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Man dies at U.S. border crossing

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UPDATE: El Cajon man died in custody at border

A 40 year-old man died on Christmas Eve after he was hit with an electronic control device during a fight with U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, federal authorities said.

The man was detained shortly after 3 p.m. when a records check showed that an arrest warrant had been issued for him, and that he should be considered armed and dangerous, the CBP said. He also was carrying an undisclosed amount of heroin. The man, an American citizen, was trying to enter the US from Mexico at a pedestrian crossing at the time.

Authorities said the man jumped over a counter at about 6:45 p.m. and attacked two CBP agents. “After numerous attempts to restrain the assailant, who continued to resist, an officer used his service issued electronic control device, and gained physical control,” CBP said.

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The man became unresponsive and stopped breathing just after 7 p.m. Agents say they began CPR and called for paramedics. Paramedics also performed CPR and took him to Sharp Chula Vista Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:57 p.m. The man’s name has not been released pending notification to next of kin.

Officials said four U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents were injured and treated at a nearby hospital. Officials said the names of the agents involved will not be released at this time.

Homicide detectives with the San Diego Police Department are investigating the situation and the cause of death will be determined by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s investigation.

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