KRGV.com

NEAR HARGILL - Federal investigators are following new leads in their probe into the shooting of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent early today.

The shooting happened at approximately 4:30 a.m. Special Agent Kelton Harrison and his partner were conducting surveillance on a home near Hargill when they were chased by unknown gunmen. Harrison was shot during the chase.

Officials said the stakeout was part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

During the pursuit the agents headed north on FM 490 toward Hargill. At one point, the agent driving the SUV lost control. The vehicle crossed an intersection, plowed through a wire fence and became airborne landing a few yards from the road near Highway 186, authorities said. It is not known at what time during the chase Harrison was shot.

Harrison was in stable condition this afternoon after undergoing surgery at McAllen Medical Center. He started working ICE Homeland Security Investigations in 2010, officials said.

Law enforcement officials detained a man in connection with the shooting. The man is one of several persons of interest, officers said. The man was detained at a home less than a mile away from where this morning's chase and shooting began.

Hidalgo County and federal agents raided a third property in the area, but Sheriff Lupe Trevino did not want to release details on that search. Officials said arrests are expected.

Officers and agents with the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, FBI and ICE combed a stretch of road collecting evidence. At least two bullet casings were found.

The stretch of FM 493 heading into Hargill remains closed this afternoon.