A Mexican national residing illegally in the United States has been charged with assaulting federal officers after allegedly using his car to ram law enforcement vehicles during an attempted immigration arrest in South Los Angeles. The incident resulted in both the suspect and a deputy U.S. marshal sustaining gunshot injuries.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Carlitos Ricardo Parias, 44, faces charges of assault on a federal officer. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance tomorrow at the United States District Court in Los Angeles.
“A vehicle is a deadly weapon,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “If it is used against federal agents, not only will you face years in federal prison, but you also face the possibility of deadly force being used against you. We will continue to use every tool in our legal arsenal to protect our agents enforcing immigration laws enacted by Congress.”
Federal authorities reported that agents set up surveillance on Tuesday morning in the Historic South-Central area targeting Parias, who was wanted on an administrative immigration arrest warrant and had previously evaded capture. After observing him enter a gray Toyota Camry and drive away, law enforcement vehicles boxed him in to prevent escape.
Despite orders from agents to exit his vehicle and submit to arrest, Parias refused and drove forward and backward, striking two law enforcement vehicles. Agents attempted to break his window as he continued resisting arrest by accelerating aggressively, producing smoke and debris that struck some officers at the scene.
During the confrontation, concerns grew among agents that Parias might lose control of his car or successfully break free from containment, potentially causing harm. The situation escalated when a federal agent discharged their firearm, injuring both Parias and a deputy marshal—who was hit by a ricochet bullet. Both are expected to recover.
Authorities emphasized that criminal complaints contain allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
If convicted of assaulting a federal officer, Parias could face up to eight years in federal prison.
The case is under investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI, with support from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the U.S. Marshals Service, and ATF. The General Crimes Section is handling prosecution.
