Arrest of Shooting Suspect 

November 14, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on September 18, 2024, patrol resources from the Santa Paula Police Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting in the area of South Mountain Road and the Santa Clara River Bottom. Arriving officers located the victim and confirmed a shooting had occurred. As a result of the investigation, (S) Maximo Hernandez (34) was identified as the shooting suspect and fled with the firearm prior to the arrival of law enforcement.

On September 20, 2024, detectives with the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation secured a warrant for Hernandez’ arrest for his involvement with the shooting.

In the following weeks, a manhunt was conducted. Hernandez was able to evade capture on multiple occasions by skillfully utilizing challenging river bottom terrain along the Santa Clara River Bottom to obscure movement and hinder tracking efforts. The rugged river bottom, combined with thick vegetation, various encampments, and nearby water sources, allowed Hernandez to evade immediate apprehension despite coordinated efforts of ground and aerial search teams.

On November 8, 2024, at about 1:39 P.M., deputies from the Fillmore Patrol Station responded the Santa Clara River Bottom near South Mountain Road in Santa Paula reference a transient male subject on foot in the area carrying a rifle. Once deputies arrived, they began searching the area. During their search, deputies located Hernandez hiding in an encampment in the Santa Clara River Bottom south of Cornell Drive. Upon contact with law enforcement, Hernandez fled on foot deeper into the river bottom. Deputies gave chase and Hernandez’ effort to elude law enforcement was thwarted when he was apprehended some distance away.

After Hernandez’ apprehension, patrol deputies secured the encampment where Hernandez was found. Detectives from the West County Special Enforcement Unit and the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation responded to assist. A search warrant was later obtained and executed at the encampment.

Hernandez was later booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility (PTDF) for his felony warrant (Penal Code § 245(a)(2) – [Assault with a Firearm], Penal Code § 29800(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of a Firearm]), two additional warrants, and Penal Code § 148(a)(1) – [Resist, Obstruct, or Delay a Peace Officer]. Hernandez remains in custody with a bail set at $520,000.00.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office