HARLINGEN — Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz is looking to the public for help to find the man who allegedly fled the scene of a car crash that left a boy fighting for his life.
The district attorney is offering a $5,000 reward for credible information that leads to his arrest.
“We continue to work closely with law enforcement and the community in search of Tommy Hernandez, AKA El Virolo,” said Saenz, CCDA. “Although little Stevie continues to improve slightly, his condition is still very guarded.”
On Feb. 6, Pena was traveling in a car with his mother when it was struck by a sports utility vehicle, which Hernandez was allegedly driving.
The crash sent Pena to the hospital in need of immediate medical attention. Since, he has had several surgeries and doctors do not believe the 8-year-old will walk again.
The Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol has been conducting an investigation into the accident and believes the driver of the 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe was a Hispanic man approximately 5-foot, six inches in height, and goes by the name of “Tommy Hernandez” and is also known as “Virolo.”
The whereabouts of Hernandez are still unknown. There is concern he may have fled to Mexico.
Saenz said anyone with information on the subject is encouraged to call 956-565-7600.
Callers will or may remain anonymous.
At approximately 6 p.m. on Feb. 6 on FM 803 near the Iowa Gardens residential area a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe struck a 2008 Hyundai Accent.
Riding in the 2008 Hyundai Accent, among others, was Pena.
The accident caused Steven to sustain life-threatening injuries. After being rescued from the scene, he was immediately transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston for treatment.
Since being initially hospitalized Steven has undergone multiple surgeries and remains in critical condition. Doctors doubt, if he is able to recover, he will walk again.
