BLAINE, Wash. —A man died last month while in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) custody at the Peace Arch Port of Entry in Blaine, Washington, after a car crash and brief foot chase, the agency said Thursday.
According to a CBP news release issued on Oct. 23, the incident occurred around 10:13 p.m. on Sept. 20, when a driver in a white Mercedes-Benz traveled the wrong way on a southbound exit ramp near the U.S.-Canada border.
CBP identified the driver as a U.S. citizen but did not release his name.
Officers saw the car crash into a curb and stop in a grassy area south of the primary inspection lanes. After a CBP officer called 911 to report the accident, the driver got out of the vehicle and ran toward the primary lanes. Officers said they saw a handgun, later identified as a Glock 26, fall from the man’s waist area as he ran.
CBP officers ordered the man to get on the ground. When he did not comply, they detained him after he stumbled and fell. Officers handcuffed him in front of his body and placed leg restraints on him due to what they described as continued resistance.
A search of a fanny pack the man was wearing allegedly revealed cocaine, marijuana, ketamine and a THC vape cartridge.
At 10:19 p.m., officers placed the restrained man in a wheelchair and took him to a secondary inspection area. When officers tried to wake him minutes later and received no response, they called 911 again for medical assistance.
CBP officers said they began CPR and used an automated external defibrillator, but the device did not advise a shock. Emergency medical personnel arrived at 10:42 p.m. and took over lifesaving efforts. The man was pronounced dead at 11:11 p.m.
A preliminary autopsy indicated the man had a major artery blockage, CBP said. The Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting a full examination and toxicology tests.The CBP Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the incident and has notified the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General.
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