Latest news with #GabrielFacio
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
AJPD Officer Facio dies; Los Angeles protests intensify
From ICE protests in Los Angeles heating up as the National Guard was deployed, to Apache Junction Police officer Gabriel Facio dying from his shooting injuries, here are tonight's top stories.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Gabriel Facio: Community rallies around wounded Apache Junction police officer
The Brief Apache Junction police officer Gabriel Facio remains hospitalized after he was shot while on duty. The shooting happened on June 2 during a traffic stop attempt. The community is ralling around Officer Facio and his family. PHOENIX - Five days after a shooting incident that sent an Apache Junction police officer to the hospital, the officer is still fighting for his life. The backstory The incident happened on June 2 near Ironwood Drive and Elliot Road when police attempted a traffic stop. Someone reported having seen someone inside a car with a gun, fearing a possible road rage incident was about to unfold. The suspect, identified by police as 37-year-old Roger Nunez, reportedly got out of his car during the stop. "The male was not complying with our verbal directions. We attempted less lethal ammunition towards him to try to gain compliance. At that time, he brandished his firearm and fired at police officers. They returned fire, striking him as well as one of our officers was struck by his gunfire towards us," Apache Junction Police said. The officer, Gabriel Facio, was rushed to the hospital in life-threatening condition after he was shot in the face. He's been with AJPD for three years. Latest Updates While there is no update on Officer Facio's condition as of June 7, support continues to pour out. Blue ribbons are tied around light posts in one of the hospital's parking lots. The 100 Club of Arizona stepped in after the shooting happened, providing financial resources for the family, including help with travel expenses for out-of-town loved ones and meals while they sit at his bedside. Melissa Kowalski, the CEO of the 100 Club of Arizona, said the Apache Junction residents and the police department are close-knit, making this such a hard time for the entire community, and the hope remains that he pulls through. What Kowalski Said "Officer Facio is incredibly loved. I've been able to talk with a lot of different officers with the department and share stories of him and their favorite things about him and being able to interact with some of his family as well, you just can tell what an incredible officer he is," said Kowalski. What you can do Apache Junction Police officials are hosting a barbecue fundraiser in partnership with Mesa and Scottsdale FOP lodges at noon on June 11 at Apache Junction High School.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Community rallies around injured AJPD Officer Gabriel Facio
The Brief The community continues its outpouring of support for Apache Junction Police Officer Gabriel Facio. He was badly injured in a shooting on June 2 by an alleged road rage suspect. APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. - Four days after an Apache Junction Police officer was shot in the face, the community is supporting his family and department as he continues to fight for his life. What we know Not only is there a GoFundMe for Officer Gabriel Facio, but community members have shown up to the Apache Junction Police Department headquarters to drop off notes and flowers to show the department they care during this time. Officer Facio on June 2 was shot in the face by an alleged road rage suspect after he was pulled over. The suspect, 37-year-old Roger Nunez, was also injured in the shooting. On June 5, a group decorated the hospital with blue ribbons to show the Facio family they are thinking of them and supporting them. Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller says he met with the family in the hospital as Officer Facio, a husband and father of two, is fighting for his life. "The men and women in blue go out every single day, risking their lives, their careers, and it truly affects us all. It shakes us to the core," Miller said. Miller is holding onto faith. "If there is anyone out there who does believe in God and does pray, this is the time," he said. That's why, as the founder of Operation Blue Ribbon, a group focused on supporting law enforcement, Anne Ender wanted to show up and do something. "We hope others will get some blue ribbon up on their trees or put a blue light on their porch light, and that will rise up so the Facio family will really know that they are being supported," Ender said. She uses vivid blue ribbons to tie together a profound symbol. "We just want this family to know that we are praying for them and supporting them," Ender said. What you can do You can leave a message for Officer Facio by clicking here. If you want to donate to Officer Facio's GoFundMe, click here.
