San Benito, Texas, Police Officer Fatally Shot While Pursuing Fleeing Suspects
A tragic incident unfolded in San Benito, Texas, as a police officer lost his life during a high-speed pursuit involving two men, one of whom was found to be in the United States without proper documentation. The officer, Lt. Milton Resendez, suffered a fatal gunshot wound while chasing the suspects who had sped away from a routine traffic stop. This event led to a multi-city chase along the southern border of the state before the suspects were apprehended several hours later.
San Benito Police Department Chief Mario Perea disclosed that Lt. Milton Resendez was struck in the abdomen by a bullet that pierced the door of his patrol car, tragically hitting below his protective body armor. Despite efforts, Resendez was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Resendez, a dedicated police officer with 30 years of service, was well-regarded by his colleagues. Chief Perea spoke about Resendez, saying, "He cared about everyone. He got along with everyone."
The suspects responsible for this incident, 18-year-old Rogelio Martinez Jr. from Brownsville and 23-year-old Rodrigo Axel Espinosa Valdez from Mexico, are now facing multiple charges, including capital murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and evading arrest.
The pursuit began at approximately 4:30 p.m. when law enforcement officers stopped a speeding truck on the beach in South Padre Island. The truck carried two men, two women, and two small children. As an officer questioned the driver, a passenger started the vehicle and sped away, with the driver jumping into the bed.
During the chase, the women and children exited the vehicle and were detained for questioning. Martinez and Valdez remained in the truck, leading police into Brownsville, where gunfire was exchanged between the two men and officers. The suspects evaded the police and abandoned the truck, which was later found disabled.
Six hours after the initial traffic stop, law enforcement spotted the two men in an SUV in Brownsville, sparking another pursuit that extended to San Benito, where the tragic incident occurred. The pursuit returned to Brownsville, where the suspects were ultimately arrested after attempting to flee from the disabled SUV.
The exact details of the shooting incident, including which suspect fired the fatal shot and the number of rounds discharged, remain under investigation.
This loss has been deeply felt by the San Benito Police Department, where Lt. Resendez spent the majority of his law enforcement career. Chief Perea expressed the difficulty of the situation, emphasizing that Resendez was not just a colleague but a part of their family.
Former Rep. Mayra Nohemi Flores and Governor Greg Abbott both expressed their condolences and condemnation of the incident. The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by Texas Rangers.
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