Two of the lads have been shot and wounded throughout an trade of gunfire with Almendarez and have been hospitalized and in custody, whereas a 3rd man fled the scene and was being sought.
The names of the lads haven’t been launched.
Gonzalez stated Almendarez had been purchasing together with his spouse to purchase groceries for a Friday cookout for Almendarez’s sister, whose birthday was Thursday.
“We’re drained that individuals aren’t even protected to exit to the grocery retailer. It is a cop. It is a cop that is simply out together with his household. It might be any considered one of us – and it occurred to be him,” Gonzalez instructed reporters.
Almendarez instructed his spouse, who was not injured, to run away earlier than he was shot, Gonzales stated.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott provided prayers for Almendarez’s household in a press release Friday.
“Deputy Darren Almendarez misplaced his life whereas answering the decision to serve and defend his fellow Texans, and this tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the sacrifices our regulation enforcement officers make each on and off obligation,” Abbott stated.