Manhunt underway in Calexico for armed murder suspect, identified as 49-year-old Agustine Baca III
Calexico, CA -The Calexico Police Department is urgently seeking the public's assistance in locating Agustine Baca III, a 47-year-old man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on September 10, 2024. Baca III is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities have asked the public not to approach him under any circumstances.
The incident unfolded around 7:14 PM on the 2200 block of Estrada Blvd. in Calexico, where officers responded to reports of a woman shot in the face following a domestic dispute. Witnesses reported seeing the argument escalate, culminating in the gunfire.
Upon arrival, police found a severely injured woman with gunshot wounds and signs of a violent altercation, including bloody drag marks leading to a nearby dirt lot. Officers at the scene quickly identified Baca III as the suspect, who fled on foot moments before their arrival.
Efforts to apprehend Baca III intensified when officers secured the suspect’s residence as a secondary crime scene. However, at 7:21 PM, officers came under fire from the backyard of the suspect’s home. Due to limited visibility and dense brush, officers were unable to return fire, and the suspect managed to evade capture.
Local law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Border Patrol, Imperial County Sheriff's Department, and El Centro Police Department, quickly established a perimeter in an attempt to contain the suspect. Aerial surveillance drones and helicopters were deployed alongside K-9 units and an armored vehicle provided by El Centro PD.
Despite a concerted manhunt and the involvement of multiple agencies, including the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office and the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), Baca III remains at large as of today.
The victim, a 29-year-old Calexico resident, succumbed to her injuries. Her identity is being withheld pending notification of her family.
Baca III is wanted for murder, and law enforcement officials warn that he should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the Calexico Police Department at (760) 768-2140 using Case Number 24-009157. Authorities encourage individuals to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately.
The investigation is ongoing, with numerous agencies working together to bring Baca III to justice. For now, Calexico remains on high alert as authorities continue their search for the fugitive.