Manuel Josse Hernandez
Van Alstyne, Texas – At about 8 a.m. on Sunday (January 5, 2025), Van Alstyne Police Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a carjacking in the area of the 400 block of North State Highway 5 (Waco Street). The victim reported that an unknown man approached him and took his vehicle while he was standing by the vehicle.
The suspect, dressed entirely in black including a black face covering, threatened the victim with a firearm. The suspect demanded the victim’s vehicle keys and all of his money, telling the victim that he was “not playing.”
Fearing for his safety, the victim complied.
Officers responded quickly, arriving within minutes of the call, but were unable to locate the vehicle. However, investigators were able to obtain video surveillance footage showing the suspect moments before the incident occurred. Additionally, the vehicle’s information was entered into the Van Alstyne PD’s License Plate Recognition System. As officers continued to follow leads, the License Plate Recognition System provided a hit confirmation at about 12:30 p.m., noting that the stolen vehicle was traveling in Anna, headed toward Van Alstyne. Officers then tracked the vehicle as it continued south on US 75. Police initiated a traffic stop, but the suspect attempted to evade police, leading to a high-speed pursuit.
The chase took officers through the cities of Anna, Melissa, McKinney, Fairview, and Allen. The pursuit reached its peak when the suspect vehicle exited at Ridgeview Drive in Allen, made a U-turn, and returned northbound on US 75. The suspect exited the highway in McKinney and drove through a construction barrier, entering a nearby residential area. Upon abandoning the vehicle, the suspect fled on foot. A K9 unit from the McKinney PD was called in to assist with the search. They located the suspect, later identified as Manuel Jose Hernandez, and took him into custody without further incident. Hernandez was booked into the Grayson County Jail and charged with Aggravated Robbery, Evading Arrest with a Vehicle, and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.
Hayslip said there was some damage to the stolen car’s front end, made when the suspect broke through the construction barrier in McKinney.
Hernandez remained incarcerated Monday in lieu of $155,000 total bail on the three charges. Jail records show Hernandez to be from Van Alstyne.
Law enforcement officers from Anna, Melissa, McKinney, and Fairview police departments; Collin County Sheriff’s Office; and Texas Game Warden assisted Van Alstyne police. “Their collaborative efforts were instrumental in ensuring the peaceful resolution of this dangerous situation,” Hayslip said.
“This incident remains under investigation,” Hayslip said. “The Van Alstyne Police Department urges anyone with additional information to contact the Department.” That phone number is 903-482-5252, or one could E-Mail Hayslip at shayslip@vanalstynepolice.com