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Officials mourn Harris County deputy killed in ambush and call for leads; mayor criticizes bond system
Summary
City and police leaders mourned Harris County Deputy Fernando Escada, described an ongoing manhunt and urged the public to provide tips; Mayor Whitmire criticized judges for allowing dangerous defendants on bond and suggested reconsidering pretrial-release rules.
Mayor Whitmire opened the briefing with a moment of silence for Harris County Deputy Fernando Escada, whom he said "was ambushed" and "was protecting us when he gave his life." He asked the public to pray for the deputy's family and to assist law enforcement with information that could help find the suspect.
The police chief described the reported sequence leading to the deputy's death: deputies responded after a reported assault at a restaurant, located the vehicle connected with the incident, and were ambushed while the deputy was observing the car. "It appears from the information that we have in hand right now...our deputy was just ambushed in his car," the chief said. Officials urged anyone with tips to contact Harris County or HPD, and they said they would post images of suspects once available.
Mayor Whitmire also criticized pretrial-release decisions, saying it is "unheard of in my career" that someone charged with capital murder would be out on bond and suggesting that judges must do their job to protect the public. He proposed considering a constitutional amendment to limit bond for certain violent offenders, saying some defendants should not be released pending trial.
Officials said Harris County law enforcement would be the primary source of updates on the investigation and asked members of the public and the press to help by providing information.
