Premont Man Arrested After Multi-Agency Manhunt Following Threats, Officer Assaults
Premont Police Department
PREMONT, TEXAS (News Release) - A Premont man wanted on multiple violent felony charges was taken into custody Tuesday morning following an extensive, multi-agency law enforcement operation stemming from threats against police and multiple shootings targeting officers.
22 year-old Damian Rodriguez. Photo courtesy of Premont Police Department.
Damian Rodriguez, 22, was arrested around 11:40 am on Jan. 2, 2025, after authorities located him at a residence in Premont. Rodriguez was wanted on several outstanding warrants, including multiple counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault on a peace officer, and terroristic threat.
According to the Premont Police Department, the investigation began around 8 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, when officers were notified of a threat made by Rodriguez against the life of a municipal police officer. The threat resulted in a terroristic threat charge involving a peace officer, a state jail felony. Rodriguez was also wanted for questioning in connection with a deadly conduct case, a third-degree felony, that had occurred the previous day.
As officers attempted to locate Rodriguez, investigators determined that he fired a round that narrowly missed Premont police officers, leading to a first-degree felony charge of aggravated assault on a public servant. A call for assistance was immediately issued, prompting a response from multiple law enforcement agencies.
During the search, several Texas Department of Public Safety troopers also had multiple rounds fired in their direction at close range. No injuries were reported.
On Tuesday morning, a coordinated task force organized by the Premont Police Department moved in to arrest Rodriguez after intelligence and surveillance confirmed he was inside the residence. The operation included the Texas Department of Public Safety Special Operations Group, Texas Rangers, Crisis Negotiation Unit, Highway Patrol, K-9 units, aircraft and drone support, the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Violent Offender Fugitive Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Border Patrol, and several local law enforcement agencies.
DPS Special Operations Group officers made initial tactical contact and successfully secured Rodriguez. Authorities said a loaded AR-15 rifle was recovered at the scene.
Rodriguez was taken into custody without incident or injury and transported to the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office, where he was booked.
Premont police officials emphasized that despite the department’s size, they remain committed to protecting the community and working alongside regional, state, and federal partners to address violent crime.
