DRUG BUST DEADLY

Suspect Killed, Agent Wounded

A suspected drug dealer was shot to death after a shootout Friday with two
federal agents, one of whom was wounded, officials said.

One Drug Enforcement Administration agent sustained a minor graze wound to
the shoulder during the shooting at 2:15 p.m. at Eagle Pass and Zoe.

The agent, whose name wasn't immediately revealed, was expected to be
treated and released from Ben Taub.

"The agents are very, very lucky," said Ernest Howard, special agent in
charge for the DEA here. "There are at least six shots that were fired
almost at point-blank in the side of the government vehicle. I'm lucky that
I don't have two dead DEA agents."

At least 16 rounds were fired at the agents, said Howard. He said the
suspect collapsed while getting back into his minivan, apparently to reload
his gun.

The name of the man, who died shortly after arrival at Ben Taub Hospital,
was withheld pending notification of family.

The confrontation started after the suspect became suspicious when he was
about to sell 30 kilograms of cocaine in a joint DEA and Texas Department
of Public Safety undercover operation, said Howard. The suspect fled in the
Dodge Caravan and agents pursued him for about 15 minutes before the
shootout occurred.

Howard said the cocaine, which was found in the minivan, has a value of
$15,000 to $18,000 per kilogram.

The minivan and the Ford Mustang occupied by the wounded DEA agent and
another agent were riddled with bullets.

"The cop in the Mustang was still shooting," said Adam Velasquez, 14, who
came out of his home and witnessed the gunfire. "It sounded like nothing
but gunshots."