Traffic Accident Claims Life Of Border Patrol Agent

FORT HANCOCK, Texas (AP) — A U.S. Border Patrol agent in West Texas has died after his agency vehicle hit an 18-wheeler while driving home to El Paso following his shift.

Officials say canine handler Agent Jose Daniel Barraza of El Paso died in the wreck Monday morning on Interstate 10 near Fort Hancock. Authorities say his law enforcement dog, named Vino, was in the pickup truck but was not injured.

Authorities say the 29-year-old Barraza, who worked at the Sierra Blanca checkpoint, crashed his truck into the back of a tractor-trailer rig. The big rig driver was not hurt.

The Texas Department of Public Safety says conditions were clear and dry at the time of the accident.

Barraza joined the Border Patrol in August 2008.