Hidalgo County Deputy Fatally Shoots Suspect Following Domestic Dispute Incident
A domestic dispute escalated into a fatal officer-involved shooting early Sunday, December 15, 2024, in rural Hidalgo County.
Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a 911 call around 12:39 a.m. at a residence in the 4000 block of Amelia Lane in Donna, Texas. Upon exiting the residence in a marked patrol unit, a deputy’s vehicle was intentionally struck at high speed by another vehicle, causing the patrol car’s airbags to deploy and limiting the deputy’s visibility.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 34-year-old Javier Aguilar, exited and approached the deputy in a threatening manner. Fearing for his safety, the deputy discharged his firearm, striking Aguilar in the torso.
Aguilar was transported to McAllen Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at 2:20 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Jason Pena, Precinct 5, Place 1. The deputy, who sustained injuries from the airbag deployment, was treated at a local hospital and later released.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Aguilar had been involved in a heated argument with his partner earlier that evening after attending an event. During the altercation, he reportedly threatened to harm law enforcement if they were notified.
Hidalgo County Major Crime Investigators and Crime Scene Specialists are actively investigating the incident. The case remains under investigation, and authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office at 956-383-8114 or submit anonymous tips through the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 956-668-TIPS (8477) or via the “P3 TIPS” app.
