Authorities have arrested a third suspect in the fatal shooting of an off-duty Texas officer.
According to KHOU11, 17-year-old Fredrick Tardy was taken into custody Friday on a capital murder charge. Police say the shooting took place Thursday night just outside of Houston, as Darren Almendarez—a deputy with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office—was shopping for groceries with his wife. As the couple was leaving the store, Almendarez reportedly saw multiple people underneath his truck and told his wife to find safety. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the three men were attempting to steal the catalytic converter from the deputy’s vehicle.
Moments after Almendarez approached the suspects, a shootout ensued. Authorities say two of the suspects were wounded, but managed to flee the scene in another car. Almendarez was also shot during the incident and was transported to Houston Northwest Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Almendarez had been with the sheriff’s office for 23 years and worked in the auto theft division.
The two wounded suspects—identified as 23-year-old Joshua Stewart and 19-year-old Fredarius Clark—were arrested hours later at the hospital on capital murder charges.
“Deputy Darren Almendarez lost his life while answering the call to serve and protect his fellow Texans,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. “This tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of our law enforcement officers’ sacrifices both on and off duty. The State of Texas is ready to provide all resources necessary to bring justice to the family and loved ones of Deputy Almendarez. I ask that Texans join Cecilia and me in prayer for Deputy Almendarez’s family and the continued safety of all of our law enforcement officers across the Lone Star State.”
