The Northern District of Texas Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday, September 23rd, that federal grand jury has filed a lawsuit against an illegal immigrant, Jose Santiago Pantoja-Morales, accusing him of unlawfully possessing a firearm.
According to reports, the 27-year-old Mexican man allegedly seized a gun from a Dallas Independent School District (DISD) police officer in uniform on August 6th while attempting to flee, and then proceeded to shoot the officer.
Prosecutor Ryan Raybould described the actions of this illegal immigrant in this case as an attack on the rule of law and a direct threat to public safety.
“We expect our badge-wearing officers to stand up, uphold justice, and fight evil every day. It is our duty, mine and of our entire office, to protect those who protect us. Any violence against officers will not be tolerated,” he vowed. “We will ensure that the responsible party is held fully accountable through thorough investigation and strict measures.”
Brian Garner, the head of the Dallas branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), stated that the violent attack on and shooting of an officer while on duty highlights the dangers law enforcement personnel face daily, as well as the consequences when firearms fall into the hands of those prohibited from possessing them. He promised that the ATF will continue to collaborate with law enforcement partners to investigate such cases and ensure that all individuals violating federal firearms laws are legally punished.
The announcement did not mention the involvement of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to the lawsuit filed on August 13th, before the incident occurred, Pantoja-Morales allegedly jumped from his associate’s car onto the central median of the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway. Subsequently, his associate flagged down an officer patrolling the area for help. The officer decided to take Pantoja-Morales to a nearby safe location.
During the journey, the officer noticed Pantoja-Morales rifling through the bag placed on the back seat, prompting the officer to stop the car and attempt to have him exit. Allegedly, Pantoja-Morales refused, leading to a physical altercation between the two.
According to court documents, during the altercation, Pantoja-Morales wrestled the officer’s gun away and shot at the officer, hitting the officer’s right thigh artery. The officer then regained possession of the gun, and Pantoja-Morales reportedly fled the scene but was soon apprehended by law enforcement.
Another DISD officer provided medical assistance to the injured officer at the scene, subsequently transporting him to Parkland Hospital for further treatment.
The grand jury presented the lawsuit on September 16th.
The writ of habeas corpus filed on Wednesday indicated that Pantoja-Morales is currently awaiting transfer to a federal prison. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison.
The Dallas branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, as well as the Dallas Police Department, participated in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadin-Sarah Salkic is handling the prosecution in this case.