Man injured in Nogales port shooting had more than 3,000 bullets in his spare tire

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — A man identified as Miguel Soto-Morando faces three federal charges following a murder officer involved shooting The incident occurred when Soto-Morando attempted to sneak ammunition into the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales on Oct. 16.

A federal document says Soto-Morando was caught trying to illegally export more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition from the United States to Mexico.

The suspect then drove toward Mexico with a police officer clinging to his truck. The document alleges that the suspect used the vehicle to attack a Customs and Border Protection Officer.

United States District Court

Soto-Morando was driving a GMC Sierra pickup when the CBP dog alerted officers to possible contraband near the truck’s rear bumper. During a secondary investigation, officers discovered high-intensity readings on the vehicle’s spare tire, prompting further inspection.

While a police officer was speaking with Soto-Morando, the suspect allegedly attempted to drive towards the international border with some of the officer inside the vehicle.

The truck hit the concrete pole, causing the officer to fall.

When the suspect came out, the police fired their firearms, wounding the suspect in his leg and arm.

A thorough examination revealed approximately 3,140 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition hidden inside the spare tire.

Law enforcement records also show Soto-Morando has a prior felony conviction, which prohibits him from possessing ammunition under federal law.

The three charges are: attempting to unlawfully export ammunition, assaulting a federal officer, and possession of ammunition as a convicted felon.

The case is currently under federal investigation and no further details have been released at this time.