APACHE JUNCTION, AZ — An Apache Junction police officer has died after being shot in the line of duty on Monday, the department announced Sunday.
The department identified the officer as Gabriel Facio.
A procession was held for fallen Apache Junction Police Officer Facio on Sunday. Watch in the player below:
Facio had been with the department for almost four years, according to officials.
The officer was shot while responding to a call about an armed man in the area of Ironwood Drive and Elliot Road. Officers attempted to give commands to the man, who did not respond, and then used “less lethal” means in order to get him to comply.
At one point during the incident, the suspect fired at officers, and officers fired back.
One officer, Facio, was struck by the gunfire and taken to a hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
The suspect, a 37-year-old man, was also struck and taken to a hospital for treatment. According to officials, the alleged suspect will face upgraded charges, which include homicide.
This incident marks the first officer death in the Valley in 2025.
Watch Apache Junction Police Department officials speak on Officer Facio's death in the player below:
Apache Junction police chief Michael Pooley released the following statement on Officer Facio's passing:
"It is with a broken heart I inform you of the passing of Officer Gabriel Facio today at noon. On behalf of the men and women of the Apache Junction Police Department, we appreciate the support and outpouring of love from the community. A little piece of us was lost as Officer Facio took his last breath surrounded by family and friends. He was a beloved father, husband, son, brother, friend and police officer who showed his passion for people through his service to others.
Since Monday’s critical incident, he showed remarkable strength and resilience. Surrounded by loved ones and lifted by the strength of your prayers from both near and far, he held on as long as he could.
Tragically, the harm caused by a senseless act of violence was too great.
Officer Facio's impact on this department and community will never be forgotten. His service, spirit, and sacrifice will remain part of our story forever.
As his family navigates unimaginable loss, we stand beside them now and always. They will forever be part of the AJPD family.
This is an incredibly difficult moment for all of us at the department. The support from our community has been overwhelming, and we draw strength from it.
We will carry Officer Facio's memory forward by continuing to serve with honor, integrity, compassion, and dedication — the very values he exemplified every day.
Please continue to hold his loved ones, and all of us at AJPD, in your thoughts."
Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller released the following statement:
"It is with a heavy heart that I share my deepest condolences on the tragic loss of Officer Gabriel Facio, who was killed in the line of duty while serving and protecting our community.
This senseless act has shaken us to our core. Officer Facio died doing what he had sworn to do—keeping others safe. His courage and selflessness will never be forgotten, and his sacrifice will not be in vain.
As County Attorney, I want to make it clear: my office will pursue justice in this case with the full force of the law. The individual responsible for this heinous act will be held fully accountable.
We owe that to Officer Facio, to his loved ones, to the Apache Junction Police Department, and to every member of our community who depends on the rule of law to uphold justice and protect peace.
We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to ensure a thorough and swift investigation. This office stands ready to prosecute this case with integrity, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
To Officer Facio’s family, friends, and fellow officers—know that you are not alone in your grief. Our entire community mourns with you, and we honor your pain with our promise: justice will be served.
May Officer Facio rest in peace, and may we find strength and unity in his memory."
Acting Phoenix Police Chief Dennis Orender released the following statement:
"The Phoenix Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the Apache Junction Police Department, and thier community, on the loss of Officer Gabriel Facio, who was killed in the line of duty. Officer Facio began his law enforcement career with the Phoenix Police Department, having served with dedication and integrity as a sworn police officer and a detention officer. Many of our officers served alongside Officer Facio and are grieving from his loss. Even though he moved on to serve a neighboring community, he will always be part of our extended Phoenix Police family. We stand in support of everyone at the Apache Junction Police Department and offer them, and Officer Facio's family and loved ones, our most sincere condolences."
Apache Junction police are hosting a BBQ event in support of Officer Facio's family on Wednesday, June 11, at Apache Junction High School from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
On Wednesday, the department announced that funeral services for Officer Facio will be open to the public. The service will be held on June 16 at Central Christian Church in Mesa at 10 a.m.
"Officer Facio’s family has been overwhelmed with support and has asked that the funeral services be open to the public. Seating will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Designated seating will be reserved for all uniformed personnel, and overflow accommodations will be available on-site," officials said.
A procession is scheduled to begin at 7:45 a.m. from the Apache Junction Police Department and travel west to Superstition Boulevard.
Officials encourage community members "to safely line the sidewalks along the route to show their support." The all agency procession will continue down University Drive to Sossaman Road.
The procession will then proceed to Mountain View Funeral Home, located at 7900 E Main St in Mesa. Law enforcement agencies from across the region will join the procession there and depart toward the church.
ABC15 spoke with Minister Bobby Davis, who reflected on his relationship with Facio. They met at a local police academy in 2020 and remained friends. Watch the full interview in the video player below:
