The frightening incident began on Feb. 11 when a trespassing call came in from South Valley Drive. The responding officer was 35-year-old Jonah Hernandez, a two-year veteran and a husband and father to two sons.
The scene quickly turned violent, and investigators believe Hernandez was stabbed to death by 29-year-old Armando Silva. The suspect had a long criminal history mixed in with incidents of mental illness.
Witnessing the violent confrontation was 29-year-old Issiah Astorga. He later told investigators that he feared for his life and the life of his girlfriend.
This led Astorga to retrieve a weapon from his vehicle. But after the fatal stabbing, Silva approached the bystander with the knife, leaving him with no choice.
Astorga, backed into a corner, fired.
He and another helpful citizen then turned their attention to the wounded officer and rendered first aid until emergency services arrived. It was too late for Officer Hernandez, who succumbed to his wounds.
It was shortly thereafter when emergency officials received a call of “officer down.” A bystander used the fallen officer’s radio to transmit the distress report.
There is good news for Astorga, even as he deals with the trauma of the dramatic encounter. The Third Judicial District Attorney’s office last week announced that he would not be charged in the incident.
Prosecutors recognized the herculean effort put forward by the Good Samaritan to stop the violent incident from claiming even more victims. And while this seems to be the commonsense outcome, this result is far from guaranteed.
Many jurisdictions across the nation take a dim view of armed good guys who intervene in deadly encounters.
After the confrontation, Astorga expressed his horror at being involved with such an event. He told KOB 4 News that the scene unfolded quickly as he came upon the suspect attacking the police officer, and he believed the attacker would attempt to get control of the service weapon.
“I then ran toward the fight with the hope of stopping it. As I was approaching, I could see that the officer was bleeding severely from the neck area while continuing to be attacked. I yelled for the attacking individual to stop.”
But that did not happen, and instead the violent individual turned toward Astorga.
“Fearing for my life, my girlfriend’s life and the life of the officer, I fired my handgun. When I felt that it was safe to do so, I tried my best to aid the injured officer.”
Astorga described to the outlet the burden of being at the center of such a tragedy. “I truly wish that the events that happened that day never occurred. If I could go back in time and prevent any of this from happening, I would in a heartbeat.”
Despite the obvious ensuing trauma, Astorga likely saved his own life, his girlfriend’s and quite possibly others. He is nothing less than a hero, and the outcome once again powerfully demonstrated the impact that a good guy with a gun can have on a violent situation.
The Las Cruces community came together to support the family of the fallen officer. A wife and mother is left a widow and two sons no longer have their father.
The Las Cruces Police Officers Association, the union representing local law enforcement, established a GoFundMe page for donations to assist the grieving family.
The “Need Money for Pew Pew” shirt serves not just as a piece of apparel but as a bold statement of our commitment to the Second Amendment and the culture of shooting sports. This shirt embodies the principles of responsibility, safety, and freedom that define us. Wearing it is a powerful way to contribute to the cause, engage in conversations, and stand firm in our beliefs.
In a world where visibility and voice are crucial, let the “Need Money for Pew Pew” shirt be your banner.
Show your support, make a statement, and help keep our culture thriving by purchasing the “Need Money for Pew Pew” shirt today. Your engagement is a testament to the strength and unity of our community.
Click below to purchase and make your stand today.
