On February 12, 2024, at around 7:30 pm, Officers from the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office and the Kerrville Police Department rushed to the scene following reports of gunfire in the 3000 block of Junction Highway in western Kerr County. Initial investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a road rage altercation, resulting in the suspect discharging multiple rounds from a firearm at another vehicle. The occupants of the targeted vehicle escaped unharmed, and the perpetrators fled the scene.
Identified as the shooter was 18-year-old Christian Julian Hernandez, a resident of Kerrville, prompting authorities to issue a warrant for his arrest. Intensive efforts by Sheriff’s Office Investigators and Deputies continued through the night and into Tuesday morning, culminating in the successful apprehension of Hernandez during a surveillance operation as he attempted to flee his residence.
Hernandez was subsequently booked into Kerr County Jail on a charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, with bail set at $100,000. Accompanying Hernandez at the time of his arrest was 20-year-old Aniela Isabel Ramirez, also from Kerrville, who was found in possession of two handguns and has been charged with Unlawful Carry of a Weapon.
Further scrutiny of Hernandez’s residence uncovered potential evidence linking him to recent car burglaries within Kerrville. Among the items recovered were tools, prescription medication, wallets, credit/debit cards, drivers’ licenses, and checks. Collaborative efforts between Sheriff’s Office Investigators and Kerrville Police Department Detectives are underway to identify the rightful owners of the recovered items.
Additionally, 18-year-old Andrew Lee Valderez of Kerrville was found in possession of a substance suspected to be MDMA, resulting in his arrest on a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Sheriff Larry Leitha commended the swift response and diligent work of law enforcement, stating, “Our office tackled this case with all available resources, and we’re pleased to have these suspects in custody within hours of the incident. This kind of reckless behavior risked the lives of those involved and many innocent people in the vicinity. We look forward to where this investigation leads and seeing it to its final completion. We’re just getting started.”
The investigation into the initial shooting is ongoing, and anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Investigator Jon Cooley at 830-315-2431.
