Watch CBS News

Federal Agent Shot Outside Newark Home; Suspect Arrested

NEWARK (CBS SF) -- Police have arrested a man suspected of shooting an off-duty federal agent in Newark on Tuesday morning.

Dennis Bagwell, 61, of Piedmont was arrested during a traffic stop in Union City in connection with a shooting that injured a 61-year-old Newark man employed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, police said.

Edward Low, a spokesman for the federal agency in San Francisco said that the officer was stationed at San Francisco International Airport. Low said that he was unable to reveal the officer's identity to the public for security reasons.

"Our thoughts are with him and we hope he makes a full recovery," Low said.

Low issued a statement Tuesday, saying "The thoughts and prayers of the entire CBP family are with the officer and his family at this difficult time. The officer was transported to a hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. CBP personnel, in cooperation with our law enforcement partners, are investigating this tragic incident."

Police said the victim's family has requested that his condition not be released at this time.

KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:

The predawn shooting was reported at 5:53 a.m. in the area of Mayhews Landing Road and Bettencourt Street, police Cmdr. Bob Douglas said.

Police responded to the neighborhood, where they found the federal agent suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was transported to Eden Medical Center for treatment.

"The federal agent had a confrontation where gunshots were exchanged in front of his residence," Douglas said.

Witnesses reported hearing arguing, including one man yelling, "Get down on the ground," before the shooting.

Kenneth Hudson, 17, a neighbor, reported hearing five or six gunshots in what he said was otherwise a quiet neighborhood.

Newark police detectives were working with federal and local authorities to follow up on leads, police said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Sgt. Mike Carroll at (510) 578-4247, or the anonymous "silent witness" hotline at (510) 578-4000 ext. 500.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.