Texas Police Officer Shot, Killed Following Hourslong Chase Along Southern Border

Lt. Milton Resendez, who was fatally shot in San Benito, Texas, on Oct. 17, 2023, in an undated photo. (San Benito Police Department via AP)

A Texas police officer was fatally shot following an hours-long chase of two men who fled a traffic stop along the Southern border. The two men switched vehicles and raced through several cities in the Rio Grande Valley near the U.S.-Mexico border before they were captured hours later, according to authorities.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our very own. Lieutenant Milton Resendez, a 30+ year police veteran and member of our department’s Command Staff, went to be with the Lord on this day during the early morning hours,” the San Benito Police Department announced in a social media post on Wednesday morning.

“Lieutenant Resendez died courageously in the line of duty while protecting the citizens of San Benito. We ask that the public keep the Lieutenant’s family, coworkers, and all of the members of the San Benito Police Department in your thoughts and prayers. Lieutenant Resendez will never be forgotten, and his memory will live forever in our hearts.”

Lt. Resendez, 54, died after he was struck in the abdomen—just below his body armor—by a bullet that went through the door of his patrol car, Police Chief Mario Perea told reporters on Wednesday.

“He cared about everyone. He got along with everyone,” Mr. Perea said of the fallen officer.

The two suspects—Rogelio Martinez Jr., 18, of Brownsville, and Rodrigo Axel Espinosa Valdez, 23, of Mexico—were later arrested and are facing multiple charges, including capital murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and evading arrest, according to Cameron County Jail records. It is not immediately known whether or not Mr. Valdez was in the U.S. legally.

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Gov. Greg Abbott said the officer’s death is a reminder of the “selfless risks” officers face each day in the line of duty.

“Hearts across Texas grieve with the family and loved ones of the San Benito Police Officer whose life was tragically taken while protecting his fellow Texans. This senseless act is a solemn reminder of the selfless risks our law enforcement officers take every day when they put on the badge,” Mr. Abbott said in a statement. “I thank the Texas Department of Public Safety, the San Benito Police Department, and all law enforcement involved in the swift apprehension and arrest of the criminals so justice can be served. Please join Cecilia and me in praying for this brave hero’s family and the entire San Benito community during this heartbreaking time.”

Traffic Stop Turns Into Deadly Pursuit

At about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, officers pulled over a truck for speeding on the beach on South Padre Island in Cameron County. There were two men, two women, and two small children in the vehicle.

While the officer was questioning the driver outside the truck, a passenger started the vehicle, and the driver jumped into the bed, and they sped away, according to Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz.

The two women and children got out of the truck during the incident. The women were detained and questioned.

The pursuit continued for about 30 miles into Brownsville, where an exchange of gunfire made the officers stand back and lose sight of the truck. The truck was later found disabled.

Lt. Resendez was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Around 10:30 p.m., the suspects were spotted driving an SUV in Brownsville, leading to another pursuit into San Benito, about 20 northwest of Brownsville, where Lt. Resendez was shot.

The chase returned to Brownsville, where officers intentionally bumped the suspects’ vehicle, disabling it. Officers arrested the suspects who attempted to flee, according to authorities.

‘Died Doing What He Loved’

Lt. Resendez served the San Benito Police Department for nearly 27 years. Prior to joining San Benito PD, he worked for the Brownsville, Palm Valley, and San Benito ISD police departments, local KRGV-News reported.

“It’s hard right now,” Chief Perea said. “We lost one of our own. He worked with us for so long he’s not just a coworker. He’s part of our family now.”

The veteran officer is survived by his wife of 27 years.

“She understands the dangers of the job, and she’s understood that for the 27 years that she’s been with him,” relative Jimmy Manrrique told the local news outlet. “But she never thought this day would come.”

“He died doing what he loved,” Mr. Manrrique continued. “He loved serving the city of San Benito. That’s what he loved doing. He was protecting the public.

The family said Lt. Resendez planned to retire next year.

The Texas Rangers are investigating.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.