The Harris County Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement regarding the shooting death of Deputy Fernando Esqueda, the aggravated assault call preceding the shooting and the search for suspect Ronnie Palmer:
Houston, TX – On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 10:10 p.m., Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a Little Caesars restaurant located at 15634 Wallisville Road, in east Harris County, about an aggravated assault.
The suspect, identified as Ronald “Ronnie” Palmer, 44, became upset because his food order was incorrect. Palmer then began verbally and physically assaulting the employee, produced a firearm, and fled the location. The employee provided HCSO deputies with information regarding Palmer’s getaway vehicle.
The preliminary information is that Deputy Fernando Esqueda located the suspect vehicle and was able to notify his fellow deputies. Tragically, Deputy Esqueda was ambushed by gunfire upon finding the vehicle. HCSO Deputies were able to come to the aid of Deputy Esqueda and extract him from his vehicle, due to the severity of his injuries, HCSO deputies transported him to a nearby hospital in a patrol vehicle. Unfortunately, Deputy Esqueda succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital.
Deputy Fernando Esqueda, 28, was a five-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and served our community in the HCSO Violent Person Task Force.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating suspect Ronald “Ronnie” Palmer. Palmer is wanted for the aggravated assault that occurred on July 10, 2024, at 15634 Wallisville Road in east Harris County. He is also a person of interest in the capital murder of Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Fernando Esqueda.
Anyone with information on Ronald “Ronnie” Palmer’s whereabouts is urged to call the HCSO non-emergency line at 713-221-6000 or remain anonymous and contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 in a cash reward. Aiding and assisting Palmer can result in serious legal consequences.
