Cesar Hernandez, a convicted murderer from Los Angeles County, was captured in Tijuana, Mexico, after escaping custody in California. His arrest occurred during a special operation on Thursday, following a violent incident where he allegedly shot and killed a police officer trying to apprehend him.
Hernandez, 35, had been on the run since December when he escaped while being transported to a court appearance in Delano. He managed to evade authorities and fled to Mexico. On April 9, during an attempt to arrest him in Tijuana, he shot and killed police commander Abigail Esparza Reyes, who was part of a unit focused on capturing fugitives from the U.S.
The Baja California Attorney General’s Office reported that Hernandez was apprehended as part of a coordinated effort dubbed “Gacela,” which means gazelle in Spanish. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of his crimes and stated that he would face consequences for his actions in both Mexico and the U.S.
Reyes had a notable career in law enforcement, leading a specialized team known as the "Gringo Hunters" for eight years. This unit is dedicated to tracking down fugitives who have fled from the U.S. to Mexico, and Reyes had been involved in over 400 operations.
Hernandez was sentenced in 2019 to 80 years to life for a murder committed outside a bar in Southeast Los Angeles. His escape and subsequent actions have raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement protocols during prisoner transport.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Hernandez will be prosecuted in Mexico or returned to California to serve his sentence. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation noted that 99% of offenders who have escaped custody since 1977 have been captured, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in keeping dangerous individuals off the streets.