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.
We mourn the loss of @HCSOTexas Deputy Fernando Esqueda, who tragically passed away after being shot while protecting our community.
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) July 11, 2024
Deputy Esqueda was a five-year Harris County Sheriff’s Office veteran and served our community in the HCSO
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“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.
Urgent! Help us locate Ronnie Palmer (10-17-79). Palmer is wanted for an Aggravated Assault that occurred on July 10, 2024, at 15634 Wallisville in East Harris County. He is also a person of interest in the Capital Murder of a Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy. If you
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) July 11, 2024
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