Darren Alméndarez was just trying to buy some food for his sister's birthday party. But as he and his wife were leaving the store, he saw men underneath trying to remove his car's catalytic converter. Moments later, shots were fired.
Deputy Darren Almendarez was killed Thursday, March 31, 2022 confronting three people who police say were trying to steal his vehicle's catalytic converter. He is survived by his wife and daughter.Darren Alméndarez was just trying to buy some food for his sister’s birthday party.
Moments later, the men began firing. One bullet struck Alméndarez in the torso, police said. Despite the injury, the 51-year-old auto theft investigator shot back, striking two of the men, before collapsing. “He was really a hero,” Gonzalez said, “because as all of this unfolded, he had the mindset to make sure he was protecting his wife, he told her to run and get way from danger as he put himself in harm’s way to protect the rest of the community.”
Homicide investigators are still searching for the third suspect, who is described only as being 17 to 19. “Deputy Darren Almendarez lost his life while answering the call to serve and protect his fellow Texans,” his statement said. “The State of Texas is ready to provide all resources necessary to bring justice to the family and loved ones of Deputy Almendarez.”