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Cochise County Sheriff: two killed in early morning shootings in Agua Prieta

Posted at 7:28 AM, Nov 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-05 00:26:19-05

DOUGLAS, Ariz. — UPDATED, 10:19 P.M. -- "We don't know why yet. we've heard that this was within the cartel, again from the last incident in June but beyond that we're trying to get information," Cochise County Sheriff, Mark Dannels said.

"Local law enforcement, state and federal are working very close together to keep that information shared."

What was shared early Monday were videos and photos across social media of a violent shootout.

People are ended their day in Douglas and headed back to Mexico in Agua Prieta.

Sheriff Dannels told KGUN 9 he heard reports that two people were killed with a possible third victim involved.

Dannels said there is no word that the violence in mexico would spread into the u.s.

"For us that's our biggest concern, because now you're in our county, our citizens now become vulnerable to any of this kind of violence."

Later in the day Sheriff Dannels would issue a warning to travelers across the border.

"We discourage anybody going into Mexico," Dannels.

"If you do go to Mexico just be cautious."

With 80+ miles of border between Cochise County and the Mexican state of Sonora Sheriff Dannels said a plan was in place very early after Monday morning's shootout.

"The sheriff's office, we've beefed up our patrols on the southern border, along with our border patrol and our ports," Dannels said.

"We also have our helicopter on flight on the border, just watching for any irregular activities that we need to address."

For now Dannels says there aren't any indications his department will have to address any cross-border violence.

Dannels told KGUN9 his department will have heightened security plans prepared over the next few days just out of an abundance of caution.

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The Douglas Police Department is advising people to avoid unnecessary travel to Mexico.

This comes after reports of gunfire in Agua Prieta, Sonora. Viewers also reached out to KGUN9 about the issue.

"This morning the Douglas Police Department received reports of sustained automatic gunfire in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. There is no spillover or threats to Douglas or Cochise County at this time. Local, state and federal agencies are actively monitoring the situation.

Residents are cautioned to avoid unnecessary travel into Mexico at this time."

KGUN9 has reached out to federal officials for more information.