Texas man charged in deputy’s ambush shooting death: Officials

(NewsNation) — A man was charged Thursday in the ambush killing of a Houston-area sheriff’s deputy who was shot to death after an incident over an incorrect pizza order.

Authorities arrested 44-year-old Ronald “Ronnie” Palmer Jr. and charged him with capital murder in connection to the death of Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Fernando Esqueda.

Tips from across the Houston area led officials to a home where they found Palmer, police said. Authorities are investigating whose property Palmer was found on and whether anyone else might be involved.

Deputy ‘apparently was ambushed’

On Wednesday, deputies responded to a call of an aggravated assault around 10 p.m. at a Little Caesars pizza shop. The suspect allegedly verbally assaulted an employee before pistol-whipping them with a gun and leaving, authorities said. The employee called the police and provided details about the getaway car.

A member of the Violent Person Task Force was tracking Palmer’s vehicle after it had been flagged through a public safety system. Esqueda eventually spotted the vehicle and informed another detective over the phone, authorities said.

While on the phone, “our deputy apparently was ambushed” and shot multiple times, said Harris County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Lee.

Backup units found Esqueda with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Esqueda, a five-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, was a member of the Violent Person Task Force.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez shared that one of Esqueda’s closest friends believes “Fernando would be so proud right now,” referring to the swift capture of the suspect.

Palmer also faces an aggravated assault charge in connection to the incident at the pizza shop.