Federal Officer Involved Shooting Reported in Patterson 

April 8, 2026 – Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at about 6:30 a.m., Stanislaus County dispatchers received a report from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers regarding an officer-involved shooting in the area of Sperry Avenue and Interstate 5 in Patterson. Deputies from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office immediately responded to the scene and assisted in securing the area by blocking roadways. Fire and paramedic personnel also responded to provide medical assistance.

No deputies from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office were injured or involved in the shooting.

Because this incident involves a federal agency and does not involve any local law enforcement as involved parties, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has assumed primary responsibility for the investigation. Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit will be conducting an investigation. Interstate 5 on and off ramps at Sperry Avenue were closed during this operation. 

We are aware of the information released (below) by Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons; however, we have no further details to provide regarding our involvement at this time. All media inquiries will be handled by the FBI.

Thank you to the California Highway Patrol and Caltrans for assisting with road closures.

Source: Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office

Comment added from ICE Director Todd M. Lyons on (X) Twitter: “On April 7, 2026, ICE officers were conducting a targeted vehicle stop in Patterson, CA to arrest Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, an 18th Street Gang member wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection to a murder. As officers approached the car, the wanted gang member weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over. Following their training, our officers fired defensive shots to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and the public. “The illegal alien was taken to a local hospital. “The FBI is on the scene. This is a developing situation and we will update the public when more information is available.” — ICE Director Todd M. Lyons