Phoenix, December 20, 2025
Eberto Hernandez has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for shooting at police officers who responded to a report of gunfire at his home. He fired over 20 rounds, endangering both the police and his family, while being a prohibited possessor of firearms. In addition to the 20-year sentence, he received another 2.5 years for violating probation. The case highlights the serious consequences of firearm misuse, especially involving law enforcement.
PHOENIX – Man Sentenced to Two Decades in Prison for Shooting at Police
A Phoenix man, Eberto Hernandez, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for multiple felony offenses, including aggravated assault on a police officer. The sentencing, announced by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office on Friday, December 19, 2025, follows an incident in May 2023 where Hernandez, identified as a prohibited possessor, fired a handgun multiple times while police officers were responding to a shots-fired call at his home. He also received an additional 2.5 years in prison for violating his probation, which will run consecutively to the 20-year sentence.
Details of the Incident and Conviction
The events leading to Hernandez’s conviction began in May 2023 when Phoenix Police officers responded to reports of shots fired near Hernandez’s residence. Upon their arrival, officers found Hernandez, aged 40, armed with a handgun and lying on a couch just inside his front door. He was legally considered a prohibited possessor, meaning he was barred from owning or possessing firearms due to prior legal restrictions.
As officers rang the doorbell, Hernandez’s mother answered. Hernandez then fired several shots into the couch before moving further into the house and discharging more rounds. His mother was eventually able to disarm him after he had fired over 20 rounds inside the residence. Officers positioned outside the home were also targeted during the incident. Hernandez later surrendered to authorities.
A jury subsequently convicted Hernandez on several charges, which included: two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, classified as Class Two Dangerous Felonies; one count of aggravated assault, a Class Three Dangerous Domestic Violence Felony; one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm, a Class Six Dangerous Felony; and three counts of disorderly conduct, also Class Six Dangerous Felonies.
Statements from Authorities
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating that Hernandez transformed a routine call for help into a life-threatening situation for both his family and the responding police officers. Mitchell noted that the sentence serves as a clear message: individuals who endanger others with a firearm, particularly those who are legally prohibited from possessing one, will face full accountability.
Understanding “Prohibited Possessor” in Arizona
In Arizona, a prohibited possessor is an individual legally forbidden from owning, purchasing, or possessing firearms. This status can arise from various factors, including felony convictions where firearm rights have not been restored, certain domestic violence convictions, mental health-related restrictions, or being an undocumented or nonimmigrant alien without specific exceptions. Individuals currently serving time, on probation, or under community supervision for a felony or domestic violence offense are also prohibited from possessing firearms. Violating this restriction is itself a felony offense under Arizona law.
The severity of the charges against Hernandez reflects Arizona’s strong stance against firearm misuse, especially when it involves law enforcement. The offense of unlawfully discharging a firearm within a municipality is also specifically addressed by Shannon’s Law, an Arizona Revised Statute that makes such actions a felony.
The outcome of this case highlights the risks faced by law enforcement officers and the legal consequences for individuals who use firearms illegally, particularly against those tasked with public safety. This sentence ensures Hernandez will spend a significant period in a State-level correctional facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Eberto Hernandez sentenced for?
Eberto Hernandez was sentenced for multiple felony offenses, including two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, one count of aggravated assault, one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm, and three counts of disorderly conduct. He also received an additional 2.5 years for violating his probation.
How long is Eberto Hernandez’s prison sentence?
Eberto Hernandez was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with an additional 2.5 years for violating his probation, to run consecutively.
When did the sentencing take place?
The sentencing took place on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at Eberto Hernandez’s home in Phoenix, Arizona.
What does “prohibited possessor” mean in Arizona?
In Arizona, a prohibited possessor is an individual legally forbidden from owning, purchasing, or possessing firearms due to reasons such as felony convictions, certain domestic violence convictions, mental health restrictions, or being an undocumented or nonimmigrant alien.
Key Features of the Eberto Hernandez Sentencing
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Defendant | Eberto Hernandez | Local |
| Total Sentence | 20 years in prison, plus 2.5 years for probation violation (consecutive) | State-level |
| Primary Offenses | Aggravated assault on a police officer, aggravated assault, unlawful discharge of a firearm, disorderly conduct | State-level |
| Location of Incident | Phoenix, Arizona | Local |
| Legal Status | Prohibited possessor | State-level |
| Sentencing Authority | Maricopa County Attorney’s Office | Local |
| Incident Date | May 2023 | Local |
| Sentencing Date | Friday, December 19, 2025 | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
