Premont Man Sought After New Year's Eve Gunfire Incident

Premont Police say they are searching for 28-year-old Damian Rodriguez after an incident of gunfire and a reported terroristic threat on New Year's Eve. Officers responded to a notification about a threat around 9 p.m. on December 31, 2025, and during the search for Rodriguez police say he fired a gun and narrowly missed Premont officers.

According to law enforcement, additional agencies were called in for backup as the situation unfolded. Investigators say more rounds were later fired toward Texas state troopers who were assisting on the scene. No injuries were reported, and authorities say charges are pending as the investigation continues. Rodriguez is still at large.

The Premont Police Department identified Rodriguez in a social media post and has asked the public not to approach him. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 361-668-0341. Law enforcement emphasizes that Rodriguez should be considered armed and dangerous.

The incident prompted a multi-agency response late on a night when many residents were celebrating the holiday. For Jim Wells County residents, the immediate implications are safety and vigilance: authorities are actively investigating, and officials are requesting the community’s assistance in locating the suspect. Law enforcement activity and inquiries may continue in and around Premont while officers follow leads and process the scene.

Beyond the local search, the case underscores coordination among municipal police and state troopers in response to threats that cross jurisdictional lines. That coordination is intended to protect residents and preserve evidence while officers work to identify and charge those responsible. As of January 1, 2026, officials have not announced specific charges, citing the ongoing status of the investigation.

Residents who see an individual matching Rodriguez’s description or observe suspicious activity should call the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 361-668-0341 rather than attempting to intervene. Authorities will provide updates as the investigation develops and as charges are formally filed.