PATTERSON — A Patterson man shot multiple times by federal immigration officers earlier this week has undergone several surgeries and remains hospitalized, his attorney said Thursday, as local officials and community leaders called for transparency in the federal investigation and a civilian witness came forward describing gunfire at the scene.
Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, 36, is recovering at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto after being shot by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during a vehicle stop Tuesday morning near the Interstate 5 and Sperry Avenue interchange. His attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, said Hernandez suffered at least six gunshot wounds.
Kolasinski said Hernandez denies ICE’s claim that he attempted to run over an officer. According to the attorney, Hernandez told him he moved his SUV only after officers began shooting. Kolasinski said Hernandez was trying to call his fiancée after officers ordered him out of the vehicle and he refused.
Federal agents told Kolasinski that Hernandez is not under arrest at this time. It remains unclear whether he will be taken into custody later. Hernandez is a dual citizen of El Salvador and Mexico; his fiancée and daughter are U.S. citizens.
ICE has alleged Hernandez is a member of the 18th Street Gang and wanted in El Salvador for questioning in a homicide investigation. Hernandez and his family deny any gang affiliation. Salvadoran government records show he was acquitted in that case in 2019. Neither ICE nor the Department of Homeland Security has provided documentation showing Hernandez is wanted for any crime in the United States, El Salvador or Mexico.
A civilian witness who spoke to KTVU FOX 2 through her attorney, reported seeing officers fire into Hernandez’s vehicle before he reversed and fled. Attorney Roberto Serrato, who represents the woman — identified only as Christina — told KTVU that she was driving to work when she saw officers surrounding the driver‑side window of Hernandez’s vehicle and appearing to strike it.
According to KTVU’s reporting, Christina said she heard a single gunshot, then saw the vehicle begin to back up. She then heard multiple additional gunshots in rapid succession. Serrato told KTVU that Christina also saw an officer pointing a firearm toward active traffic, including toward her own vehicle and a white Tesla in front of her.
“She saw agents pointing their guns at people, random people, vehicles around there,” Serrato told KTVU. He said Christina backed up her car out of fear before seeing Hernandez reverse and speed away.
Serrato told KTVU that the FBI plans to interview her and that she is cooperating.
Dashcam footage shows three officers surrounding a black hatchback pulled over on the roadside. The driver reverses with the passenger door open, striking a truck behind him. Two officers move to the front of the vehicle with guns drawn, and as the driver accelerates forward, they run out of its path. The 30‑second clip has no audio, making it unclear when shots were fired or who fired first.
Stanislaus County Sheriff Jeff Dirkse said deputies were notified of the shooting around 6:30 a.m. and responded along with fire and medical personnel. Dirkse emphasized that no deputies were involved and that the FBI has assumed primary responsibility because the incident involves a federal agency.
The FBI’s Sacramento office said agents are conducting a “thorough and methodical” investigation and asked anyone with information or video to contact 1‑800‑CALL‑FBI or submit tips online.
Stanislaus County elected officials and community leaders issued a joint statement Thursday calling for transparency and due process. The statement said the shooting has heightened fear among Latino residents and noted that leaders are coordinating with Hernandez’s family, his attorney, the Sheriff’s Office and community organizations to ensure accurate information is shared.
“We remain committed to supporting those impacted by this situation and to ensuring our community is informed, safe, and treated with fairness and dignity,” the statement said.
Community members seeking support or information were directed to Valley Watch Network at 559‑206‑0151 or by email at Griselda@faithinthevalley.org.
A GoFundMe has been created to support Hernandez, his fiancée and their daughter.
