Authorities still searching for gun suspect used to shoot at Harris County deputies
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The man accused of shooting a Harris County Sheriff deputy Tuesday evening appeared in probable cause court Wednesday afternoon, and the weapon he used could play a big role in the investigation, but remains unfound.
Moises Martinez, 37, is accused of shooting Deputy Brandon Barragan multiple times and faces three charges, including two counts of aggravated assault on a public servant and a felon in possession of a weapon.
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A judge set Martinez's bail at $525,000 and deputies said they are still searching for the gun Martinez used at the scene. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez released a photo of Martinez holding it and appealing to the public for help.
Prosecutors said Martinez opened fire on deputies when they approached him at a gas station at Forestburg Drive and Veterans Memorial in northwest Harris County. Surveillance video showed Dep. Barragan immediately under fire. He was shot at nine times and was hit in the hands and grazed in the face.
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Gonzalez said a bulletproof vest helped protect Dep. Barragan. He's now recovering at the hospital.
"He just wants to get back out on the street and continue to do the good job he's been doing," said David Cuevas, the president of the Harris County Deputies' Organization. Cuevas also criticized the judges Martinez had previously faced. At the time of the shooting, he had two felony warrants because he skipped out on bond.
"He clearly is a clear and present danger to the public and should never have been let out," added Cuevas.
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