[South Texas:]Kleberg grand jury doesn't indict border patrol agent in shooting

Corpus Christi Caller-Times ^ | September 25, 2009 | Mary Ann Cavazos

[SwinneySwitch]

Officer had shot man who was combative

KINGSVILLE — A Kleberg County grand jury cleared a border patrol agent on Thursday in the July shooting of a suspected undocumented immigrant.

Authorities have said border patrol agent Rafael Cortez shot a 34-year-old man on July 1 after he tried to grab Cortez’s baton during a struggle inside a convenience store.

Cortez had followed the man into the Kingsville store after several suspected undocumented immigrants fled from a vehicle.

Cortez tried to apprehend the man who became combative and grabbed Cortez’s baton. That’s when authorities say Cortez drew his gun and fired, hitting the man in the stomach. The man, whose name authorities never released, survived. A border patrol spokesman said late Friday he couldn’t immediately find out the man’s status.

Cortez’s attorney, Jack Wolfe, said his client had remained on full duty since the shooting and knew he followed proper procedure. But it still came as a relief to hear that a grand jury agreed, Wolfe said.

“He’s happy to see the justice system worked,” he said.

[SwinneySwitch]

"A border patrol spokesman said late Friday he couldn’t immediately find out the man’s status."

[YHAOS]

Chairman 0bama will not be happy to learn the oppressive border patrol agent was set free.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Federal charges are forthcoming.

[Steely Tom]

Cortez tried to apprehend the man who became combative and grabbed Cortez’s baton. That’s when authorities say Cortez drew his gun and fired, hitting the man in the stomach.

Yeah, I'd say off hand that grabbing an armed federal officer's non-lethal weapon from him is a good way to send the situation from bad to worse.

[SwinneySwitch]

Ping!

If you want on, or off this S. Texas/Mexico ping list, please FReepMail me.

[dennisw]

This case should never have been in front of a grand jury. Did Mexico demand this BS? And our local prosecutors did Mexico’s bidding?

[freekitty]

Ah, the King Ranch. They have their own Border Patrol.

[Oldpuppymax]

Wonder if Hussein and Holder will demand the agent be sent before a few more grand juries...you know, until one of them “gets it right” and recommends the CHAIR!