BROWNSVILLE — A woman driving with her three grandchildren in Brownsville fired a handgun at another vehicle Sunday, according to police.
The Brownsville woman was upset that another vehicle struck her Chevrolet Tahoe and cut off her SUV at around 5 p.m. Sunday at the 3000 block of International Boulevard, police said.
According to police, Sonya Ferrel Hernandez, 40, has been charged with three counts of endangering a child with imminent danger and discharging a firearm in certain municipalities.
A witness called authorities to report two vehicles shooting at each other, police said. Hernandez’s SUV matched the witness’ description and was stopped at the 3200 block of Boca Chica Boulevard.
During the traffic stop, Hernandez told police that the gun was in the console of her SUV. Authorities found three children — ages 8, 4 and 1 — inside the vehicle.
Hernandez told police she “shot at the suspect vehicle without hitting anyone,” police spokesman J.J. Treviño said.
“Somebody hit her, and apparently she ended up firing two shots,” Treviño said.
Although Hernandez told police that a black car had struck her vehicle, there is no indication that shots were fired at Hernandez’s SUV.
Hernandez was arrested at the scene, and the three children were turned over to their mother.
It is unknown if Hernandez has a license to carry the handgun.
Treviño said authorities believe this is an isolated incident and that residents shouldn’t be worried.
“We don’t see that (happening) at all, period. I don’t think it’s a concern, but obviously it’s not something that we recommend people doing regardless if you have a concealed handgun license or not,” Treviño said.
