Harris County Sheriff's Office, Texas
End of Watch Thursday, March 31, 2022
Add to My HeroesDarren Almendarez
Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez was shot and killed while off duty when he interrupted three men attempting to steal a catalytic converter at about 8:40 pm.
He and his wife were returning to their car in a grocery store parking lot at 2929 FM 1960 when he observed the three men attempting to steal the catalytic converter. He instructed his wife to run from the scene before confronting the subject. A struggle ensued after one of the men produced a handgun. During the struggle, Deputy Almendarez pulled out his off-duty weapon, and shots were exchanged in which he and two of the three suspects were wounded.
Deputy Almendarez was transported to Houston Northwest Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The two wounded suspects drove themselves to the same hospital where they were taken into custody. The third suspect was arrested a few days later.
Deputy Almendarez had served with the Harris County Sheriff's Office for 23 years and was assigned to the Auto Theft Task Force. He is survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 51
- Tour 23 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender 2 shot and wounded; 1 at large
Most Recent Reflection
View all 99 ReflectionsDarren was a great guy, highly dedicated to his job and family. Always affable, and I felt privileged having known and worked with him back in the old days when I worked on the jail floors. He is certainly missed and I’ll never forget him.
W. Laws - retired
Former coworker at HCSO
April 23, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Gabriel Facio
Apache Junction Police Department, AZ
EOW: June 8, 2025

Police Officer Krystal Rivera
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: June 5, 2025

Sergeant J. D. White
Angleton Police Department, TX
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Timothy Ontiveros
Bloomfield Police Department, NM
EOW: June 1, 2025

Police Officer Samuel Riveros
Baldwin Park Police Department, CA
EOW: May 31, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Daniel Weston Sherrer
Morrow County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 26, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Nathaniel Ansay
Florence County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: May 20, 2025

Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025

Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025