ELLIS COUNTY, Texas - A 23-year-old Palmer man was arrested Monday afternoon after deputies say he fired multiple rounds toward a vehicle of fleeing young adults during a disturbance on Neck Road, placing nearby homes and motorists at risk.
According to the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched around 4 p.m. on January 12, 2026, to the 200 block of Neck Road after reports that a group of young adults had driven to a residence and initiated a confrontation with a family living there.
Investigators determined that during the altercation, a family member who does not reside at the Neck Road address retrieved a handgun and began shooting as the group fled in a vehicle. Evidence collected at the scene indicates the shooter ran from the residence toward the vehicle while firing multiple rounds.
Authorities said the direction of gunfire endangered several nearby residences and vehicles, creating what investigators described as a substantial risk to uninvolved citizens.
A second crime scene was later identified at a commercial business along Interstate Highway 45, where assisting troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety and Ellis County deputies located the fleeing vehicle. Investigators documented multiple gunshot impacts on the vehicle and confirmed that one occupant had been struck by gunfire.
The wounded individual was treated by medics at the scene and declined transport to a hospital, deputies said.
Following the investigation of both scenes and the collection of witness statements, investigators arrested Jesus Hernandez, 23, of Palmer. Hernandez was charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.
The shooting victim, identified as Jonathan Romero, was also taken into custody on outstanding warrants unrelated to the shooting, including burglary of a vehicle and narcotics charges. Both men were transported to the Wayne McCollum Detention Center pending arraignment.
