Man shot by Washington State Border Patrol revealed as convicted felon illegally possessing firearm

The identity of the man shot by a US Border Patrol agent near the Canadian border in Blaine, Washington, has been revealed as a prolific offender who was in possession of a firearm despite a lengthy felony record.

Nathaniel A. Muniz-Spry, 39, of Everson, was charged Wednesday in federal court with being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the US Attorney's Office. The charge comes one day after a Border Patrol agent shot Muniz-Spry during an encounter near the US-Canada border that prompted an FBI investigation.

The shooting occurred Tuesday morning near the intersection of 4th Street and A Street in Blaine, just a short distance from the Peace Arch border crossing. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said at the time that a Border Patrol agent discharged his service weapon during an encounter with a subject and that a firearm was recovered at the scene. The suspect was injured and transported for medical treatment.

According to federal charging documents, Border Patrol agents were conducting surveillance in an area known for illegal border crossings and smuggling activity when a surveillance camera detected an individual walking near the border. Agents contacted Muniz-Spry and attempted to verify his identity.

During the encounter, agents discovered an "approach with caution" alert associated with Muniz-Spry's criminal history. While conducting a search, an agent reportedly felt a firearm concealed in his waistband. Prosecutors say Muniz-Spry resisted officers, broke free as agents secured the weapon, and attempted to flee before being shot in the leg. He was transported to a Whatcom County hospital for treatment and was later released into law enforcement custody.

Federal authorities say Muniz-Spry was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm due to numerous prior felony convictions in Whatcom and Skagit counties. His criminal record includes convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun or rifle, possession of a stolen vehicle, burglary, felony violation of a no-contact order, and multiple counts of bail jumping.

In April, Washington state officials blocked federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Border Patrol and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from accessing state databases used for routine law enforcement purposes, such as running license plates and driver's licenses.

Federal officials warned at the time that the Democrats’ effort, aimed at impeding immigration enforcement and protecting illegal immigrants, could put the lives of Border Patrol and ICE agents at risk. The new restrictions mean that federal agents can no longer determine whether a vehicle's owner has outstanding warrants or poses a public safety risk.

Previously, automated license plate scans allowed Border Patrol agents to quickly verify vehicle registration and match it to the driver's license. Now, officers must manually check details, leading to longer lines caused by a more tedious process.