Potrero

The family of a Tecate gardener slain by sheriff’s deputies on a mountain road near the Tecate border crossing has filed a $2.5-million claim against San Diego County alleging improper use of force.

The claim was filed last week on behalf of Carmen Rangel Tinajero of Tecate, wife of 60-year-old Ezequiel Tinajero Vazquez, who died on Christmas Day after deputies shot him six times when he allegedly charged them with a home-made shovel.

The confrontation occurred after the 5-foot-3, 133-pound Tinajero had crossed the border illegally and was walking to the home of relatives in the Potrero area.

Sheriff’s officials said two deputies stopped Tinajero because he was menacing passing cars with a 5-foot-long shovel, then shot him after he charged them and ignored commands to halt.

The suit alleges that the deputies used excessive force against Tinajero, that the Sheriff’s Department has been negligent in its training procedures and that the department discriminates against minorities.

The county has six months to respond to the claim. Rejection of the claim would clear the way for a lawsuit.