A Mexican national, identified as 27-year-old Jose Santiago Pantoja-Morales, has been indicted on a federal firearms charge for allegedly grabbing a Dallas school police officer’s gun and shooting him in the femoral artery. The incident occurred on August 6 when the officer, on routine patrol, stopped to assist Pantoja-Morales, who had reportedly jumped out of a co-worker’s car and into the freeway’s center median. Prosecutors state Pantoja-Morales was in the U.S. illegally. During a ride to a safe location offered by the officer, Pantoja-Morales allegedly began rummaging through the officer’s bag. When the officer pulled over to remove him from the car, a struggle ensued, during which Pantoja-Morales allegedly seized the officer’s firearm and fired a single shot, hitting the officer in the leg. Despite his injury, the officer managed to regain control of his weapon, and Pantoja-Morales fled the scene but was quickly apprehended. The wounded officer received immediate medical attention and was transported to Parkland Hospital. A federal grand jury has charged Pantoja-Morales with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and he faces up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould emphasized that violence against officers will not be tolerated and vowed vigorous prosecution to ensure accountability.
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