On Sunday night, a bullet narrowly missed a child avoiding possible injury or death.
Police arrested Aiden Palomo, 18, of Taylor, after he discharged a firearm near two children who were outside playing.
According to police reports, on Sunday, March 13, at 10:20 p.m., officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 400 block of Victoria Street.
Officers talked to the homeowner, Roy Hernandez, who said his two grandchildren, 11 and 12 years old, were playing in the front yard. A black Dodge Challenger containing Palomo drove by, and Palomo fired a shot that went into the back window of a truck in the driveway of the home.
One of the children was lying in the bed of the truc where the shot was fired.
“It easily could have had a serious injury or a death as a result of this. We’re fortunate and blessed that nobody got hurt,” said Joseph Branson, police commander.
Police believe the vehicle belongs to someone who lives in the same area where the shot was fired. Surveillance video footage, which was shared with police, showed the incident as it happened. Branson said the video helped officers and detectives find the vehicle, which was later located at Palomo’s house.
Officers made contact with Palomo’s family, who later brought him to the Taylor Police Station where he confessed to the shooting.
There was no indication of drugs or alcohol. Police believe this was an isolated incident and it is not considered a threat to the community.
Police do not have a motive and are still investigating.
After consulting with the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office, Palomo was arrested and charged deadly conduct, a thirddegree felony. On Monday, March 14, the charges were upgraded to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon – enhanced, which is a second-degree felony.
If convicted, Palomo could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
Palomo posted bond for $100,000 and was released the same day.
Family stays strong through emotional recovery
Since the incident, the children have worked to continue their spring break vacation. Mónica Hernández, one of the children’s mother, said this was a scary moment, but her son and nephew have found ways to move on.
“The boys helped their grandpa pick up the debris of the shooting,” she said. “As a mother and daughter, it was quite disturbing to see my family cleaning up a crime scene.”
Hernández, who is originally from Taylor, still has feelings of anger. However she is grateful no one was hurt.
“I worry for my family being safe and staying out of harm’s way again,” she said. “As a native Taylor resident, born and raised, this doesn’t portray what our small hometown is, many of which we call home.”
At the time of the shooting, Hernández said her family was shook up that the two boys could have been injured or killed.
“As a mother though, I also have a side of me that has compassion and grace because if this were my son on the other end, I’d still love my son unconditionally, but I would also have to accept the consequences of my son’s decisions,” Hernández said.
She is thankful to the Taylor Police Department and Williamson County District Attorney’s Office for their immediate action.
Hernández said the family is seeking counseling to assist with emotional support.
“As a parent, I’m reminded to hug and love on my children a little more every day and keep them covered in prayers, especially those that work to protect our streets here in Taylor,” Hernández said. “I’m finding room in my heart to forgive and pray for the other family involved, but I’m still angry and going through my own type of personal trauma thinking of the fact that my son and nephew could have met death at such a young age – I am very grateful God was watching over them two.”
