Bodycam, Witness Videos Capture Traffic Stop Shootout that Led to Ariz. Police Officer's Death

Apache Junction Police Officer Gabriel Facio was shot in the face and died days later after a June traffic stop erupted into an exchange of gunfire with a suspect.

Source Officer.cm News

Joe Vince

Nov. 21, 2025

2 min read

What to know

• Apache Junction Police Officer Gabriel Facio died June 8 after being shot in the face during a June 2 traffic stop involving an armed suspect, according to investigators, who released body camera and bystander video footage from the incident on Thursday.

• Police say the suspect ignored commands, exchanged gunfire with officers and was wounded before being taken into custody.

• The suspect faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, and is being held on $2 million bond.

Apache Junction Police Officer Gabriel Facio was shot in the face in an exchange of gunfire during a June 2 traffic stop with a suspect accused of flashing a gun at another motorist. Facio died June 8 from his injuries.

An Arizona police department released body camera and bystander video footage Thursday that captured a deadly traffic stop shooting in June that wounded an Arizona police officer, who died nearly a week later from his injuries.

Apache Junction Police Officer Gabriel Facio was shot in the face during a June 2 traffic stop shootout and died from his injuries June 8. The suspect—identified as Roger Nunez—was wounded in the exchange, which was detailed as part of an investigation by the Mesa Police Department and the East Valley Critical Incident Response.

In the incident, Nunez was pulled over after he allegedly brandished a gun at another motorist, according to the critical incident briefing. During the stop, Nunez told an officer he didn't have any weapons, but then pulled out a handgun as he exited his vehicle.

Nunez ignored commands to surrender while walking away from his stopped car, and other officers were called in for backup. A perimeter was set up around Nunez before officers deployed pepper ball rounds to try to subdue him.

When that was unsuccessful, police moved closer to Nunez, who began shooting at officers. Facio was struck in the face, and Nunez was wounded when police returned fire.

Despite being injured, Nunez got up from the ground and refused to drop his gun. He was struck again by a single shot.

Facio was rushed to the hospital in a police cruiser after he was shot. The officer died at the hospital days later.

Once police disarmed Nunez, he also was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries. He was arrested and faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder. He is being held on a $2-million bond.

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.