Tragic Loss: Harris County Deputy Fernando Esqueda shot dead While Protecting Community

Harris County, TX – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the tragic loss of Deputy Fernando Esqueda, who was fatally shot while protecting our community. Deputy Esqueda, a dedicated 28-year-old officer, was a five-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and a valued member of the Violent Person Task Force.

Deputy Esqueda was known for his unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the residents of Harris County. As a member of the Violent Person Task Force, he worked tirelessly to target violent criminals, including child rapists and homicide suspects. His dedication to duty and his sacrifice will always be remembered by his colleagues and the community he served.

The incident that led to Deputy Esqueda’s tragic death occurred near Tidwell and Beltway 8 on Italian Cypress Trail. According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the sequence of events began shortly after 10 p.m. on Wednesday when deputies responded to a report of aggravated assault at a Little Caesars Pizza on Wallisville Road.

A customer, reportedly angered by an incorrect order, assaulted an employee with a pistol before fleeing the scene. The quick-thinking employee managed to identify the suspect’s vehicle, including its make, model, and license plate. This crucial information was broadcasted, prompting all available detectives to join the search for the vehicle.

A detective ran the license plate through the “FLOCK” camera system, revealing previous sightings of the suspect vehicle in a specific location. Despite an initial search coming up empty-handed, Deputy Esqueda, driven by his dedication to duty, returned to the area based on intuition. Tragically, it was here that he was ambushed while reporting the recovered vehicle.

Following the ambush, other detectives arrived to find Deputy Esqueda’s undercover vehicle riddled with bullets. Despite being transported to the hospital, Deputy Esqueda succumbed to his injuries. Sheriff Gonzalez expressed his deepest condolences: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the fallen deputy during this incredibly difficult time. An intense investigation is underway to find and arrest his killer. We won’t stop until justice is served!”

SWAT teams have been deployed to two locations as part of the investigation. Authorities believe they have identified the suspect and are confident in apprehending them soon. The investigation remains active, with law enforcement determined to bring justice for Deputy Esqueda and his family.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office asks the community to keep Deputy Esqueda’s family, friends, and colleagues in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. His commitment to duty and ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten, and the community stands united in seeking justice for this tragic loss.