PATTERSON — A targeted vehicle stop by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers early Tuesday led to an officer‑involved shooting that shut down the Interstate 5 on‑ and off‑ramps at Sperry Avenue for most of the day, authorities said.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyon said in a statement that officers were attempting to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, whom the agency claims is an 18th Street Gang member wanted in El Salvador for questioning in a homicide investigation. Lyon said that as officers approached the vehicle during the stop, Mendoza Hernandez “weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over,” prompting agents to fire what ICE described as “defensive shots.” ICE has not released documentation supporting its claims, and local authorities have not independently confirmed them.
The man was taken to a local hospital. No update on his condition has been released.
Dashcam footage obtained by KCRA shows three officers surrounding a black hatchback that had been pulled over on the roadside. The driver suddenly reverses with the passenger door open and strikes a truck behind him. Two officers move to the front of the car with their guns drawn, and as the driver accelerates forward, they sprint out of its path. The video then shows the driver turning the vehicle away from officers, jumping a concrete median and crossing into oncoming traffic. The 30‑second clip has no audio, making it unclear when shots were fired.
Stanislaus County Sheriff Jeff Dirkse said his department was notified of the shooting around 6:30 a.m. and responded along with fire and emergency medical personnel. Dirkse emphasized that no deputies were involved or injured, and because the incident involves a federal agency, “the FBI has assumed priority responsibility for the investigation.”
The FBI’s Sacramento office confirmed it is leading the case. The bureau said agents would be “thorough and methodical” in processing the scene, collecting evidence and conducting interviews, and noted the investigation will take time. The FBI asked anyone with video or information about the incident to call 1‑800‑CALL‑FBI or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
The shooting prompted a large law‑enforcement presence and forced the closure of the I‑5 ramps at Sperry Avenue for hours. Deputies said motorists should expect delays and use alternate routes.
