AJ police officer shot on duty dies from wounds

AJPD officers followed a man later identified as Roger Nunez south on Ironwood Road on foot after the department was alerted that a driver of a white Tesla was brandishing a firearm. Nunez allegedly fired four rounds at the officers, striking Officer Gabriel Facio in the face and prompting four officers to return fire.

Facio remained in critical condition until 1:08 p.m. Sunday, when he was pronounced dead at the age of 46 while surrounded by his family and friends. AJPD Chief Michael Pooley said Facio is survived by a daughter who was getting ready to be married in August, and a son with Facio’s first grandchild.

“He loved the city of Apache Junction, and more than anything he loved putting that uniform on every single day,” Pooley said. “I did a ride-along with him, and he showed me everything he did as a patrol officer … and all that time he talked about how great it was to be out there on the streets of Apache Junction.”

“He was one of my favorites; I loved that guy,” Pooley said. “Being in a department of 100 officers, I know every one of them. And we talk all the time. We grow old together, and I was hoping to grow with Gabriel.”

Nunez remains hospitalized, and Pooley said when he is able to be released he will be transported to jail and will now be facing homicide charges. However, the chief also disclosed that Facio’s wife told him the family had forgiven Nunez and asked the other officers to do the same.

The last time an Apache Junction police officer died in the line of duty was in 1987 during a training accident. This was the first time, Pooley said, that an officer had died while attempting to apprehend a subject.

Pooley described the emotions in the community as beginning with shock, then moving to anger and sadness, and finally feeling some joy and hope that Facio’s family wanted the officers to hold onto in his memory.

In a statement released following Facio’s death, Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller said his department is mourning alongside AJPD.

“This senseless act has shaken us to our core,” Miller wrote. “Officer Facio died doing what he had sworn to do—keeping others safe. His courage and selflessness will never be forgotten, and his sacrifice will not be in vain.”

Miller added that PCAO is working with law enforcement partners to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that there is justice for Facio’s death.

“The individual responsible for this heinous act will be held fully accountable,” Miller wrote. “We owe that to Officer Facio, to his loved ones, to the Apache Junction Police Department, and to every member of our community who depends on the rule of law to uphold justice and protect peace.”

The police department if holding a barbecue fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Apache Junction High School, 2525 S. Ironwood Dr. with help from the Fraternal Order of Police lodges from Mesa and Scottsdale. There is also a GoFundMe set up to support his family.

A public memorial is planned for Monday, June 16