San Antonio Express-News
September Downing, Staff writer
“Our system of justice is based on citizen input, yet nothing can repair the pain and loss that AJ Hernandez’s family has endured. A young boy was tragically lost on that day and we know that no mother should ever have to bury their child,” District Attorney Joe Gonzales said in a news release.
Andre was fatally shot June 3 on the Southwest Side after a confrontation with police.
Police had driven up on either side of Andre as he was driving a stolen red Toyota Corolla in the 5100 block of War Cloud Drive. As Andre pulled out of a driveway, according to police accounts, he drove into the driver’s-side door of one of the police cruisers, a Chevrolet Tahoe.
The officer in the Tahoe was about to step out, but he pulled his leg back inside when Ramos radioed him to watch out for the car, according to a police account. Andre then hit the door of the police cruiser, forcing it shut.
As the door closed, Ramos fired into the Corolla, hitting Andre in the abdomen.
Andre was taken to University Hospital, where he later died.
Police have said vehicle’s impact was strong enough to damage the Tahoe, posing a threat to the life of the officer who pulled his leg back inside. But family members and an attorney have disputed the speed at which Andre drove into the door, saying he was not a threat to the officer.
The grand jury’s decision means that the investigation into the June 3 shooting has “now concluded,” according to the DA’s office.