Man pleads guilty to shooting Stafford police officer
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The man accused of shooting a Stafford police officer in the face and chest three years ago has pleaded guilty in exchange for 50 years in prison.
Sergio Francisco Rodriguez appeared before a judge Monday morning.
He pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of a public servant.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Stafford police officer shot in chest, face
He was just 21 years old when he shot officer Ann Carrizales in the face and chest.
Carrizales was wounded in the shooting that happened in the 12700 block of Murphy Road in October 2013.
After stopping a vehicle with three men inside, Carrizales was speaking with the driver when Rodriguez, who was a passenger in the vehicle, shot her.
She was able to return fire as they sped off.
Rodriguez was captured by police after a 20 mile chase.
In court today Carrizales had an opportunity to address Rodriguez for the first time since the shooting.
It was a day she said was 3 and a half years in the making. To her surprise, he responded to her in court:
Carrizales: "Do you feel remorse?"
Rodriguez: "Yes ma'am."
Carrizales: "Are you scared?"
Rodriguez: "Yes ma'am"
Carrizales: "...or do you just not care?"
Rodriguez: "I care."
All three in the vehicle that night have now been convicted, a milestone that brought Carrizales afterward, to tears. She remembers that night still, locking eyes with Rodriguez before he pulled the trigger. She said he looked her in the eyes today too, but differently.
"The fact that he looked me in the eye and that he actually answered my questions, I never expected him to do that. If it makes any sense. It's somewhat comforting," she said.
Rodriguez must serve at least 25 years before even being considered for parole. Prosecutors say if he is paroled, he would be deported to his native Honduras as he is not a US citizen.
Rodriguez's attorney says his client deeply regrets his actions.
RELATED: Dashcam video released in Stafford officer shooting
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