HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A manhunt is underway for the person who shot and killed a 28-year-old deputy overnight in northeast Harris County, officials said.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez identified him as Deputy Fernando Esqueda — a five-year veteran with the department in the Violent Person Task Force.
“He was dedicated to protecting and serving the residents of Harris County,” Gonzalez wrote in a post on social media. “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.”
According to Chief Deputy Mike Lee, deputies heard a call at about 10:10 p.m. Wednesday regarding an aggravated assault at a Little Caesars Pizza on Wallisville Road.
A suspect came in to pick up a pizza, but became upset because the order was incorrect.
That’s when he verbally assaulted the clerk, pulled out a gun, and pistol-whipped the employee before taking off, Lee said.
The employee described the suspect’s vehicle to detectives, including the license plate.
The plate was tracked to the 13200 block of Italian Cypress Trail, near Tidwell Road and Highway 90, after deputies entered the number into the county’s Flock camera system.
Officials said Esqueda, who was one of the many detectives working overtime to keep everyone safe after Hurricane Beryl, responded and notified his team members over the phone that he spotted what he thought was the vehicle.
“During that phone conversation, our deputy apparently was ambushed,” Lee said. “The other detectives in the area went to his location, and at that time, saw his undercover vehicle with multiple gun strikes in it.”
Esqueda was shot multiple times, Lee said.
Lee added that rather than wait for EMS, due to the severity of his injuries, Esqueda was placed in a patrol vehicle and rushed to the hospital, where he died.
Authorities said they believe they have a good idea of who the suspect is, but haven’t released a name.
“We have no doubt that suspect will be in custody in no time,” Lee said.
At last check, SWAT teams were set up in two locations.
The Violent Person Task Force is a group that hunts down child rapists, homicide suspects, and “some of the most egregious criminals out there,” Lee told ABC13.
“He was good at his job, very well thought of,” Lee said of Esqueda.
“Our thoughts are with his family as they come to terms with this horrible news. An active investigation is underway to identify and apprehend his killer. We will not rest until we do!” Gonzalez said in a post on X.
Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 713-221-6000 or Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).
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