Kerman Mayor Maria Pacheco is facing stalking allegations from a Fresno man who says she followed and confronted him because she believed he was an ICE officer.<\/p>\n
Eric Bridges, a hairdresser who has never worked for ICE in any capacity, according to his attorney, captured part of the Oct. 14 encounter on video.<\/p>\n
Video recorded by Bridges shows his encounter with a woman who appears to be Pacheco.<\/p>\n
Roger Bonakdar, an attorney representing Bridges, said his client is a regular civilian.<\/p>\n
“My client is a middle-aged father, grandfather, hairdresser. There was nothing about him that any reasonable person would suggest he was ICE.”<\/p>\n
According to a complaint made by Bridges, he was heading toward Kearny Park when he noticed an orange Nissan tailgating him and following him into the park.<\/p>\n
Bridges said that when he parked, the orange vehicle blocked him in and someone inside took pictures. He said the vehicle then went around so the two vehicles were face-to-face and more photos were taken.<\/p>\n
Bridges then decided to leave.<\/p>\n
“Follows him for another 15 minutes, several miles. He’s trying to get away from this person,” Bonakdar said.<\/p>\n
Bridges eventually drove to a family member’s home in southwest Fresno, hoping to get to safety. Bonakdar alleges Pacheco followed him to the home.<\/p>\n
Surveillance video shows the orange Nissan behind Bridges, who was driving a white SUV. As Bridges parked outside the home, the Nissan pulled up beside him.<\/p>\n
“Only to find out that this is some person who thinks they’re a vigilante and who says to them ‘You’re in my hood’,” Bonakdar said.<\/p>\n
Bridges alleges that during the confrontation, Pacheco said, “Don’t worry about who I am, I’m someone important,” and added, “I’m looking for ICE and you look like ICE.”<\/p>\n
Bonakdar said his client has received threats and negative messages since the encounter.<\/p>\n
“He’s been told not to go to his grandchildren’s soccer games because some people think he’s against the community.”<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Pacheco confronted ICE agents outside La Princessa Real Bakery.<\/p>\n
Pacheco is currently running for Fresno County supervisor in District 1. Action News reached out to Pacheco but was sent to voicemail.<\/p>\n
A formal complaint has been sent to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and Fresno Police Department.<\/p>\n
For news updates, follow Ana Torrea on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n