HOUSTON – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued this statement today following news that off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Darren Almendarez was shot and killed:

“Last evening, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Darren Almendarez, a 23-year veteran of HCSO, was shot and killed while trying to prevent thieves from stealing his catalytic converter. This horrific tragedy is an important reminder that our law enforcement, whether on-duty or not, put their lives on the line for Texas communities every day to keep us safe from crime. Please join Jan and me in prayer for Deputy Almendarez’s family.”