The FBI apprehended Mendoza Hernandez, a 36-year-old Salvadoran and murder suspect, following a violent encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in early April.
Hernandez, who entered the U.S. illegally, has resided in California’s Central Valley. He is linked to the 18th Street Gang and is sought in El Salvador regarding a murder investigation.
In the United States, Hernandez’s criminal record is limited to minor traffic violations, with his last noted infraction occurring in 2013. Despite being acquitted of murder charges in El Salvador, he remains a wanted individual.
ICE agents conducted a vehicle stop near Interstate 5 in Patterson, California, aiming to arrest Hernandez due to his illegal status. After pulling over, Hernandez failed to comply with instructions to exit his vehicle and instead drove towards an agent, striking him.
Following the initial assault, Hernandez reversed his vehicle, colliding with a law enforcement cruiser. Video evidence showed Hernandez then driving aggressively towards two other agents, forcing one to jump out of the way.
In reaction to the threat posed by Hernandez, agents fired at his vehicle, hitting him multiple times. He managed to escape, driving against traffic before eventually ceasing his flight.
Medical assistance was administered at the scene, and he was subsequently hospitalized, undergoing several surgeries in intensive care.
According to FBI Special Agent Brian Toy, Hernandez’s disregard for federal orders and his dangerous maneuvering threatened the lives of officers involved in the situation. “If Agent 1 had not moved, he/she would have faced grave harm,” Toy remarked.
The FBI has charged Mendoza Hernandez with assaulting a federal officer. A conviction could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a hefty fine.
