Off-duty ICE agent accused of assaulting a Tower District homeowner was formally charged

David Gonzalez III, the off-duty ICE agent accused of assaulting a 72-year-old homeowner and his daughter before the homeowner then shot him in the midsection, was formally charged Tuesday with assault and other crimes.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office also charged the agent — identified as a resident of McAllen, Texas — with battery, elder abuse and vandalism resulting in more than $400 of damages.

The incident unfolded early Friday near Dudley Avenue and Broadway Street.

A woman arrived home shortly after 3 a.m. and found Gonzalez passed out on the front lawn. She notified her 72-year-old father, the homeowner, who went to wake the man and ask him to move, according to police.

In response, police say Gonzalez attacked the homeowner and his daughter intervened. The homeowner, fearing for their safety, then shot Gonzalez once, according to police. He was not charged with anything because the shooting was considered self-defense, police said.

Fresno and surrounding cities in the Central Valley have been the scene of increased ICE activity since last week, resulting in multiple arrests of immigrants, often scooped up on their way to work as day laborers. The arrests were still happening on Tuesday and expected to last for several more weeks.

According to the criminal complaint, the vandalism charge is in relation to damages caused to a vehicle belonging to Frederick Lisitsa — a neighbor who spoke out on social media after the incident.

On social media, Lisitsa offered more details, including that Gonzalez was allegedly “belligerently drunk” and was wearing a wristband from a nearby nightlife establishment.

If convicted, Gonzalez faces a sentence of up to 4 years and 8 months.

The DA’s Office said Gonzalez is still in the hospital as of Tuesday afternoon.

This story was originally published October 13, 2026 at 5:16 PM.