PHOENIX, AZ — A Nogales man has been sentenced to 32 months in federal prison after pointing a loaded firearm at a U.S. Border Patrol agent, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
Erik Alberto Beal, 28, will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. He previously pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer in connection with the incident.
The confrontation occurred on April 11, 2024, when two border patrol agents were tracking an undocumented migrant who had reportedly crossed into the U.S. near Beal’s home in Nogales, Arizona.
While the agents searched the area, a side door of the residence opened, and a pit bull ran out toward one of the agents. In response, the agent drew his service weapon and shouted at the dog.
At that moment, Beal exited his home, retrieved a handgun from his truck, loaded it, and pointed it directly at the agent, who was clearly in uniform, prosecutors said.
A brief standoff followed until the second agent arrived on the scene and drew his weapon on Beal, prompting Beal to lower his gun without further escalation.
The case highlights the dangers faced by federal officers in the field and resulted in felony charges that carried significant penalties.
