The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office has fired a deputy following an officer-involved shooting earlier in February.

On Feb. 8, 40-year-old Deputy Luis Hernandez responded to a call in reference to a suspicious vehicle parked in a cul-de-sac on Mercedes Drive with no headlights on around 10:45 pm. According to the Sheriff's Office, while Hernandez approached the car, he observed three people inside. Hernandez asked the occupants to show him their hands, and they complied, putting their hands out the windows. Hernandez, according to the Sheriff's Office, directed a front seat passenger to exit the car, and he did. The vehicle immediately fled the scene, and Hernandez fired seven shots at the moving vehicle. No one has reported any injuries.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Professional Standards, investigated Hernandez’s response to the call. Following that internal personnel investigation, Hernandez’s employment was terminated on Feb. 11. Another investigation has begun into whether the former deputy engaged in criminal conduct in firing his weapon as a part of his response to the incident. That investigation is ongoing.

Hernandez was hired by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office on March 18, 2019.