A 30-year-old Arizona man accused of ambushing his dentist over a dispute involving dental treatment was fatally shot by Mexican authorities as they attempted to arrest him, officials said.
Ernesto Rascón, a U.S. citizen, died during a confrontation with Mexico’s Criminal Investigation Ministerial Agency and other security personnel investigating the killing of 42-year-old oral surgeon Amed de Jesús Preciado Hernández.
Authorities said Rascón opened fire when agents arrived at a residence in the Ejidal 2 neighborhood of Agua Prieta to execute the warrant. Officers returned fire during the exchange.
Investigators allege that Rascón visited the dentist’s office in Nogales, Sonora, on Oct. 15 after having already undergone several treatment sessions there.
He reportedly arrived upset and insisted on being treated without an appointment. When the dentist could not see him, authorities said the patient became angry and chose to remain outside in the parking lot.
Security footage appears to show Rascón following the doctor to his white pickup truck before firing several shots through the open driver’s-side door. Hernández was killed in the parking area.
Investigators believe the suspect blamed the dentist for allegedly leaving one of his teeth loose.
Two officers were injured during the attempted arrest. One sustained a graze wound to the head, while another was hurt in the left leg. Both were treated and later released, officials said.
Rascón received first aid after the confrontation with Mexican authorities, but he died at the scene.
Rascón had previous encounters with law enforcement, including incidents involving drug use and driving under the influence. Mexican officials are working with U.S. consular representatives as the investigation continues.
