WESLACO, TX – A Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper shot and killed a man early Saturday morning after the man allegedly tried to hijack the patrol vehicle, according to multiple reports.
The incident occurred at 2:34 a.m. on September 7, 2024, on Joe Stephens Avenue near the Mid Valley Airport in Weslaco, Texas.
The confrontation followed a high-speed chase involving a black Chevrolet Camaro, which the trooper initially pursued for driving without its lights on.
According to reports, the driver, identified as 23-year-old Carlos Daniel Hinojos Hernandez of La Feria, lost control of the vehicle after a tire blowout, leading to a crash into a concrete barrier on IH2 and Texas Road.
After fleeing the crash scene on foot, Hernandez was spotted hiding behind a tree near the airport by the trooper.
Hernandez allegedly approached the trooper with his hands behind his back and claimed to have a gun. The trooper, drawing his service weapon, repeatedly ordered Hernandez to stop and get on the ground, but Hernandez refused to comply.
Hernandez then entered the trooper’s patrol vehicle, attempted to shift it into drive, and activated the emergency siren. The trooper’s duty rifle was also inside the vehicle.
In response, the trooper fired multiple shots at Hernandez. Despite other Troopers administering first aid and performing life-saving measures, Hernandez did not survive.
The Texas DPS is investigating the shooting and The Texas Rangers are leading this active and ongoing investigation.
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