Authorities say a U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot a suspected illegal immigrant smuggler in an unincorporated North County region last night.
The shooting occurred about 11:30 near Mountain Meadow Road and Champagne Boulevard after Border Patrol agents pulled over a suspected illegal immigrant.
The suspect was driving a vehicle occupied by 12 other alleged illegal immigrants.
Border Patrol spokeswoman Officer Wendy Lee says the driver reached for an agent's gun when the agent approached the vehicle to ask for identification documents.
She says that's when the agent opened fire, killing the suspect.
San Diego County sheriff's officials say homicide detectives are investigating the incident.
