A Flat Rock native working as a federal border patrol agent along the Arizona-Mexico border was shot and killed Tuesday evening after encountering what authorities said are bandits known for targeting illegal immigrants.
Agent Brian Terry, 40, who served near Rio Rico, Ariz., was killed near Peck Canyon, about 10 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border on I-19. Four suspects are in custody and another is being pursued, according to a news release from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Terry had made serving his country and a career in law enforcement his dream since his youth, according to a family friend.
"He was an easygoing guy who was very patriotic," said Eric Wymer, a 10-year veteran with the Detroit Police Department and longtime family friend. "He lost his life doing what he loved best: fighting for his country and catching bad guys."
Wymer said that Terry, a 1988 graduate of Flat Rock High School, served a stint in the Marines before joining the Ecorse Police Department. He later served with the Lincoln Park Police Department prior to being hired with the Border Patrol.
The death of the border patrol agent raises the stakes in the debate between Arizona officials and the federal government over the need for more protection along the Mexican border.
In a statement released Wednesday, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer said: "Although we needed no reminder of the ever-increasing dangers along our southern border, this tragedy serves as stark notice that the threats facing all who serve in protecting our state and nation are real, and are increasing on a daily basis."
She ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in tribute to Terry.
Survivors include his parents, Josephine and Kent Terry; his brother, Kent, and two sisters, Michelle Balogh and Kelly Willis. All are from the Downriver area.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete Wednesday.
The United States Border Patrol has announced that a Border agent, Brian Terry aged 40, was shot and killed in Southern Arizona near the border with Mexico on Tuesday night after a shoot out with suspected bandits who were targeting illegal immigrants. Reports state that at least four suspects are in custody with one suspect still at large. Terry was killed at around 11:00 p.m. local time () Tuesday night near .

Border Patrol spokesman Eric Cantu told the Associated Press that the FBI is probing the agent's death and had few details at the time. Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Protection also released a statement saying, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Terry family for their tragic loss. Our commitment to Agent Terry and his family is that we will do everything possible to bring to justice those responsible for this despicable act."

Further details are not available at this time. U.S. flags across Arizona will be flown at half-staff in honor of Terry.