SEMINOLE, Texas – A Mexican man has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for shooting a police officer in Seminole, Texas. Jose Ramon Castillo-Lopez, 28, was charged in October 2022 and pleaded guilty in May 2023 to illegal possession of a firearm while being an undocumented immigrant.

According to court documents, Castillo-Lopez, who was in the United States illegally, was pulled over by a Seminole Police Department officer for traffic violations on October 1, 2022. As the officer approached Castillo-Lopez’s vehicle, he began shooting at the officer with a handgun. Although the officer was struck, his body armor protected him from serious injury.

The officer swiftly adopted a defensive position and returned fire, as Castillo-Lopez exited his vehicle and fled the scene, dropping a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol in the process. The officer was able to radio in a description of the suspect, leading to Castillo-Lopez’s apprehension just a few blocks away.

During an interview with law enforcement, Castillo-Lopez confessed to being previously deported and admitted to illegally firing the pistol, revealing that he had purchased it from an unknown individual at a traffic light in Midland, Texas for $200.

The collaboration between the Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Seminole Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division led to a thorough investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McLeod successfully prosecuted the charges against Castillo-Lopez.

It is worth noting that the police officer, thanks to his protective gear, was able to resume his duties shortly after the incident.

In conclusion, a Mexican man, Jose Ramon Castillo-Lopez, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for shooting a police officer during a traffic stop in Seminole, Texas. Castillo-Lopez, who was in the country illegally, fired at the officer but was swiftly apprehended nearby. The law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation ensured that justice was served.