Crime tape blocked access to a convenience store in Alpine early Monday while investigators tried to and piece together why an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent opened fire on a man.
The shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. Sunday at the Circle K on Tavern Road and Arnold Way. Tavern Road was closed for a few blocks south of Interstate 8.
The off-duty agent was pumping gas when a man who appeared to be in his 20s started coming toward him, making threatening statements, according to San Diego County sheriff’s deputies.
The agent identified himself, showed the man his badge but that person continued to come at him, and the agent opened fire, deputies said.
The man was shot once in the torso and then ran away. He collapsed and was found across the street from the Circle K.
He was taken by helicopter to Sharp Memorial hospital where he underwent surgery. He's been identified as 22-year old Manuel Thiel.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321, after hours at (858)-565-5200 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS(8477).
