Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – Preventing Auto Theft, Honoring Our Heroes
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Visit the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homepage
Auto theft remains a serious issue in Texas, especially during the summer months. July is Watch Your Car Month, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office urges all residents to take proactive steps to protect their vehicles and valuables.
Thousands of vehicles are stolen each year, often from driveways, gas stations, and parking lots. Many of these incidents are crimes of opportunity, taking just seconds when vehicles are left unlocked or running.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Vehicle:
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Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas with surveillance.
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Always lock your doors and use a steering wheel lock.
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Never leave your keys or fobs in the vehicle.
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Consider installing a GPS tracker for easier recovery.
Behind the Badge: The Fight Against Auto Theft
Auto theft today isn’t about hot-wiring—it’s high-tech. Thieves now clone digital keys in minutes using advanced software, sometimes never even breaking a window.
HCSO has dedicated proactive and reactive teams to tackle this evolving threat. A new video, “The Fight Against Auto Theft”, offers an inside look at our enforcement efforts, including:
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A dirt bike was stolen from a local driveway, tracked, and recovered through Facebook Marketplace.
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A stolen Lamborghini Huracán that led to the takedown of a six-person VIN-swapping ring.
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A suspect linked to both retail theft and cash “jugging,” now in custody.
Auto theft impacts more than just property—it threatens livelihoods and public safety. Let’s work together this summer, and beyond, to safeguard our vehicles and protect our community.
If you see something suspicious, say something.
WATCH: The Fight Against Auto Theft
Honoring Our Heroes
Remembering Detective John Coddou III
On July 3, 2025, the Windstone Colony community, HCSO leadership, and the family of Detective John Coddou III came together for a moving dedication ceremony. Hosted by MUD #284 and the Windstone Colony HOA, the event celebrated the grand opening of a new administration building and District IV Satellite Office — now officially named in memory of Detective Coddou.
Detective Coddou lost his life in the line of duty in April 2024. He was remembered for his dedication, service, and unwavering connection to the community he served. Two commemorative plaques—one outside and one inside the building—stand as lasting tributes to his legacy.
Chief Deputy Thomas Diaz and Kathleen Coddou, Detective Coddou’s wife, shared heartfelt remarks, expressing gratitude to the community for this honor. The new District IV Satellite Office will continue the values he championed — service, safety, and connection.
In Loving Memory of Detective Fernando Esqueda:
As we honor Detective Coddou, we also remember Detective Fernando Esqueda, who made the ultimate sacrifice on July 11, 2024.
Detective Esqueda was a proud five-year veteran of HCSO, serving with courage and integrity in the Violent Persons Warrant Task Force. His commitment to public safety earned him the deep respect of his colleagues and the community alike.
His legacy lives on in the continued service of the HCSO family.
Gone, but never forgotten.
HCSO In the News
Click2Houston: ‘I gave her everything I had’: Harris County crisis negotiator reflects on emotional I-45 standoff
HOUSTON – Sergeant Aaron Brown has talked people down from rooftops, bridges and barricades. But what happened last week on I-45 near Cypresswood Drive was unlike anything he’s experienced.
A 64-year-old woman, armed with a handgun, sat alone in a folding chair in the middle of the freeway, bringing traffic to a standstill for nearly five hours.
FOX26: HCSO Dive Team detail flood rescue program
It’s been a year since Hurricane Beryl hit Southeast Texas and causes severe damage to the Houston-area. HCSO’s Captain David Jasper and the dive team recounts rescues and their flood rescue program.
Click2Houston: What are the laws around stepping in if you find a child locked in a hot car?
HOUSTON – The most recent hot car death of a 9-year-old girl on Tuesday in our area is prompting local law enforcement officials to spread awareness about the importance of taking action should you happen to see a child in an unattended vehicle.
“It’s something that happens unfortunately, but it’s also preventable,” said Deputy Rafael Pantoja with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
ABC13: WANTED: $5K reward for information that leads to arrest of driver who hit and killed 12-year-old riding bike
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Crime Stoppers announced a new reward to find the driver who hit and killed a 12-year-old boy before taking off last month.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said on June 10, at about 8:40 p.m., Zachariah Benjamin was riding his bicycle on a sidewalk in northeast Harris County when a charging dog caused him to fall onto the roadway.
Deputies said that’s when an oncoming car hit Zachariah on Suburban Road, near East Mount Houston, and kept going. Zachariah died from his injuries a short time later.
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Teammates of the Week
Harris County Sheriff’s Office Teammate of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO highlight exceptional teammates who serve others above and beyond their duties. We regularly receive positive emails, thank you notes, and phone calls from the community.
We honor Sergeant Manuel Martinez and Deputy Reynol Alvarado for their swift response and exemplary conduct during a recent hit-and-run investigation.
A Harris County resident shared the following praise:
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the swift and professional response of Deputy Reynol Alvarado and Sergeant Manuel Martinez during a recent vehicular hit-and-run crash in which I was involved. Deputy Alvarado was the first to arrive on the scene, and Sergeant Martinez followed shortly thereafter. Both officers demonstrated exceptional professionalism, calm, and efficiency in handling the situation. Within minutes, they were able to identify the individual responsible, which brought reassurance and a timely resolution during a very distressing moment. I am deeply grateful for their service and wanted to ensure their efforts are recognized.”
Their actions serve as a powerful reminder of the impact our deputies have on the lives of those they serve.
Sgt. Manuel Martinez began his career with HCSO in 2009 and currently serves as the Sergeant for Outside Patrol under the Criminal Investigation and Security Division within Detention Management.
Deputy Reynol Alvarado also joined the agency in 2009, initially serving as a detention officer. He now serves as a deputy assigned to Outside Patrol, where he works to protect life and property each day.
Thank you, Sgt. Martinez and Deputy Alvarado, for your dedication and continued commitment to our community.
Deputy Lecompte recently went above and beyond to assist the U.S. Army in securing a critical incident report. His persistence ensured that the Army could complete the necessary documentation to proceed with enlisting a young recruit, an effort that directly supported their mission.
In the words of the Army representative who submitted the commendation:
“Deputy Roy Lecompte has shown that he is willing to go above and beyond his call of duty to assist the Army. I wish I could have had Deputy Lecompte as part of my platoon in Iraq — I’m confident he would have been one of my most trusted soldiers. We are deeply grateful for the steadfast support and care shown by both Deputy Lecompte and HCSO.”
Deputy Lecompte began his career with HCSO in 2005 as a Detention Officer, graduating from the HCSO Academy in January 2008. Since then, he has continued to serve with distinction and is currently assigned to the HCSO Franz Road Storefront as of July 2024.
We commend Deputy Lecompte for embodying the HCSO mission of service, dedication, and integrity. His actions remind us of the powerful impact one deputy can have — not just within our county, but in support of our nation.
Thank you, Deputy Lecompte, for your outstanding service!
United for Kerr County
Families in Kerr County are still reeling from the recent floods—and they need our help. HCSO teammates recently visited the area and saw firsthand the devastation and urgent need for support.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO are collecting essential supplies to fill a 53-foot trailer for those impacted. From diapers to bottled water, every donation makes a difference.
- Donation Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Drop-off at any HCSO District Substation
- Deadline: Tuesday, July 15 at 4 p.m.
Let’s come together, Harris County.
Compassion in Action: A Crisis Met with Care
A tense five-hour standoff on the North Freeway could have ended in tragedy, but thanks to Sgt. Aaron Brown and the HCSO Crisis Intervention Response Team ended with empathy, a handshake, and a hug.
Faced with a woman in deep distress, Sgt. Brown didn’t just see a crisis—he saw a person—a mother, a grandmother, a fellow human being.
Through patient listening, shared stories, and heartfelt connection, he helped her feel seen and safe. Just compassion, care, and service.
“Negotiation isn’t about talking—it’s about listening.”
“We’re all one bad day away from being on that freeway.”
“We don’t want to just respond—we want to serve.”
This is what crisis intervention looks like when done with heart. Thank you, Sgt. Brown, for reminding us of what public service truly means.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and HCSO encourages you to check in with yourself and those around you.
- HCSO Programs: harriscountycit.org
- Resources: The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Help is available, and no one should struggle alone.
Join us for a Talent Show!
Do you have a hidden talent just waiting to shine? Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, do magic, or have any other amazing skill—HCSO PAL Got Talent wants YOU! 1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes!
This is your chance to show off your talent and be part of something incredible!
- Deadline to Submit: July 9th at 5 PM
- Finalists Must Perform In-Person: July 18th at 12 PM
How to Enter: Click HERE.
Be sure to review all the rules and guidelines listed in the form.
Don’t miss your chance to take the spotlight—submit your audition today!
Beware of Scammers!
Scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers to steal your money! Recently, Harris County residents have received calls and texts from someone claiming to be an HCSO Captain.
Law enforcement will never:
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Call you to demand money for missing jury duty
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Ask for your personal information over the phone
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Threaten you with arrest for missing jury duty
If you receive a suspicious call:
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Hang up and call the Harris County District Clerk’s Office at 713-755-6392 to verify the status of your jury duty
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Do not give out any personal information to the caller
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Report the scam to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000
Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these scams!
Protect What Matters with Smart 911
Be ready before an emergency happens.
Create a Smart911 safety profile with your medical information, household members, pets, and more. It helps 911 responders get to you faster when seconds matter.
- Sign up HERE
- text “SMART911” to 67283
Be Aware of Bank Jugging!
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has noticed increased “bank jugging” incidents.
What is bank jugging? Criminals watch people withdraw cash from ATMs or banks and then follow them to steal the money. They may target victims in parking lots, stores, or even their homes.
How to protect yourself:
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Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to people who seem to be loitering or watching you at the bank or ATM.
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Conceal your cash: Put your money away immediately and securely. Don’t leave it visible in your car or purse.
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Change your routine: Vary your banking habits and routes after leaving the bank.
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If you think you’re being followed: Drive to the nearest police station or a well-populated area.
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Report suspicious activity: If you see something, say something! Call the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000.
Stay vigilant and help us prevent these crimes!
