Border Patrol agent pleads not guilty in 2022 shooting

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA) - A federal grand jury indicted a U.S. Border Patrol agent in connection to a shooting involving an unarmed teenager during an attempted traffic stop near the Calexico border.

Agent Marco Andrade pleaded not guilty to federal charges. He faces charges of deprivation of rights under color of law,and use and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. He was released on a $50,000 bond, and ordered to return to court in May.

According to prosecutors, Andrade attempted to stop a minivan he suspected of involvement in smuggling. The driver, a 19-year-old, allegedly failed to pull over and became stuck n traffic, at which point the agent is accused of pulling alongside the minivan, getting out of his vehicle, and firing eight shots at the minivan. He was injured, but survived the shooting.

Authorities say the driver was unarmed and not engaged in smuggling activity at the time.

If convicted, the charges could carry significant prison time. No trial date has been announced yet.

The alleged victim has also filed a civil law suit.

KYMA contacted the U.S. Attorney who is prosecuting the case for a statement. They declined to comment.

KYMA also contacted the attorney for Andrade, but comment was not returned at the time of press.

Border Patrol is not commenting or giving interviews during the partial government shut-down.