Shoplifting Suspect Critically Injures Woman During Getaway

After viewing video footage of the incident and speaking with witnesses at Dollar General, officers confirmed the man in custody was the suspect from the Dollar General hit and run. The suspect was identified as Eddie Hernandez, 34 from Visalia, CA.

From Bloomfield POlice:

May 22, 2019

On May 21, 2019, at approximately 1:15pm officers from the Bloomfield Police Department responded to a call from Dollar General at 1502 W. Broadway in Bloomfield in reference to a shoplifting that led to a pedestrian being run over repeatedly by the fleeing suspect’s vehicle. The woman received life-threatening injuries and transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center. After striking the woman, the suspect fled the scene on foot.

Officers located a man matching the description of the suspect off Ruth Lane. After viewing video footage of the incident and speaking with witnesses at Dollar General, officers confirmed the man in custody was the suspect from the Dollar General hit and run. The suspect was identified as Eddie Hernandez, 34 from Visalia, CA.

BPD booked the suspect on the following charges: 
Leaving the scene of an accident knowingly (death or great bodily harm) – 3rd Degree Felony
Great bodily harm by vehicle (reckless) – 3rd Degree Felony
Duty to give information and render aid – Misdemeanor
Drivers must be licensed – Misdemeanor
Shoplifting ($250 or less) – Petty Misdemeanor

“The suspect turned a petty misdemeanor shoplifting incident into a violent felony case where an innocent victim was severely injured,” replied Chief David Karst. “BPD remains in contact with the victim and extends any help and support we can give to the family.”

Currently, the suspect is being held at the San Juan County Detention Center on No Bond. The Bloomfield Police Department is working with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure Mr. Hernandez remains in custody until his trial date. Chief Karst feels this is imperative to the safety of our community.

The investigation is still on-going and if you have any information pertaining to the incident, please call non-emergency dispatch at (505) 334-6622 and ask to speak with the detective in charge.