Grand Rapids police arrest a FBI agent suspected of shooting at a Grand Rapids police sergeant in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016. The agent, Ruben Hernandez, 35, is based in Las Vegas and was in town on an undisclosed investigation.
His attorney said the allegations – “atypical,” he said – shocked Hernandez’s family and friends, including his FBI colleagues. Willey just met his client but said after hearing from those who know him best, he found that “he’s a really good guy.”
Alcohol “may have played a role in the series of events” but Willey said his client has not previously suffered from alcohol or substance abuse.
“This is an episodic thing (with alcohol) rather than a regular problem,” Willey said.
He said his client has no known mental-health issues. Willey expected to investigate that possibility as he would for any client facing such serious allegations.
For whatever reason, Hernandez felt paranoid before the shooting. He thought people were going after him.
“I’m not saying that in fact happened. That’s what he believed,” Willey said.
Hernandez cannot believe that he would fire at another lawman. None of it makes sense, Willey said.
“He’s feeling horrible. He can’t believe it happened. He’s feeling like you would think he would feel like,” the attorney said.
Hernandez flew into Grand Rapids on Monday, Dec. 5, and was to leave Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Hernandez, an eight-year FBI special agent, said little during the brief hearing before Judge Michael Distel.
A Court Services worker recommended against letting Hernandez out on a personal-recognizance bond based on the seriousness of the allegations and his lack of ties to the area.
The judge said Hernandez could be released from jail by posting 10 percent of a $70,000 bond.
“One of the court’s primary concerns here (is) obviously, community safety. I mean, these are pretty serious charges,” Distel said.
As part of his bond conditions, Hernandez cannot possess a firearm or use alcohol.