Teen Arrested in Cameron County After Firing Gun from Car and Fleeing Accident Scene

Teen Arrested

Cameron County Teen Arrested After Gunfire Leads to Hit-and-Run Incident

Cameron County, TX – An 18-year-old is in police custody after a reckless display of gunfire led to a hit-and-run incident, prompting a swift response from local authorities. De Jesus Hernandez faces multiple charges, including tampering with evidence, deadly conduct, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and marijuana possession. The incident unfolded when Hernandez fired a gun out of his vehicle window before fleeing the scene, leaving behind significant damage.

The Incident Unfolds

According to the Cameron County Sheriff’s Department, Hernandez was driving a Hyundai when he discharged a firearm from the vehicle. The gunfire, which endangered those around him, was followed by a hit-and-run as Hernandez struck a car and a traffic sign before speeding away from the scene.

Authorities were called to investigate the hit-and-run and began piecing together the events. Witnesses reported hearing the gunshots and seeing the vehicle speeding away. Upon further investigation, detectives tracked Hernandez’s car to a nearby residence.

Arrest and Confession

When deputies arrived at the home where Hernandez’s vehicle was located, the 18-year-old admitted to his involvement in the incident. According to the sheriff’s office, Hernandez confessed to firing the weapon and fleeing the scene. Investigators also discovered that Hernandez and an unidentified friend attempted to dispose of both the firearm and marijuana before authorities could arrive.

While Hernandez was arrested on the spot, his friend, who was allegedly involved in tampering with evidence, has not yet been taken into custody. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to gather more information and apprehend any other individuals involved.

Charges and Consequences

Hernandez now faces a series of serious charges, including tampering with evidence, deadly conduct, unlawful carrying of a weapon, and marijuana possession. The combination of these charges paints a troubling picture of reckless behavior that could have resulted in even more dangerous consequences.

Deadly conduct, a charge that is levied when someone engages in behavior that places others at serious risk of bodily injury, underscores the gravity of Hernandez’s actions. Firing a gun in public, particularly while driving, is a clear violation of public safety laws, and Hernandez’s decision to flee the scene only compounded the situation.

Tampering with Evidence

In an attempt to avoid legal consequences, Hernandez and his friend tried to hide both the gun and marijuana before authorities arrived. Tampering with evidence is a serious offense in Texas, as it interferes with the integrity of the investigation. Law enforcement was able to recover enough evidence to charge Hernandez, but his friend’s involvement remains under scrutiny.

Sheriff’s officials stated that the discovery of marijuana in Hernandez’s possession has added to the list of charges. The unlawful carrying of a weapon and marijuana possession are often intertwined in criminal cases, and both carry significant penalties under Texas law.

Community Response

The Cameron County Sheriff’s Office has reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety and holding individuals accountable for reckless and unlawful behavior. The incident has sparked concern among residents about the increasing prevalence of gun-related crimes in the area.

Sheriff’s spokesperson Maria Flores commented on the case: “Incidents like these pose a clear threat to the safety of our community, and we are thankful that no one was injured. We take this behavior seriously, and our deputies acted swiftly to bring this young man to justice.”

Residents have expressed relief that Hernandez has been taken off the streets but remain concerned about the circumstances that led to the incident. Calls for increased law enforcement presence and stricter gun control measures have emerged in the wake of the event.

Investigation Ongoing

As the investigation continues, Cameron County authorities are working to locate Hernandez’s friend, who remains unaccounted for. The police are asking anyone with information to come forward and assist in the case. The charges against Hernandez are expected to move forward in the coming days, with additional charges possibly being added as the case develops.

For more information or to report tips related to the case, residents are encouraged to contact the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office through their website or by calling 956-554-6700

Related Websites:

• Cameron County Sheriff’s Office