Here’s what we know about the suspects involved in the fatal shooting of veteran HCSO deputy

HOUSTON – Three men have been charged with capital murder for the shooting death of veteran Harris County Deputy Darren Almendarez, which occurred Thursday night.

Almendarez, who was off duty, was out grocery shopping with his wife at the Joe V’s grocery store located at 2929 FM 1960 in North Harris County when he saw three suspects trying to steal his catalytic converter, officials said.

As the deputy approached the suspect’s vehicle, the suspect began firing at Almendarez, striking him. Despite being struck multiple times, the deputy fired back, shooting at least two of the suspects.

Almendarez was taken to Houston Northwest Hospital, where he died.

READ: ‘He was a warrior’: What we know about Deputy Darren Almendarez, veteran fatally shot by catalytic converter thieves

Two of the suspects, identified as Joshua Stewart, 23, and Fredarius Clark, 19, reportedly drove themselves to the hospital Almendarez was in and they were being treated for gunshot wounds. They are currently under HCSO custody.

The third suspect, Fredrick James Tardy, 17, was taken into custody by HCSO on Saturday afternoon.

All three suspects were charged with capital murder.

According to records, in 2019, Stewart was charged with unlawful carry of a weapon but the case was dismissed. He was also charged with criminal trespassing.