Deputy Darren Almendarez honored two years after being killed, suspects have upcoming court dates

Two years have passed since the tragic shooting death of Harris County Sheriff Deputy Darren Almendarez, who was killed while off duty while attempting to stop thieves from stealing his truck’s catalytic converter.

On Sunday, the community gathered to commemorate Deputy Almendarez, who dedicated 23 years of his life to serving the community.

Deputy Almendarez and his wife were leaving a grocery store when he noticed three individuals stealing his truck’s catalytic converter. He instructed his wife to seek safety and confronted the thieves, who fatally shot him multiple times in front of her.

Reflecting on the loss, his wife, Flor Zarzoza, expressed her profound grief, stating, “It was an honor and a privilege to be by his side until his last breath. He died loving what he did, his job.”

In the wake of Deputy Almendarez’s death, Senate Bill 224 was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, imposing stricter penalties for catalytic converter thefts by making them a felony offense.

Zarzoza emphasized the significance of this legislative action, particularly given Deputy Almendarez’s work in the auto theft division. She expressed determination in advocating for the bill’s passage, stating, “Sadly, it took his life to make a change.”

In 2022, ABC13 reported on the dismantling of a significant catalytic converter theft ring, with investigators linking the suspects charged with Almendarez’s murder to the ring’s operations.

Regarding the legal proceedings, Joshua Stewart, Fredarius Clark, and Fredrick Tardy face capital murder charges. Stewart and Clark remain in custody without bond, while Tardy, who was a minor at the time of the crime, was granted bond and subsequently released after posting bail.

The district attorney’s office has announced its intention to seek the death penalty for Stewart and Clark, although Tardy’s age precludes this possibility.

Honoring her late husband, Zarzoza described Deputy Almendarez as her hero, acknowledging his sacrifice and courage.