Gabriel Facio dies in fatal Apache Junction Arizona shooting

Gabriel Facio dies in fatal Apache Junction Arizona shooting

Fatal Apache Junction Arizona shooting death of Gabriel Facio – Obituary

Gabriel Facio, a police officer with three years of service at the Apache Junction Police Department, died on Sunday after being shot in the face while on duty.

The incident began Monday morning when officers responded to a road rage complaint involving 37-year-old Roger Nunez, who initially cooperated but turned hostile when asked to exit his vehicle. Nunez retrieved a handgun from his glove compartment and refused commands to stop, daring officers to shoot him. After less-lethal pepper balls failed to subdue him, Nunez fired four shots, striking Officer Facio in the face. Fellow officers returned fire, wounding Nunez, who was hospitalized in critical condition.

Despite emergency efforts to revive him after his heart stopped at the hospital, Officer Facio succumbed to his injuries surrounded by family and friends. He was a devoted husband and father of two children, and had previously served with other law enforcement agencies in the Valley.

This tragedy marks the first line-of-duty death for the Apache Junction Police Department since 1987. Nunez now faces homicide charges related to the shooting. The department expressed deep sorrow, honoring Officer Facio’s commitment to public service and the community.