Shots Fired in Road Rage Clash – Shocking Discovery Made

road rage

An off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer faces charges after firing 11 shots during a road rage incident in El Paso, Texas.

At a Glance

  • CBP officer Hector Luis Zubia, 34, arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
  • Incident occurred on September 6, 2023, near Downtown El Paso
  • Zubia fired 11 shots at a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Sebastian Cardoza
  • Evidence suggests Zubia continued shooting after the perceived threat had passed
  • Zubia released on $250,000 bond as investigation continues

Off-Duty CBP Officer Arrested in El Paso Road Rage Shooting

A shocking road rage incident in El Paso, Texas, has led to the arrest of an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. Hector Luis Zubia, 34, faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly firing 11 shots at a vehicle driven by 19-year-old Sebastian Cardoza on September 6, 2023. The incident, which occurred near Downtown El Paso, has raised serious questions about the use of force by law enforcement officers, even when off-duty.

According to reports, Zubia was still in uniform and driving home after his shift when the altercation began. Both parties admitted to aggressive driving, with Zubia claiming that Cardoza’s vehicle bumped his truck twice. The situation quickly escalated, leading to a confrontation that ended with gunfire.

Conflicting Accounts and Evidence

Zubia’s account of the events has come under scrutiny as investigators piece together the evidence. The CBP officer claimed he fired his weapon in self-defense when Cardoza’s car allegedly drove towards him. However, physical evidence and witness testimony paint a different picture.

“Zubia claimed he began shooting because a car driven by an El Paso teenager came toward him, but gunshot damages allegedly indicated Zubia fired from behind \”after the threat had passed,\” the complaint stated.”

Cardoza, on the other hand, reported that Zubia’s truck cut him off, and he only heard gunshots, which prompted him to flee the scene. A witness corroborated Cardoza’s account, stating that Zubia’s truck appeared to be the aggressor in the situation.

Legal and Professional Implications

The incident raises significant concerns about the actions of law enforcement officers, even when off-duty. It’s important to note that Texas law does not permit CBP officers to take police action outside of a border port of entry, and Zubia lacked federal law enforcement authority in this situation.

“The investigation revealed both vehicles came to a stop at the entrance ramp to 375 East. Zubia alleged to have fired a gun at Cardoza when he drove at him. The Crimes Against Persons Unit took over the investigation. Through their investigation, it was revealed that Zubia’s accounts of what happened were not consistent with the evidence at the scene.”

The El Paso Police Department’s investigation, which included security camera footage, witness testimony, and ballistic evidence, found inconsistencies in Zubia’s account. This has led to serious charges being filed against the CBP officer, who has since been released on a $250,000 bond.

Concerns for Public Safety and Officer Conduct

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the use of firearms in non-threatening situations and the potential for abuse of power by those in positions of authority. It underscores the need for rigorous training and clear guidelines for off-duty conduct among law enforcement officers.

As the investigation continues, many are calling for a thorough review of policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case serves as a stark reminder of the heavy responsibilities that come with carrying a badge and firearm, both on and off duty.