ICE officers shoot alleged gang suspect during arrest attempt in California

An alleged Salvadoran gang suspect wanted for questioning in a murder case in El Salvador was shot by ICE officers during an attempted arrest in central California, according to federal authorities. The suspect was taken to a hospital.

The shooting happened Tuesday in Patterson, a city in Stanislaus County west of Modesto, when ICE officers were carrying out a targeted vehicle stop to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, an 18th Street Gang member, according to acting ICE Director Todd Lyons.

Lyons said Mendoza Hernandez was wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection with a murder. As officers approached the vehicle, he said, the suspect “weaponized his vehicle” in an attempt to run over one of the officers.

ICE officers then fired “defensive shots” to protect themselves, other agents and the public, according to Lyons.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office said it was assisting with the officer-involved shooting, which took place within its jurisdiction, but said no local law enforcement officers were involved in the incident.

The sheriff’s office said the suspect was taken to a local hospital for further treatment. Lyons said the FBI was at the scene and called the case a developing situation.