‘It’s terrible’: Manhunt ends in arrest after Harris County deputy’s ambush-style killing

HOUSTON – After a Blue Alert was issued to the public for a man believed to be tied to the shooting death of a Harris County deputy Wednesday night, the man was finally taken into custody.

Ronald “Ronnie” Palmer Jr., 44, was wanted by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for his involvement in 28-year-old deputy Fernando Esqueda’s death.

The arrest was confirmed by Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

• What is a Blue Alert in Texas and when/why is it issued?

In a press conference following Palmer’s arrest, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez paid his respects to Esqueda, the five-year veteran deputy whose life was tragically cut short.

“He’s an amazing young man taken far too soon, a hero. He was the true crime fighter that always was go, go, go. [He] just loved serving and protect[ing] the people,” Sheriff Gonzalez said.

What happened

It happened a little before 10:15 p.m. when deputies learned of an aggravated assault at a Little Caesars on Wallisville Rd. in northeast Harris County.

• Undercover Harris County deputy killed while searching for man who pistol-whipped Little Caesars employee

Responding officers learned the attacker, identified later as Palmer, went into the restaurant to pick up a pizza but was upset because the order was incorrect.

Palmer then reportedly shouted at workers before taking a gun out and pistol-whipping an employee and taking off.

Palmer’s car was later found on Italian Cypress Trail by deputy Esqueda, who was working undercover. Investigators say he may have had radio issues but was on the phone with another deputy before he was reportedly attacked and then shot.

By the time additional officers arrived, they noted Esqueda’s patrol car was riddled with bullet holes.

They saw that he had been critically wounded by gunfire, according to Sheriff Gonzalez. Officers said they rushed him to LBJ Hospital by a private vehicle, where he almost immediately died from his injuries.

Palmer’s vehicle was tracked to a neighborhood near the first crime scene, and neighbors recalled being on edge as the search for Palmer intensified.

“We were worried that, at any time, everybody was in danger,” neighbor Tomas Macedo tells KPRC 2.

It’s currently not clear what Palmer’s connection is to the home where he was arrested, but Sheriff Gonzalez said it may belong to an acquaintance. He is only believed to have been at the home for about two hours before being arrested and was likely moving around before that, Gonzalez said.

As deputies surrounded the home and prepared to move in to make an arrest, Gonzalez said Palmer called investigators and said he was ready to come out. He was then seen on his knees with his hands up surrounded by tactical officers before being taken into custody.

The Houston Police Department also offered a heartfelt message to its fellow law enforcement officials in mourning.

“Our hearts go out to the deputy’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” HPD said. “The Houston Police Department stands with the HCSO family, honoring the deputy’s bravery and sacrifice.”

Tonight, Palmer has been charged with aggravated assault related to the attack at Little Caesars. He was later charged with capital murder as well.

Investigators are still looking into whether anyone may have helped Palmer hide from authorities.

Records revealed that Palmer has faced misdemeanor charges in the past, but he hasn’t been arrested in Texas in nearly 20 years, with his last arrest dating back to 2005.

Now that Palmer is in police custody, the neighborhood is breathing a collective sigh of relief.

“We feel a little safer now,” Macedo said.