Las Vegas Sun

April 26, 2024

FBI agent accused of firing at officer enters plea deal

Updated Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 | 11:38 a.m.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — An FBI agent who was arrested in western Michigan for shooting at a police officer outside a fitness club could avoid jail under a plea agreement.

Thirty-five-year-old Ruben Hernandez pleaded no contest Friday to felonious assault. A no-contest plea isn't an admission of guilt, but is treated as such for sentencing. Under the plea deal, prosecutors will recommend that Hernandez avoid jail.

No one was injured in the December shooting outside the Planet Fitness in Grand Rapids, and Hernandez was quickly arrested. Police fired no shots. Authorities say the Las Vegas-based agent was in Michigan for an investigation.

Defense attorney Larry Willey says Hernandez doesn't remember what happened and that alcohol may have been a factor. Willey says Hernandez was fired by the FBI in January. Sentencing is April 13.