by PHOENIX, Ariz. — An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer and a Honduran national were both hospitalized after a shooting during a traffic stop along Interstate 17 early Wednesday morning, according to federal officials.
Shooting Occurred During Early Morning Stop
The incident happened around 4 a.m. Wednesday, when ICE officers pulled over Jose Garcia-Sorto on I-17 in north Phoenix, local outlet FOX 10 Phoenix reported.
Authorities said Garcia-Sorto initially stopped but suddenly attempted to drive off as officers approached his vehicle.
According to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “As the vehicle abruptly began speeding away, an officer was in the path of the vehicle. Fearing for his life, the officer defensively discharged his service weapon two times striking Garcia-Sorto’s vehicle.”
Both Officer and Driver Hospitalized
Garcia-Sorto was taken to a nearby hospital and remains in stable condition, officials confirmed.
The ICE officer involved in the shooting was also hospitalized, but authorities have not released details about the extent of their injuries.
Wife Speaks Out
Garcia-Sorto’s wife, Anahi, told Arizona’s Family that her husband had been on his way to work when the shooting occurred.
“He would get home and hug the kids,” Anahi said. “And to see that he didn’t get here yesterday, it really hurts a lot, because I always wait for him here at home.”
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She added that family members first learned of the shooting through news reports and said officials have provided little information about his condition.
“They’re only saying that he’s in the hospital, but that he’s in there with a different name, and that they don’t want him to talk, and no one can visit him,” she told the outlet.
FBI Leading the Investigation
The FBI is investigating the incident as standard procedure.
Anahi also reportedly admitted that both she and her husband are living in the U.S. illegally, telling reporters she is praying for the officers involved.
“What they’re doing is bad, but I don’t wish anything bad towards them,” she said. “I pray for them.”
She added that she plans to return to Honduras with her children if her husband is deported following the investigation.
The northbound exit ramp at Dove Valley Road was temporarily closed during the investigation but has since reopened, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
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