Apache Junction officer shot in line of duty pronounced dead

PHOENIX — An Apache Junction officer who was injured in the line of duty last week died on Sunday afternoon.

Officer Gabriel Facio died after he was shot in the face while responding to a call on Monday, according to an Apache Junction Police Department Facebook post.

He was a husband and father of two children.

“It is with a broken heart I inform you of the passing of Officer Gabriel Facio today at noon. On behalf of the men and women of the Apache Junction Police Department, we appreciate the support and outpouring of love from the community,” Apache PD Chief Michael Pooley said in the statement. 

“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.”

More details on Apache Junction officer shooting

Officer Facio, a three-year veteran of the department, was injured by 36-year-old Roger Nunez in a shooting, according to Chief Pooley.

At 9:30 a.m., the shooting happened after police responded to a call about Nunez driving a white Tesla and brandishing a firearm near Ironwood Drive and Ray Avenue.

Nunez allegedly walked out of his vehicle with a firearm, prompting police to follow him on foot and urge him to surrender.

When he didn’t follow orders, they tried to use nonlethal tools like pepper-spray projectiles, Pooley said.

“He, out of a quick move, pulled that firearm up and – it was one in a million shots – fired four rounds, striking Officer Gabriel Facio in the face,” Pooley said. “He went down immediately.”

Four other police officers with Facio returned fire, striking Nunez. They are currently on paid administrative leave per department policy as the Mesa Police Department investigates the case.

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