Harris County deputy shot, killed while responding to assault call

HOUSTON – A Harris County Sheriff's deputy was fatally shot while responding to an assault on Wednesday.

HCSO says they are searching for Ronnie Palmer in connection to the assault and shooting.

The shooting happened around 10 p.m. Wednesday at a Little Caesars restaurant in northeast Harris County. Palmer was reportedly mad about his order and began beating up an employee.

The employee was able to identify Palmer's vehicle, giving the information to law enforcement. The responding deputy, 28-year-old Fernando Esqueda, found the vehicle but not Palmer. While looking up the vehicle's information, Esqueda was shot multiple times and died.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says the department will not rest until the gunman is in their custody.

HCSO is trying to locate Palmer and is asking anyone with information to contact them at 713-221-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

Esqueda was with HSCO for five years and was part of an elite task force that hunts down child rapists, homicide suspects and other violent offenders. He was undercover at the time of the attack.

Palmer is wanted for aggravated assault and capital murder.