Border Patrol Officer Jorge Arias, a 40-year-old Hispanic male, tragically passed away on October 19, 2022, due to injuries sustained during a training accident at the Trail Glades Gun Range in Miami, Florida. Officer Arias, who was also a U.S. Coast Guard Active Reservist and veteran, had been with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) since 2013.
At the time of his death, he was assigned to the Firearms Tactics and Training Division within Tactical Operations at Miami International Airport.
The incident occurred while Officer Arias was conducting a training exercise at the gun range. During a role-playing scenario, another officer mistakenly used a handgun with live ammunition instead of a training pistol, resulting in Officer Arias being shot in the chest. He was immediately airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center, where he succumbed to his injuries despite medical efforts.
The Miami-Dade Police Department's homicide bureau launched an investigation into the shooting. Preliminary findings indicated that the shooting was accidental, and no arrests were made. The investigation revealed that the officer who shot Arias had inadvertently replaced his training pistol with a handgun loaded with live rounds. This tragic accident highlighted the importance of stringent safety protocols during training exercises.
Officer Arias was remembered by his colleagues and family as a dedicated and safety-conscious individual. His wife, Ana Mary Arias, described him as a great husband and a proud member of the law enforcement community. The loss of Officer Arias was deeply felt by his family, friends, and colleagues, who mourned the passing of a respected officer and a beloved family man.
