A federal immigration agent in Houston is set to turn himself in Monday after a local grand jury accused him of deliberately driving into a man during a foot pursuit. Mario Alberto Morales, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, was indicted on a felony assault count carrying the allegation that a deadly weapon, his vehicle, was used.
What does the grand jury allege?
The charge stems from an October 10 encounter in Harris County that began as a traffic stop and ended with Miguel Parra Hernandez seriously hurt. At a Friday press briefing, District Attorney Sean Teare showed body-camera and surveillance video that he said captured the officer steering sharply toward the fleeing man. The footage, played for reporters, shows Morales approaching Parra Hernandez afterward as he lay on the ground.
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Why does the defense dispute the charge?
Morales' attorney, David Lindenmuth, told ABC News that his client never meant to hit anyone. He said two detainees were in the back seat and that the officer swerved while trying to avoid another vehicle. Lindenmuth called the collision an accident and said the timing of the charges, just before elections, was political. Prosecutors have not responded publicly to that claim.
Who is affected and what comes next?
The case puts a federal immigration officer in a local criminal court, a rare step that could draw attention from civil rights groups and from officials in Washington. Parra Hernandez's family has already appeared at a news conference with advocates. Morales, 33, is expected to surrender Monday morning; after that, a judge will set bail and the case will move toward trial. A conviction on the charge could bring years in prison, though no sentencing date exists yet.
FAQ
What is Morales accused of?
He is charged with felony assault for allegedly using his vehicle as a deadly weapon against a fleeing man.
When will he appear in court?
He is expected to turn himself in Monday morning, according to his attorney.
