Mexican National Indicted on Federal Firearms Charge After Allegedly Shooting Dallas Officer

A federal grand jury has indicted Jose Santiago Pantoja-Morales, a Mexican national, on a charge of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, prosecutors announced Wednesday. The indictment stems from an incident on August 6, during which Pantoja-Morales allegedly shot a Dallas Independent School District (DISD) police officer.

The incident began when the DISD officer, on routine patrol, stopped to assist Pantoja-Morales, who had reportedly jumped out of a co-worker's car and into the median of the Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway. The co-worker had flagged down the officer to help Pantoja-Morales find a safe location.

During the ride, Pantoja-Morales allegedly began searching through the officer's bag. The officer pulled over to address the situation, leading to a physical struggle. Prosecutors claim Pantoja-Morales grabbed the officer's gun and fired once, striking the officer in the femoral artery of his right leg. Despite being wounded, the officer regained control of his weapon. Pantoja-Morales fled the scene but was apprehended by law enforcement shortly after.

The injured officer received initial medical treatment at the scene before being transported to Parkland Hospital.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould stated that the alleged actions represent an attack on the rule of law and a direct threat to public safety, emphasizing the office's commitment to protecting law enforcement officers. "Violence against an officer will not be tolerated, and we will pursue this prosecution with the utmost rigor to ensure full accountability," Raybould said in a news release.

Pantoja-Morales is awaiting transfer to federal custody. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. The investigation was conducted by the ATF Dallas Field Office and the Dallas Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadin-Sarah Salkic prosecuting the case.