Update: Possible Armed Suspect Remains At-Large In Jenny Lind
Update on January 15 at 11:53 am: In the early morning hours, the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office reports that additional SWAT Teams arrived to relieve the officials who had been on the scene during the night. The three primary objectives of the incident are to contain the suspect, communicate with the suspect, and arrest the suspect without incident. With increased light, the UAV teams were able to provide enhanced images of the suspect and his immediate area. Deputies delivered a cell phone to the suspect via a UAV (drone). They are in the process of communicating with him with hopes for a peaceful surrender. So far, the suspect still has the firearm.
Update on January 15 at 6:11 am: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Greg Stark, is providing an update on the search for suspect Octavio Hernandez of Valley Springs.
He states, “In the late afternoon of January 14th, 2025, suspect Hernandez’s location was verified to be in the Calaveras River Canyon, South of Buena Vista Court. During the night, deputies employed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with night vision technology to continue to attempt communication with him, monitor his position, and confirm that he was still in possession of a high-powered rifle. Given the challenging terrain and limited visibility, it was decided to focus on ongoing efforts to communicate with the suspect and encourage him to surrender peacefully.”
Starks continues, “We understand this is a stressful situation for residents, particularly those near the incident. Please be assured that we are fully committed to safeguarding the community and will maintain a presence at the scene until the operation is concluded.”
A recap of Tuesday’s search efforts are below:
Update on January 14 at 5:40 pm: Calaveras County Sheriff’s officials have updated the situation, confirming that a perimeter has been established to contain the suspect and that they are confident the suspect is within the perimeter of a heavily wooded and steep area. They thanked mutual aid resources from neighboring agencies and will continue to search for the suspect into the night or until the operation reaches a conclusion.
Update on January 14 at 3:17 pm: The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office has provided further details about the suspect. He has been identified as Octavio Hernandez, a 32-year-old resident of Valley Springs, who reportedly stole a vehicle in San Joaquin County and led law enforcement into Calaveras County. In Calaveras, he fled on foot near Buena Vista Court. Hernandez is also wanted for theft of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The investigation remains ongoing.
Update on January 14 at 12:26 pm: A search is still ongoing for a possible armed suspect in the 400 block of Buena Vista Court in Jenny Lind.
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Greg Stark notes that the man is wanted related to stolen vehicle and weapons charges. More details are below:
Original story posted on January 14 at 11:07 am: Jenny Lind, CA — The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is actively looking for a suspect believed to be armed with a firearm in the 400 Block of Buena Vista Court in the community of Jenny Lind.
The sheriff’s office reports that the suspect is “described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 240 pounds, wearing an orange jacket and camouflage pants.”
Neighbors in the vicinity are advised to secure their doors and promptly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
We will pass along more information as it becomes available.
