DPS Trooper shoots, kills man who tried to hijack patrol unit, investigation underway

WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man was shot and killed by a Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper after he allegedly tried to hijack the patrol unit.

Texas DPS is now investigating the shooting that occurred at 2:34 a.m. Saturday at Joe Stephens Avenue near the Mid Valley Airport in Weslaco.

Thirty minutes before the shooting, a DPS Trooper was pursuing a black Chevrolet Camaro on IH2 and Mile 2 Road for driving without its lights on at a high rate of speed.

The driver, identified as 23-year-old Carlos Daniel Hinojos Hernandez of La Feria, lost control of the Camaro after one of his tires blew out, causing the car to crash into a concrete barrier on IH2 and Texas Road.

Hernandez ran away from the crash scene on foot.

A DPS Trooper searched the area, near the Mid Valley Airport, and noticed a man who matched the description of the suspect hiding behind a tree.

Hernandez allegedly approached the trooper with his hands behind his back and told the trooper he had a gun. The trooper drew his department-issued handgun and gave the man verbal commands to stop and get on the ground multiple times, but Hernandez allegedly refused.

Hernandez then got into the driver's seat of the trooper's patrol unit and tried to put the vehicle in drive while activating the vehicles emergency siren.

DPS added that the trooper's department-issued duty rifle was inside the patrol unit.

At that moment, the trooper shot Hernandez multiple times. Troopers administered first aid and took life-saving measures for Hernandez.

However, he ultimately died at the scene.

The Texas Rangers are leading this active and ongoing investigation.