The Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer accused of deliberately putting a person in Houston earlier this month is predicted to give up on Monday morning, his legal professional, David Lindenmuth instructed ABC Information.
Mario Alberto Morales was indicted by a grand jury in Houston on a cost of second-degree aggravated assault with a lethal weapon, based on the Harris County District Legal professional’s Workplace.
Lindenmuth mentioned Morales didn’t intend to strike Miguel Parra Hernandez when he was pursuing him and one other one who have been trying to flee on foot on Oct. 10.
Legislation enforcement officers are on the scene after a person was struck by a automobile pushed by an ICE agent throughout chase, based on the Harris Courty Sheriff’s Workplace, on Oct. 10, 2026, in Harris County, Texas.
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“It was an accident. It was nothing greater than accident, however the DA to attain political factors proper earlier than elections determined to carry costs,” Lindenmuth mentioned.
At a press briefing on Friday, Harris County District Legal professional Sean Teare alleged that Morales’ body-camera footage reveals the officer “aggressively steered his automobile” into Parra Hernandez.
The district legal professional performed graphic video from the officer’s body-worn digital camera alongside surveillance footage of the incident throughout a press briefing.
The body-camera footage seems to indicate Morales behind the wheel, pursuing Parra Hernandez and one other particular person who’re fleeing on foot.
“Received a runner, obtained a runner,” the officer will be heard saying. “On foot. Each of them.”
Seconds later, the physique digital camera footage reveals the officer showing to show his steering wheel towards the left. Authorities say that’s when the automobile struck Parra Hernandez after which got here to a cease.
Morales is then seen approaching Parra Hernandez, who’s mendacity on the bottom crying in agony, and shifting his leg.
Legislation enforcement officers are on the scene after a person was struck by a automobile pushed by an ICE agent throughout chase, based on the Harris Courty Sheriff’s Workplace, on Oct. 10, 2026, in Harris County, Texas.
KTRK
When requested concerning the video, Lindenmuth mentioned Morales had two detainees within the again seat and was making an attempt to keep away from putting a automobile and didn’t intend to hit him.
“Clearly there’s contact however the contact wasn’t intentional. It wasn’t knowingly,” Lindenmuth mentioned. “It was in response to him making an attempt to not strike a automobile.”
Lindenmuth mentioned Morales served within the military, was a paratrooper, and is a Christian pastor who does missionary work abroad.
He mentioned he believes the fees in opposition to his consumer are politically motivated.
“This can be a good man, so why are you attacking his character and his background? You recognize why? While you don’t have proof, you must vilify anyone,” he mentioned. “So he has to make him the boogeyman, a monster, as a result of he is aware of he can not show intent as a result of there was none.”
Talking on the press briefing, the DA instructed reporters: “I’ve reviewed tons of of circumstances, some similar to this. The proof that we now have on this case is as clear as any that I’ve ever prosecuted or investigated.”
Legal professional Kim Bruno, who’s representing Parra Hernandez, her consumer suffered fractures and nerve injury and underwent surgical procedure following the incident.
“All he needs is accountability,” Bruno mentioned. “He needs assurance that this is not going to occur to anyone else. He’s so sympathetic, and all he cares about are the opposite folks. However he’s the one within the mattress struggling.”
Parra Hernandez is at the moment detained and stays in federal custody at a rehabilitation facility.
In response to Lindenmuth, Morales is a former corrections officer who enlisted within the Military.
Morales additionally labored as a detention and processing officer on the Port Isabel Detention Heart and labored with DHS as an ICE contractor, Lindenmuth mentioned.
He joined ICE as a federal immigration officer in August 2025, Lindenmuth mentioned.
