal investigators have not confirmed that account.
PNW Daily has received information from multiple sources offering differing explanations for the events preceding the shooting. Because the FBI’s investigation remains active, facts and timelines could change as investigators review additional evidence, including surveillance footage from both sides of the U.S.-Canada border.
PNW Daily will continue to update this story as officials release verified information. For previous coverage, see FBI Investigating Border Patrol-Involved Shooting in Blaine and Border Patrol Agent Shoots Armed Suspect in Blaine Tuesday.
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