In a tragic incident on October 17, 2023, at 10:58 p.m., the San Benito Police Department in South Texas received a distressing report that a fleeing vehicle pursued by the Texas Department of Public Safety had entered their jurisdiction. The incident unfolded on North Sam Houston Boulevard, where Lieutenant Resendez was on duty, traveling northbound.
As the fleeing vehicle approached from the southbound lanes, the individuals inside the vehicle opened fire at Lieutenant Resendez's patrol vehicle. The vehicle was struck twice by bullets, one hitting the front and the other striking the driver's side door. Unfortunately, one of the bullets penetrated Lieutenant Resendez's abdomen below his protective vest. He was transported to Valley Baptist Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Following the pursuit, the two individuals inside the fleeing vehicle were eventually apprehended after law enforcement executed a pit maneuver to bring their vehicle to a halt. Subsequently, they have been charged with multiple offenses, including evading arrest, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and capital murder.
Lieutenant Resendez had a distinguished and dedicated career in law enforcement, serving with the San Benito Police Department for 27 years. Prior to his tenure with the San Benito Police Department, he had also served with the Brownsville Police Department and the Palm Valley Police Department. His loss is deeply felt by the community and his colleagues, who remember him for his years of selfless service.
