Trending Topics

Manhunt underway after Texas deputy killed in ambush shooting

Deputy Fernando Esqueda with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office was shot and killed while searching for a suspect who assaulted a restaurant employee over a wrong order

Manhunt underway after sheriff's deputy killed in ambush, sheriff says

“He was dedicated to protecting and serving the residents of Harris County,” Sheriff Gonzalez said. “We pray with Deputy Esqueda’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Deputy Esqueda’s commitment to duty and his sacrifice will always be remembered.”

Ed Gonzalez via X

Update: A suspect has been arrested. Read more here.

By Joanna Putman
Police1

HOUSTON — A person of interest has been named and a manhunt is underway after a Harris County deputy was killed in an ambush, KHOU reported.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez identified the deputy as Deputy Fernando Esqueda. He was 28 years old and a five-year veteran of the sheriff’s office. He was also a member of HCSO’s Violent Person Task Force.

“He was dedicated to protecting and serving the residents of Harris County,” Gonzalez said. “We pray with Deputy Esqueda’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Deputy Esqueda’s commitment to duty and his sacrifice will always be remembered.”

The July 10 incident unfolded when deputies received a call about an aggravated assault at a restaurant, according to the report. A customer, who was upset over an incorrect order, had attacked and pistol-whipped an employee before fleeing.

Deputies issued a call to locate the suspect vehicle. A detective used the Flock camera system, which showed a history of hits for the vehicle in a specific location, according to the report. Deputies went to that location but did not initially find the car.

Esqueda later returned to the location. He reported finding the suspect’s vehicle but not the attacker, according to the report. It was at this point that Esqueda was ambushed.

Other detectives arrived and found that Esqueda had been shot multiple times, according to the report. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Deputies currently have two locations under surveillance with SWAT teams. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez stated they have a strong lead on the gunman’s identity, according to the report.

“Our thoughts are with his family as they come to terms with this horrible news,” Gonzalez posted. “An active investigation is underway to identify and apprehend his killer. We will not rest until we do!”

Gonzalez stated that Ronnie Plamer is wanted for aggravated assault and is also a person of interest in the death of the deputy, according to the report.

Trending
The man can be seen putting his hands up in mock surrender as a Berrien County deputy pointed a TASER at him; then he reached into his waistband, pulled out a handgun and fired
The 11 suspects arrested in the incident are accused of vandalizing vehicles and shooting off fireworks to lure ICE agents out of the center
NYPD
An NYPD trial judge ruled the officer should be fired in the 2019 shooting of a man fleeing a traffic stop; Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the officer feared for his colleague’s life
NYPD
The city will now hold monthly police exams, waive application fees for a limited time and allow candidates as young as 20.5 to apply