DHS confirms the driver federal agents shot during traffic stop in Ontario was a US citizen

Federal agents shot a man in Ontario on Thursday morning after the driver allegedly reversed toward them during a traffic stop, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said federal agents were conducting a traffic stop on the 4900 block of Vineyard Avenue around 6:30 a.m. when an unknown individual pulled in front of them.

Agents ordered the driver to leave, but DHS claims they instead reversed toward the agents without stopping. “An ICE officer, fearing for his life, fired defensive shots at the vehicle. The subject fled the scene and abandoned his vehicle,” McLaughlin said.

In an update on Friday, a DHS spokesperson confirmed that they shot 24-year-old Carlos Jimenez, a U.S. citizen. The agency says Jimenez was arrested by federal agents at Riverside Community Hospital following treatment for a non-threatening gunshot wound. He's currently in custody with pending charges of assault, resisting an officer and impeding an investigation. They also said Jimenez was not their intended target.

Javier Hernandez, the executive director of the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, says Jimenez’s family shared that he ran back to his home in a nearby mobile home park after being shot in the shoulder and was later taken to the hospital by relatives.

Agents from DHS and the FBI could be seen observing Jimenez's car on Thursday morning. Vineyard Avenue, in between Riverside Drive and St. Andrews Drive, was blocked off with caution tape as crowds of witnesses gathered.

Rose, who would only provide KVCR her first name out of concern for her safety, said she was dropping off her children to school when she saw the street was blocked off. She said she wants ICE and the Ontario Police Department to share more information with the public about the incident.

“I know this community very well,” said Rose. “Everyone's scared, especially if you know they are not being transparent at all. It's worrying. It's concerning. It's scary. People are probably not even going to go to school.”

The Ontario Police Department said in a press release that they provided traffic control and scene security, but were not involved.

Democratic Congresswoman Norma Torres shared in a statement that DHS has refused to provide her with information despite multiple requests.

"There must be a full, transparent investigation with immediate updates,” said Torres. “Witness statements, body-camera footage, security footage, and all relevant information must be released so the public can judge for themselves what really happened. Accountability is not optional; it is demanded."

Hernandez with IC4IJ says they spoke to neighbors who he says are “living with fear” due to consistent immigration enforcement in Ontario.

“What we’re seeing now is an escalation of DHS’ tactics,” he said. “They’re willing to take a more violent approach to their detentions and apprehensions.”

Carlos Jimenez is set to appear in court later this afternoon.