Oscar Rosales identified as suspect in ambush murder of Harris Co. Pct. 5 corporal
Two others, identified as the suspect's relatives, also face felony tampering with evidence counts.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston Police Chief Troy Finner has identified 51-year-old Oscar Rosales as the suspect on the run after Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Corporal was shot and killed in an ambush over the weekend.
Finner said Rosales, who is considered armed and dangerous, is tied to Cpl. Charles Galloway's murder based on video evidence showing the suspect shooting the 47-year-old law enforcement officer.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said a $60,000 reward is being offered to capture Rosales, whom authorities believe is still in the Houston area.
"This is a murderer. This is a ruthless, savage execution." said Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap. "We will not stop until this individual is apprehended, whether it's on the federal, state or local level. People are looking right now and will not cease looking until he is apprehended."
Ogg also announced two of Rosales' relatives were charged with tampering with evidence in the case. According to court records, Reina Marquez and Henri Mauricio Pereira-Marquez, who are identified as Rosales' wife and brother-in-law, respectively, are accused of trying to cover up the suspect's involvement in the case.
A key clue against Rosales, the suspect's vehicle, was confiscated as part of the felony tampering counts, Finner said. The pair appeared in Harris County Probable Cause Court on Monday.
The new information comes as more tributes come out for Galloway, who leaves behind a daughter and a sister.
Galloway joined Precinct 5 in 2009 and served for over 12 years, Heap said.
He most recently served in the toll road division as a field training officer. Officials say he will be remembered by the numerous deputies he trained and mentored.
Galloway was attempting a traffic stop around 12:45 a.m. Sunday in the 9100 block of Beechnut, according to police.
He pulled over a newer-model white Toyota Avalon, and the driver got out and immediately fired repeatedly at Galloway's patrol car, investigators said.
Galloway was shot multiple times and died at the scene in what investigators are calling an ambush attack.
Charging documents read in court for Rosales' relatives state that the Avalon was later found at an apartment complex, where Reina Marquez and Henri Mauricio Pereira-Marquez were seen wiping down the doors and interior. ABC13 talked to neighbors who say they witnessed the clean-up. Surveillance video obtained by ABC13 shows a man walking away from the vehicle. Hours later and after the siblings' arrests, police towed it away.
Reina reportedly gave a statement to investigating officers that the cleaning products used were inside the apartment.
Both Reina and Henri were subjected to house arrest and given a $100,000 bond each.
In the wake of the tragedy, city officials are demanding an end to the violence.
"It just speaks to society, in general. Not only in our region, but around the nation. My advice, my call to everyone, we better get intentional, damn intentional, about locking up violent individuals," Finner said in an earlier briefing. "And leaving them. It's a place for them."
Galloway is one of three Precinct 5 deputies killed in the line of duty. Officials said all three of them were assigned to the toll road shift.
Funeral services for Galloway are pending.
If you have any information on Rosales' whereabouts, Heap is asking people to call Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Deputy constable shot and killed in southwest Houston during a traffic stop, in search of suspect
