Valley Springs, CA…UPDATE #5 1-15-2025 11:05 AM. In the early morning hours, additional SWAT Teams arrived to relieve the teams who had been on the scene during the night. The three primary objectives of the incident remain valid: contain the suspect, communicate with the suspect, and arrest the suspect without incident. With increased light from the morning, the UAV teams were able to provide enhanced images of the suspect and his immediate area. Deputies delivered a cell phone to the suspect via a UAV. We are in the process of communicating with him for a peaceful surrender. So far, the suspect is not cooperating with separating himself from the firearm.

UPDATE #4 1-15-2025 6:05 AM
In the late afternoon of January 14th, 2025, suspect Hernandez’s location was verified to be in the Calaveras River Canyon, South of Buena Vista Court. During the night, deputies employed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with night vision technology to continue to attempt communication with him, monitor his position, and confirm that he was still in possession of a high-powered rifle. Given the challenging terrain and limited visibility, it was decided to focus on ongoing efforts to communicate with the suspect and encourage him to surrender peacefully.
We understand this is a stressful situation for residents, particularly those near the incident. Please be assured that we are fully committed to safeguarding the community and will maintain a presence at the scene until the operation is concluded.
UPDATE #3 1-14-25 5:30 PM

Deputies and allied agencies have worked most of the day to establish a perimeter to contain and apprehend the suspect. Law enforcement is confident that the suspect is within their perimeter in a heavily wooded and steep area. With the support of mutual aid resources from neighboring agencies, law enforcement activity will continue throughout the night or until the operation is concluded.

UPDATE #2
The search efforts continue for the armed suspect near Buena Vista Court, Jenny Lind. Deputies continue to check the areas near the last known location and follow up on leads regarding possible sightings.
Deputies are searching for suspect Octavio Hernandez, a 32-year-old resident of Valley Springs. Suspect Hernandez (see photo) is reported to have stolen a vehicle in San Joaquin County and subsequently led law enforcement to Calaveras, where he fled from the vehicle on foot near Buena Vista Court. Preliminary information indicates that he is also wanted for the theft of a firearm and for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The investigation is ongoing.

It is important to remember that all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty.

UPDATE #1
A person matching the suspect’s description has been spotted near Harding Road, Jenny Lind. Residents in the vicinity are advised to secure their doors and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Deputies are in the area checking.
Armed Suspect in the Jenny Lind Area
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is actively searching for a suspect believed to be armed with a firearm in the 400 Block of Buena Vista Court, Jenny Lind. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 240 pounds, wearing an orange jacket and camouflage pants. Residents in the vicinity are advised to secure their doors and promptly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.