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

HOUSTON – The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the tragic, untimely loss of one of their own after an undercover deputy was killed Wednesday night.

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 Co.

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Responding officers learned the attacker, identified later as Ronnie Palmer, 44, went into the restaurant to pick up a pizza but was upset because the order was incorrect.

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

HCSO detectives say they do have surveillance video of the incident.

Palmer’s car was later found on Italian Cypress Trail, by 28-year-old deputy Fernando 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 Ed Gonzalez. Officers said they rushed him to LBJ Hospital by a private vehicle, where he almost immediately died from his injuries.

Esqueda was said to be a 5-year veteran with HCSO and was part of its Violent Person’s Task Force.

As for the Esqueda’s killer, SWAT teams have been set up at two locations as they do believe they know who the gunman is. He has only been described as a Black man wearing a hat with a black jersey with unknown writing on it. Palmer has only been named as a person of interest.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez offered condolences to the deputy’s family members adding how committed they are to bringing them justice.

“Our thoughts are with his family as they come to terms with this horrible news,” he said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “An active investigation is underway to identify and apprehend his killer. We will not rest until we do!”

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.”

KPRC 2 will continue to make updates to this developing story as additional information becomes available.