U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents shot a man in California on Tuesday, after he allegedly “weaponized his vehicle” and tried to run over an officer, the Department of Homeland Security said.
The agents were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in the town of Patterson to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, who is allegedly a member of the 18th Street Gang wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection to a murder, according to authorities.
“As officers approached the car, the wanted gang member weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over,” said Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE.
“Following their training, our officers fired defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and the public,” Lyons said. “The illegal alien was taken to a local hospital.”
“The FBI is on the scene,” he said. “This is a developing situation and we will update the public when more information is available.”
