CHESHIRE, Conn. — Dennis Hernandez, the brother of the late Aaron Hernandez, is facing criminal charges in two separate Connecticut towns for recent incidents.
"DJ" Hernandez, 36, of Riverview, Fla., was arrested on the same day in both Cheshire on reckless driving and pursuit charges and Bristol for allegedly throwing a brick at ESPN.
Hernandez, who played quarterback and wide receiver at UConn in the mid-2000s, went to ESPN in a car, possibly an Uber, and threw a bag containing a brick and a note onto the property, police said. He then left.
The note said: "To all media outlets, It’s about time you all realeyes the affect media has on all family members. Since you’re a world wide leader maybe you could lead how media and messages are delivered brick by brick. Clean it up! Yours truly, Dennis J. Hernandez,” according to police.
Hernandez did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment. No lawyers for him are listed in court records. Hernandez grew up in Bristol and recently had lived in Riverview, Florida.
His younger brother, Aaron Hernandez, a tight end for the Patriots, killed himself in 2017 in a prison cell while serving a murder sentence.
Earlier Thursday, Bristol police said they received an anonymous complaint from someone who said they were concerned about Dennis Hernandez because he said he wanted to destroy property at the state Capitol and at ESPN.
An ESPN spokesperson said the company was cooperating with police and declined further comment.
Also Thursday, Cheshire police charged Hernandez with reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit and other motor vehicle charges in connection with events on March 8, court records show.
Police said Hernandez eluded Southington and Cheshire police during chases but was later caught in Bristol. Bristol police said Hernandez was having a mental health problem and was taken to a hospital for an evaluation.
Police said Hernandez told them he had been driving around Connecticut that day trying to get arrested “because he no longer wanted to stay at his mom's house.”
Police identified the owner of the car as Hernandez, got in contact with Hernandez's mom, who explained that he was driving a silver Hyundai and that he tried to charge $7,000 to her credit card. She also told police that he had been acting strangely and may need to be mentally evaluated at a hospital.
Police said they found the Hyundai and Hernandez at around 3:30 p.m. and apprehended him after a quick foot chase.
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.