California Prison Escapee Kills Mexican Policewoman in Tijuana, Evades Capture Again

 "Socalj" & "Char" for Borderland Beat

A law enforcement officer was killed in an apparent shootout involving escaped California inmate Cesar Moises Hernandez.

The incident occurred during an joint Mexican-US operation to arrest Hernandez near Tijuana, where Commander Abigail Reyes of the FESC was shot and killed. He had barricaded himself inside a home before walking out, slipping past authorities.

Hernandez managed to escape from the scene by running out and disguised himself as a worker, and his whereabouts remain unknown. 

Failed Tijuana Operation

On Wednesday, officers from several security forces were heading to a home in search of the suspect when they were met with gunfire.

It was during the exchange of gunfire that a FESC agent, identified as Abigail Esparza Reyes, 33, was seriously injured in the jugular vein, for which she was transferred to the Red Cross hospital, where she was pronounced dead an hour later.

Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar issued a statement expressing her condolences: "I deeply regret the passing of the State Citizen Security Force Agent Abigail Esparza Reyes while participating in an arrest warrant enforcement operation currently underway."

"My recognition to the elements that are bravely and exemplary participating in this operation," she said. "To the family and loved ones of Agent Abigail, we recognize her bravery and dedication to the service of her state. Our wishes for prompt resignation are with you, Abigail's life will be honored and her death will not go unpunished."

The operation involved members of the Mexican Army, National Guard, Municipal Police, FESC, and the State Attorney General's Office (FGE). US Marshals were also involved in the operation in an advisory role to help apprehend the fugitive. A police helicopter and drones were used, but the fugitive managed to slip away.

Escape in Delano

Hernandez, 34, escaped from custody in Delano, California, on December 2, 2024, while being transported to a court appearance. The Delano Police Department reported that Hernandez jumped out of the transport van, evaded authorities and fled.

Delano initially cancelled several Christmas activities due to the escaped murderer. On December 5, authorities believe he had fled the Delano area already.

He was serving a 80-year-to-life sentence for first-degree murder, a second-strike offense, after being received from Los Angeles County on June 27, 2019.

In 2018, he went with his girlfriend to the Las Cariñosas bar in Lynwood, California where she had once worked. Cesar had gotten into an argument with her later that night and left the bar. Cesar went looking for her in the bar and behind it in the lot. He then left in their white Nissan Altima.

He chased after a pickup truck that leaving the bar's parking lot as well, forcing the driver to pull over a block away. He then shot the driver in the head, killing him. The victim, Edgar Vasquez, hadn't had any previous interaction with the couple at the bar that night it is believed.

Sources Zeta Tijuana, Zeta Tijuana, CDCR

Categories: southern california, tijuana