Teens Arrested After Fleeing From Shooting Scene

LUBBOCK, TX — Two teens were arrested after a shooting on Tuesday, March 25, following a police chase and investigation in central Lubbock, while a third suspect turned himself in the next day.

According to court documents, Lubbock Police officers responded to reports of gunshots in the 2700 block of 50th Street. Ricky Cerna, 17, and Jacob Hernandez, 19, were seen running away from the scene, with Cerna carrying a black backpack. 

Officers followed them, first in a patrol car and then on foot. Cerna was caught, but the backpack was no longer with him. Security footage at a nearby restaurant later showed Cerna trying to hide the backpack behind a vehicle and tossing a handgun near a fence.

At the same time, Lubbock police received another call about a person being shot a block away, near 50th Street and University Avenue. The victim, Christopher Rodriguez, told officers that he had been stared down by Cerna, Hernandez, and another man in the parking lot before he fled the scene. Rodriguez shortly came back to the scene, where they started shooting at him.

Court documents state Rodriguez was not injured, but two shots from the gunfire hit his car. Officers later found the backpack, which contained an extended .45 magazine, a holster, and a loaded handgun.

Both Cerna and Hernandez were arrested on charges of Aggravated Assault, Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, and Tampering with Evidence. Cerna also faces a charge of marijuana possession after officers found .342 oz in a clear tube on him. Their bonds were set at $80,000 each.

On Wednesday, March 26, Nunez turned himself in to Lubbock Police in connection with the shooting. He was charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, with a $50,000 bond.