This newly released police video reveals the events leading to the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy in Texas. On June 3rd of the previous year, around 1:00 am, San Antonio police responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting gunshots and loud music.
One distressed caller reported seeing a vehicle driving past while occupants fired guns, specifying the use of an AR-style weapon and estimating over 20 shots fired within a matter of seconds. Dash and body camera footage shows three San Antonio Police Department officers arriving at the scene and focusing their attention on a stolen red Toyota Corolla.
The driver of the stolen vehicle was identified as 13-year-old Andre Hernandez.
This image shows a still from the police body camera footage of the incident where 13 year-old Andre Hernandez was shot and killed.
As officers approached, the Corolla made a U-turn and ultimately rammed into a police cruiser. Officer Stephen Ramos exited his vehicle and fired shots, striking young Hernandez. Separate dashcam footage captures Hernandez stumbling out of the driver’s seat, and Officer Ramos moving to detain him.
Simultaneously, the officer whose patrol car was hit can be seen climbing back into the vehicle through the window. Body camera footage reveals a passenger in the stolen car with their hands raised. However, due to the individual being a minor, the video is blurred to protect their identity.
Despite pleading for his sister to be called, Hernandez was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The Bexar County Criminal District Attorney’s Office released a report stating that Officer Ramos’s use of deadly force was justified.
Their argument hinges on a critical moment captured in the body camera footage. In the video, an officer identified as Officer Espinoza is seen quickly pulling his leg back into his patrol car just before Hernandez crashes into it with the stolen Toyota.
Law enforcement officials contend that Officer Ramos believed his fellow officer was in imminent danger, thus justifying the use of lethal force.
Last week, the case was presented to a grand jury, who ultimately declined to indict Officer Ramos. Subsequently, both the body and dash camera footage were released to the public.
