The FBI arrested 36-year-old Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez after agents say he used his vehicle to strike an ICE officer during a targeted stop in Patterson, California. He was charged with assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon and allegedly tried to ram multiple agents while fleeing, prompting officers to fire and wound him. Defense counsel disputes the alleged gang ties and says he was acquitted of a murder charge in El Salvador; he was hospitalized and later taken into federal custody. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
FBI Arrests Carlos Mendoza Hernandez After Alleged Attempt To Ram ICE Agents; Defense Disputes Gang Ties
Authorities said Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez "weaponized" his vehicle during a traffic stop in California on April 7, 2026.(Fox News)
The FBI announced the arrest of Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, 36, a Salvadoran national living near San Francisco, after federal agents say he used his vehicle to strike an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer during a targeted traffic stop in Patterson, California.
What Happened
Federal prosecutors charged Mendoza Hernandez on Tuesday with assault on a federal officer with a deadly weapon, according to a recently unsealed complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. Authorities say the stop was a targeted vehicle stop based on information that he was affiliated with the 18th Street Gang, was in the United States unlawfully, and was wanted in connection with a murder investigation in El Salvador.
Footage shows the shooting unfolding in the middle of a busy road.
Prosecutors allege that as four agents moved to detain him, Mendoza Hernandez attempted to flee. The complaint states he drove forward and struck an agent with his vehicle, then reversed sharply and collided with a parked law enforcement vehicle. He then allegedly attempted to ram two other agents, forcing one to leap out of the way.
'Mendoza Hernandez refused to comply with lawful orders from federal officers, operated his vehicle in a manner that damaged a federal vehicle, and drove his vehicle toward officers in a manner that would have caused serious bodily injury or death had the officers not taken evasive action,' wrote FBI Special Agent Brian Toy in the complaint.
Shooting, Hospitalization And Custody
According to the complaint, agents discharged their firearms in response to the vehicle's movements and struck Mendoza Hernandez multiple times. He then crossed the center median, drove against traffic, and eventually stopped. Law enforcement transported him to a hospital; defense counsel later said he was treated in the ICU for wounds to the mouth, left arm, left leg, abdomen, and right side.
Hernandez Mendoza begins to reverse his vehicle during a targeted traffic stop, officials say.
After medical clearance, Mendoza Hernandez was taken into federal custody. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said his custody status will be addressed during his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge.
Defense Statement And Dispute Over Background
Defense attorney Patrick Kolasinski and family members dispute the gang-affiliation claims. They say documents indicate Mendoza Hernandez was previously acquitted of a murder charge in El Salvador. On a GoFundMe page, Kolasinski described Mendoza Hernandez as 'a loving father and partner' and said the shooting followed 'a moment of fear' when his client tried to flee while on his way to work.
Possible Penalties And Ongoing Investigation
If convicted on the federal charge, Mendoza Hernandez faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Local and federal authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the traffic stop, the alleged vehicle attacks, and Mendoza Hernandez’s background and immigration status.
Note: Both the unsealed complaint and charging documents were cited by federal officials and prosecutors; defense counsel has limited public comment beyond statements already released.
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