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PATTERSON, Calif. — In a dramatic incident that unfolded in Patterson, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents shot and injured a man suspected of gang affiliation. The individual in question is wanted in El Salvador for questioning related to a murder case, federal officials revealed on Tuesday.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE officers attempted to detain the suspect when he allegedly tried to run over one of the agents with his vehicle. In response, the officers discharged their weapons to defend themselves, the DHS stated.
The suspect, who sustained injuries, was subsequently transported to a hospital for medical treatment, authorities confirmed.
Local resident Steven Loya expressed his astonishment at the event, remarking, “I was shocked when I first heard this. No, not in Patterson.”
This incident has shaken the typically quiet community of Patterson, a Central Valley town of 25,000 residents, occurring at a prominent intersection near Interstate 5.
ICE officers say they were conducting a targeted vehicle stop to make an arrest.
Dashcam video shows a car, said to have been driven by the suspect, abruptly backing up and then speeding forward.
That’s when officers say they opened fire.
Video shows bullet holes in the smaller black SUV parked here in Stanislaus County.
“Deputies from the sheriff’s office immediately responded to the scene and assisted in securing the area by blocking the roadways,” Sheriff Jeff Dirkse said. “Fire and paramedic personnel also responded to provide medical assistance.”
The injured man was transported to a nearby hospital following the shooting.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons says the suspect is a member of the 18th Street Gang in El Salvador, that is where he is allegedly wanted for questioning for a murder.
FBI Sacramento has taken over as the primary agency for this investigation.
“We are conducting a thorough and methodical investigation to understand what transpired prior to today’s shooting,” Special Agent Eugene Wu said.
Community members from across the Central Valley came to the scene to get their look at what is now a national story.
“They’re here for a reason and I support them,” Loya said. “Keep up the good work.”
Joni Dickson Garcia is a rapid responder from Tracy. She came to make sure the smaller town had the support they needed, while making sure there is a thorough investigation into what happened.
After three recent shootings involving federal agents in Minnesota, she is unhappy with seeing lethal force used in a similar manner.
“You know the risk, assume the risk,” Dickson Garcia said. “Stop being a scared little baby and shoot every time you’re a little bit scared.”
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office says the intersection at Sperry Avenue and Rogers Road has been closed since 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and will remain closed as the investigation continues.
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