In the early hours of December 29, 2023, at approximately 12:40 a.m., a Nacogdoches Police Department officer initiated a traffic stop on a light-colored Chrysler 300 in the 1700 block of S. Fredonia St. The vehicle displayed reluctance to stop but eventually came to a halt near the intersection of S. Fredonia and South St.
Upon coming to a stop, an unidentified passenger within the vehicle opened fire on the officer, discharging multiple rounds. The officer returned fire in self-defense. At least one bullet from the suspect's firearm struck the officer's patrol vehicle. Following the exchange, the suspect's vehicle fled westbound with the unidentified shooter.
The officer emerged unharmed from the incident. The condition of the suspect remains unknown. As per standard procedure, the Texas Rangers have been called in to conduct an investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Multiple law enforcement agencies are collaborating to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The Nacogdoches Police Department emphasizes that this is an ongoing and highly active investigation. Further updates on the incident will be disseminated as they become available. Anyone possessing information relevant to the case is urged to contact the Nacogdoches Police Department at 936-559-2607 or Nacogdoches Crime Stoppers at (936) 560-INFO.
UPDATE JAN 2, 2024:
The Nacogdoches Police Department has made two arrests in connection with Friday's officer-involved shooting. Jose Iraheta, 25 years of age from Nacogdoches, Tx, along with Gabriel Ramirez 19 years of age also from Nacogdoches, Tx have both been charged with Aggravated Assault against a Public Servant and are currently in the Nacogdoches County Jail.
During the course of this investigation there have been multiple search warrants served within Nacogdoches County which resulted in Jose Iraheta being additionally charged with Possession of Marijuana, Theft of Firearm, Tampering with Physical Evidence, three counts of Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Control Substance, and two counts of Prohibited Weapon. Gabriel Ramirez has additionally been charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted during the course of this investigation. As the investigation continues, there may be other individuals charged.
