ICE involved in shooting in Stanislaus County, officials confirm
STANISLAUS COUNTY, Calif. -- An investigation is underway after a shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Stanislaus County on Tuesday morning.
"This is a small community, and to see that happen here, it's just sad," says Nancy Vivero.
Dashcam video obtained by KCRA shows the moments leading up to the shooting near Interstate 5 and Sperry Avenue in Patterson.
The video appears to show officers surrounding the suspect's vehicle before it reverses, striking a law enforcement truck, then attempting to drive away over the center median -- when officers fire.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene.
"No deputies from the SCSO were injured or involved in this incident," says Sheriff Jeff Dirkse.
According to acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, agents were attempting to arrest a known gang member during a targeted traffic stop when the man "weaponized his vehicle" and attempted to run over an officer.
Lyons says the ICE officers followed their training and "fired defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and the public."
The suspect, Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, was taken to a hospital. His condition has not been released.
We spoke with one local resident who says, regardless of the accusations, a shooting near a busy freeway is frightening.
"It's messed up," they said. "It doesn't matter who it is. It could be a gang member. I don't care. You can't just do that. Everyone has a family."
Lyons says Hernandez is wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection with a murder.
"Knowing what happened is sad and chilling," Vivero said.
FBI agents were seen examining evidence markers placed across the roadway, including a bumper believed to be from the suspect's vehicle.
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