Tiano Meton

Tiano Meton, 25, was shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents on January 22, 2015 after a vehicle pursuit from a Sierra Blanca, Texas checkpoint; investigators reported recovering a pellet gun.

What happened

On January 22, 2015, Tiano Meton approached a Border Patrol inspection lane along Interstate 10 in West Texas but did not stop, according to federal authorities. Agents pursued his vehicle for roughly 30 miles. After it stopped, four agents approached; authorities said one shouted a warning about a gun, and two agents fired at the car, killing Meton. Investigators subsequently described the object recovered inside his vehicle as a pistol-shaped pellet gun, rather than a conventional firearm. Meton's death raised questions about escalation and the use of lethal force after a checkpoint pursuit. Initial reporting depended heavily on federal accounts; the exact sequence perceived by Meton and the agents was not independently established in those reports. The FBI identified Meton publicly more than a week after he was killed, saying its investigation was continuing.

Investigation & findings

The FBI publicly described an ongoing investigation in January 2015. A DHS FOIA activity report documents a later request for CBP shooting records but does not establish a charging decision or final independent finding.

What happened

Investigation & findings

Sources & records