Hidalgo County Deputy Fatally Shoots Suspect in Domestic Dispute IncidentStaff Report

Edinburg, Texas – A domestic dispute in rural Donna early Sunday morning escalated into a fatal officer-involved shooting, according to the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to the 4000 block of Amelia Lane around 12:39 a.m. on Dec. 15 following reports of a domestic disturbance. As the responding patrol unit exited the residence, it was struck at high speed by a vehicle. The collision caused the patrol car’s airbags to deploy, limiting the deputy’s visibility.

The driver, identified as 34-year-old Javier Aguilar, exited his vehicle and approached the deputy in a threatening manner. The deputy discharged their service weapon, striking Aguilar in the torso. Aguilar was transported to McAllen Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 2:20 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Jason Pena of Precinct 5, Place 1.

The deputy, who sustained injuries from the airbag deployment, was treated at a local hospital and has since been released.

Preliminary findings from Hidalgo County Major Crime Investigators indicate that Aguilar had been involved in a heated argument with his partner earlier in the evening. Aguilar reportedly threatened to harm law enforcement if they were contacted.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office at 956-383-8114 or to remain anonymous by calling the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 956-668-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the “P3 TIPS” smartphone application.

Source – Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office