The Apache Junction Police Department announced that an officer who was critically injured in a shooting had died after being hospitalized for several days.
Gabriel Facio, a 3-year veteran of the department, was shot after responding to reports of a driver, later identified as 37-year-old Roger Nunez, brandishing a firearm on June 2. Police said officers engaged in a shootout with Nunez after confronting him, during which Facio and Nunez were struck by gunfire.
“It is with a broken heart I inform you of the passing of Officer Gabriel Facio today at noon,” Apache Junction Police Chief Michael Pooley posted on Facebook June 8. “On behalf of the men and women of the Apache Junction Police Department, we appreciate the support and outpouring of love from the community. A little piece of us was lost as Officer Facio took his last breath surrounded by family and friends. He was a beloved father, husband, son, brother, friend and police officer who showed his passion for people through his service to others.”
Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller also released a statement sent to The Arizona Republic mourning Facio’s death and lauded the sacrifice he made while protecting the community he served.
“As County Attorney, I want to make it clear: my office will pursue justice in this case with the full force of the law,” Miller said. “The individual responsible for this heinous act will be held fully accountable.”
Miller did not elaborate on which criminal charges he would pursue against Nunez as of June 8.
Suspected shooter had a ghost gun
Officers responded to the area of Ironwood Drive and Ray Avenue on June 2 after receiving reports of a driver brandishing a gun, police said.
An officer found a vehicle matching the description of the one they were looking for and made contact with Nunez, who later stepped out of the vehicle while holding the gun, police said.
Officers followed Nunez as he walked south on Ironwood Drive while he held the gun, police said. They tried to get him to comply with verbal orders and used “less-lethal means” once they were in the area of Radiance and Davis drives, according to an earlier department statement.
Nunez then shot at officers, and at least one officer shot back, police said. Facio was struck during the exchange and was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Nunez was also struck and taken to a hospital for treatment. Police did not elaborate on the severity of his injuries.
Investigators later discovered the firearm was a “ghost gun.” They are firearms that lack serial numbers and are often manufactured by individuals using components produced at home with a 3D printer.
Mesa police were leading the investigation into the shooting as part of the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team, according to the department.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Apache Junction police officer injured in shooting dies days later
