San Andreas, CA…The following is an updated summary of the incident, incorporating previously available information and new information gathered from the ongoing investigation. We are committed to providing clarity and transparency regarding the situation as the investigation continues.
On January 14, 2025, between 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM, Suspect Hernandez unlawfully entered the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery at the end of McIntire Road in Clements (San Joaquin County). During this time, he forced entry into an unoccupied Fish and Wildlife patrol truck, where he broke a gun lock to seize a rifle and forcibly accessed a locked container where he obtained items, including a duty belt equipped with a handgun and a bullet-resistant vest.
Suspect Hernandez then forced entry into and stole a Fish and Wildlife Utility Truck, which he used to exit the fish hatchery while in possession of the weapons and bullet-resistant vest. This vehicle was driven through two locked gates while exiting the Hatchery. The theft was discovered and reported at about 7:00 AM when employees arrived to start their shift.
At approximately 8:30 AM, officers from the Highway Patrol located the stolen vehicle traveling near Clements at which time an unmarked law enforcement vehicle followed the suspect into Calaveras County. Once in Calaveras County, the suspect began to drive erratically, prompting the CHP officers to initiate a pursuit using marked vehicles that were staged in the area. CHP lost sight of the vehicle due to the suspect’s extremely dangerous driving…