New dashcam footage from a civilian witness is offering a critical new perspective on a recent shooting involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Patterson, California. The video raises significant questions about the events leading up to the gunfire and appears to contradict some initial reports.

The driver, Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, was shot multiple times and is currently recovering in a Modesto hospital. His attorney maintains that ICE officers fired first, while ICE claims Hernandez used his vehicle as a weapon against them.

Witness Account Challenges Official Narrative

Attorney Roberto Serrato, representing an anonymous woman identified as Christina, stated that his client witnessed officers firing at a car on a Tuesday morning. The incident occurred near the I-5 and Sperry Avenue intersection in a busy commercial area, surrounded by gas stations and fast-food restaurants, at approximately 6:30 a.m.

Christina’s account suggests the driver initially reversed before executing a swift U-turn to escape. Her firsthand narrative, partially documented by her dashcam, closely aligns with the claims made by Hernandez’s attorney.

Details from the Dashcam Footage

Christina’s dashcam footage, captured from behind a white Tesla, is the second such video released publicly in connection with this case. While the video evidence lacks audio and does not definitively show who fired the initial shots, both available videos depict Hernandez attempting to evade the officers.

Christina described observing individuals, later identified as ICE agents, surrounding the driver's side window of Hernandez's vehicle and seemingly striking it. She recounted hearing a single gunshot, followed by Hernandez’s car reversing, and then multiple gunshots in quick succession.

She also reported seeing a firearm pointed toward active traffic, directly where she and other commuters were stopped. To avoid potential danger, Christina backed her car away before observing Hernandez reverse and speed away from the agents.

Serrato emphasized, "This is a civilian witness who was simply on her way to work and found herself in the middle of a very chaotic and dangerous situation." He added that his primary goal is to accurately present her account and ensure her protection. Christina is currently cooperating with FBI investigators through Serrato's office.

Hernandez's Side of the Story

Patrick Kolasinski, Hernandez's attorney, indicated that his client remains hospitalized in Modesto and may require a fourth surgery for his gunshot wounds, with at least one of the six bullets striking his face.

From his hospital bed, Hernandez told Kolasinski that he was on his way to work and wanted to grab coffee when he noticed flashing lights behind him. He pulled over and presented his driver's license upon request. Officers then informed him they were ICE agents intending to take him into custody.

Hernandez questioned the situation and requested to call his wife. Kolasinski explained, "And the situation spiraled out of hand. He wasn't doing what they asked for, just stepping out of the vehicle and surrender. He was simply saying he wanted to call his wife and then somebody shot at him."

ICE's Stated Intentions and Hernandez's Background

ICE officials have stated their intention to question the 36-year-old Hernandez concerning a murder investigation in El Salvador. However, the details of this investigation remain vague.

Hernandez, who lacks legal immigration status in the United States, was acquitted of murder charges in El Salvador in 2019. There is ongoing uncertainty regarding the direct connection between ICE's desire to question him and the El Salvadoran murder case, as ICE has declined to provide a clear answer on this matter.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Aftermath

The Department of Homeland Security has not yet issued a statement regarding the new witness testimony. The Department of Justice has not detained Hernandez as a suspect, and his potential future custody remains uncertain.

Kolasinski has established a GoFundMe campaign to provide assistance to Hernandez’s family during this challenging time.