Contributed Article/Courtesy Arizona State House of Representatives
PHOENIX – Arizona State Representative Walt Blackman issued the following statement regarding Apache Junction Police Officer Gabriel Facio, who died on Sunday from injuries sustained in the line of duty on June 2:
“Our community is grieving the loss of Officer Gabriel Facio, a three-year veteran of the Apache Junction Police Department, who died on Sunday from injuries sustained while bravely serving in the line of duty.
His passing marks the first line-of-duty death in the history of the Apache Junction Police Department—a painful milestone that underscores the risks our officers face each day and the selfless service they provide to keep us safe.
But Gabriel Facio was more than an officer. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, a beloved son and brother, and a trusted friend. His life was defined by his service and commitment to protecting others. Before joining the Apache Junction Police Department, Officer Facio served honorably in law enforcement across Phoenix and the Valley, earning a reputation for professionalism, compassion, and strength.
To the Facio family, please accept my deepest condolences. Words cannot ease your pain, but know that your grief is shared by all of us in Legislative District 7 and across Arizona. We mourn with you, we honor Gabriel’s service and sacrifice, and we stand beside you in sorrow and support.
To the officers of the Apache Junction Police Department, you have lost a brother. I share in your grief, and thank you for your courage and resolve during this difficult time.
And to the community, thank you for the outpouring of love through your prayers, your blue ribbons, and countless quiet acts of kindness. The 100 Club of Arizona, city leaders, and residents have come together to honor a true public servant and hero.
Let us never forget Officer Gabriel Facio. May we carry forward his legacy of service, courage, and compassion.
Rest in peace, Officer Facio. You served with honor, and you will not be forgotten.”
Police Officer Gabriel Facio died six days after being shot in the face by a driver who had been pulled over for brandishing a gun in a road-rage incident in the area near Ironwood Drive and Elliott Road.
On the morning of Monday, June 2, Officer Facio and additional officers responded to a road-rage incident involving a driver who had allegedly threatened others with a gun. After being pulled over, the driver was initially cooperative. However, when asked to step out of the vehicle, he became aggressive, retrieved a handgun from the glove compartment, and exited the car. Officers ordered him to stop and attempted to subdue him with non-lethal weapons, but the subject fired at the officers, striking Officer Facio in the face. Officers returned fire, wounding the subject.
Officer Facio was rushed to the hospital, where he remained in critical condition for six days before succumbing to his wounds just after 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 8.
The subject was injured and also taken to the hospital; he will be charged with homicide.
Officer Facio had served with the Apache Junction Police Department for nearly four years and had previously worked as an officer in Phoenix and other local agencies. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son, parents, and a grandchild.
Representative Walt Blackman is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives, serving Legislative District 7, and is the Chairman of the House Government Committee. Follow him on X at @BlackmanForAZ.
