Off-Duty CBP Officer Accused of Shooting at Teen in Road Rage Incident

An off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer faces charges after allegedly firing nearly a dozen shots at a teenager’s car during a road rage incident in El Paso, Texas.

At a Glance

Off-duty CBP officer Hector Luis Zubia has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The incident occurred on September 6 near Downtown El Paso.
Zubia allegedly fired 11 shots at a car driven by 19-year-old Sebastian Cardoza.
Evidence suggests Zubia shot from behind after any potential threat had passed.
Zubia released on $250,000 bond as investigation continues.

Road Rage Incident Escalates to Gunfire

On September 6, 2024, what began as a traffic dispute in El Paso, Texas, quickly spiraled into a dangerous confrontation involving gunfire. Hector Luis Zubia, an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, was driving home after his shift when he allegedly became embroiled in a road rage incident with 19-year-old Sebastian Cardoza. The incident, which started near traffic lights at St. Vrain and Paisano, culminated in Zubia allegedly firing his weapon 11 times at Cardoza’s vehicle.

According to police reports, both parties engaged in aggressive driving behaviors. Zubia claimed that Cardoza’s car struck his pickup truck twice, on the passenger side and rear. However, subsequent police inspection revealed that while there was damage to the rear of Zubia’s vehicle, the damage to the passenger side was allegedly caused by Zubia’s own gunfire.

An off-duty CBP officer is accused of stopping his truck in the middle of a street and shooting at a car in a road rage confrontation in El Paso. https://t.co/lQVtKA1ExP

— El Paso Times (@elpasotimes) October 23, 2024

Conflicting Accounts and Evidence

Zubia’s account of the events has come under scrutiny as investigators uncovered inconsistencies between his statements and the physical evidence at the scene. The CBP officer told detectives that he didn’t intend to shoot, claiming his actions were meant to stop the threat and apprehend the driver.

However, the evidence paints a different picture. Ballistic evidence and witness testimony suggest that Zubia fired from behind Cardoza’s vehicle after any potential threat had passed. This contradiction has led to serious questions about the officer’s use of force and decision-making in the heat of the moment.

Legal Implications and Charges

The incident has raised significant legal concerns, particularly regarding the use of firearms in non-threatening situations and the extent of a CBP officer’s authority off-duty. Texas law does not permit CBP officers to take police action outside of a border port of entry, leaving Zubia without federal law enforcement authority in this situation.

As a result of the investigation, Zubia has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was subsequently released on a $250,000 bond. The El Paso Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit is continuing its investigation to determine appropriate actions and uncover the full scope of the incident.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety Concerns

The case has sparked discussions about public safety and the use of firearms by law enforcement officers, both on and off duty. Investigators are meticulously reviewing security camera footage, witness statements, and ballistic evidence to piece together an accurate timeline of events.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to address concerns about the use of deadly force in situations that may not warrant such extreme measures. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper training, judgment, and accountability for all law enforcement personnel, regardless of their duty status.

The El Paso community awaits further developments in this case, as it raises important questions about road safety, law enforcement conduct, and the proper use of force. As the legal process unfolds, it will be crucial to examine the policies and procedures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of all citizens on the road.