An New Mexico felon was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in prison for the 2020 shooting of an FBI agent.
The sentencing of Derick Martin Garcia Pacheco, 33, of Albuquerque, followed his guilty plea in May to a single count of assault on a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon and inflicting bodily injury, along with one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, according to an Oct. 19 U.S. Department of Justice news release.
"We owe a special debt of gratitude to those in law enforcement who risk their lives to keep our community safe," U.S. Attorney for New Mexico Alexander M.M. Uballez said in the news release. "It is an honor to serve with such courageous federal agents. Their bravery inspires all of us to relentlessly seek a more just, selfless and safe world."
The shooting reportedly occurred Dec. 11, 2020, when FBI agents and task force officers in tactical gear, marked as law enforcement officers, arrived at Pacheco's residence with a federal search warrant, according to the news release. The law enforcement officers knocked on Pacheco's door and announced they were federal officers.
Pacheco allegedly responded by picking up an .357 revolver and fired through the door, seriously injuring one of the agents in the arm. The agent's injuries subsequently required surgery and hospitalization, the release reported.
Following the shooting, other officers secured the scene and the FBI's Special Weapons and Tactics unit responded to assist in executing the warrant. Pacheco was arrested and a search of his residence turned up two firearms concealed between a mattress and box spring in a rear bedroom. One of the firearms found had been used to shoot the agent, according to the release.
Pacheco's guilty plea included acknowledgement that, as a previously convicted felon, he could not legally possess firearms or ammunition, the release reported
The injured agent is still recovering, FBI Albuquerque Field Office Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda said in the news release.
"The FBI's motto is Fidelity, Bravery and Integrity, the virtues exemplified by our special agent injured in this senseless assault," Bujanda said, according to the release. "As this hero continues to recover, the public can rest assured the FBI has a full division of agents on the streets ready and determined to put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe."
