Apache Junction, AZ — A community is mourning the loss of Officer Gabriel Facio, who died Sunday following injuries sustained during a traffic stop that turned violent earlier in the week. The death of Officer Facio marks the first line-of-duty death for the Apache Junction Police Department in nearly four decades.
Last week, Officer Facio conducted a traffic stop near Tomahawk Road and Southern Avenue after responding to a report of road rage involving a black SUV. The driver, identified as 29-year-old Roger Nunez, exited the vehicle and immediately opened fire.
Officer Facio was struck in the face during the encounter.
Responding officers returned gunfire and took Nunez into custody. The suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition.
Officer Facio, 35, had been in critical condition since the shooting. He succumbed to his injuries early Sunday morning.
“He was a dedicated public servant and a beloved member of our department,” said Apache Junction Police Chief Thomas Kelly. “His bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs ordered flags lowered to half-staff and expressed condolences to the officer’s family.
