What started as a routine law enforcement encounter in a quiet Nebraska suburb has now turned into a serious federal case involving a suspected gang member accused of trying to kill a federal officer.
Suspect Identified as Venezuelan National Living Illegally in U.S.
Authorities say 30-year-old Gabriel Hurtado-Cariaco, a Venezuelan national living without legal status in Bellevue, Nebraska, was charged on June 19, 2025, with attempted murder of a federal officer.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Hurtado-Cariaco is believed to be affiliated with the violent Tren de Aragua gang, a group known for transnational criminal activity.
Traffic Stop Turns Violent in Sarpy County
The situation escalated when agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI attempted to arrest Hurtado-Cariaco using an immigration warrant.
They spotted him driving near his home and initiated a standard traffic stop.
He initially complied—getting out of his car with his hands up—but things quickly spiraled out of control.
When agents tried to handcuff him, Hurtado-Cariaco allegedly attacked one of the officers, knocking him to the ground.
In a shocking moment, the suspect threw the agent off with enough force to cause the agent to hit their head and elbow on the pavement, causing significant injury.
Suspect Allegedly Put Agent in Chokehold
A second agent jumped in to help, and all three ended up on the ground.
The situation turned even more dangerous when Hurtado-Cariaco reportedly managed to get behind the injured agent and placed him in a chokehold—ignoring repeated commands to stop.
The other agent had to apply his own chokehold to force Hurtado-Cariaco to release the grip.
Despite briefly escaping, the suspect was later tracked to his nearby apartment and arrested without further incident.
The injured agent was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Justice Department Responds with Strong Statement
Top Justice Department officials were quick to condemn the attack.
“Deadly violence against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized, “This attack highlights the danger our agents face daily.
Justice will be swift.”
U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods added, “Despite facing potential death, our agents acted professionally and completed the arrest.”
What’s Next for the Suspect
Hurtado-Cariaco appeared in federal court on June 20 before Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Carson, who ruled that the suspect would remain in detention.
The charges include one count of attempted murder of a federal officer—a serious federal offense.
Although the criminal complaint outlines the accusations, it’s important to note that Hurtado-Cariaco is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Possible Consequences If Convicted
If found guilty, Hurtado-Cariaco could face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The case is being actively investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and could have broader implications given the suspected gang ties and the violent nature of the incident.