NEW HOPE, Ala. — A manhunt ended Sunday for a suspect Lawrence County investigators say was connected to a home invasion and fatal shooting that took place early Saturday.
Investigators say Jordan Cesar Hernandez of Decatur was wanted on charges of murder, robbery, and kidnapping, and was arrested Sunday afternoon following a nearly 24-hour search.
The home invasion happened in the 1500 block of County Road 245. According to deputies, Hernandez and a woman identified later as Auburn Renee Moore entered the home.
A man inside the home, identified as Dustin Grimes, was fatally shot while reportedly trying to protect his wife. Hernandez and Moore then reportedly continued to take items from the home, taking Grimes' wife with them as they left the property.
The wife managed to escape her captors while they were trying to force her to withdraw money from an ATM in the East Lawrence area, according to the sheriff's office. She ran to a nearby convenience store to call authorities.
Moore was tracked down and arrested Saturday night in Decatur.
Decatur Police Department’s Patrol Division says they attempted a vehicle stop near 6th and E Moulton that was being driven by Hernandez. After failing to stop, officers began their pursuit. Hernandez fired multiple shots out the window of the car towards officers. DPD says he eventually crashed his vehicle and fled on foot into the woods east of Calvary Assembly on Hwy 20. Hernandez was found and is now charged with attempted murder and is now into the Limestone County Jail where he was held without bond per Aniah’s Law.
The sheriff's office says the identity of a third person that was involved is being withheld at this time for investigative purposes.
"Sheriff Sanders would like to acknowledge Ms Grimes’ quick thinking and decisive action that led to her escape," the department wrote in a social media post. "Sanders also expresses sincere thanks to the Moulton Police Department and the ALEA State Bureau of Investigation for their assistance regarding the investigation. Additionally, He thanks the Decatur Police Department and the Morgan County Sheriff's Office SWAT team who assisted Lawrence County Investigators and the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office SWAT in apprehending Moore.