HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Surveillance video obtained by ABC13 shows the moment an unmarked SUV carrying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents ran over a man during a pursuit at a shopping center in west Harris County.
The video shows a white pickup truck stopping along Clay Road, facing oncoming traffic. Two men get out of the truck. One runs toward Highway 6, while the other, identified by ICE as Miguel Parra-Hernandez, runs through a shopping center parking lot.
Moments later, a dark, unmarked SUV turns into the parking lot and runs over Parra-Hernandez.
A witness who spoke with ABC13 on the condition of anonymity said he saw the incident unfold.
“He said, ‘Ah! Ah! Ah! You broke my leg! You broke my leg!'” the witness recalled.
The video shows Parra-Hernandez remaining on the ground for several minutes after he was struck.
The footage also appears to show an ICE agent getting into the pickup truck Parra-Hernandez fled and moving it into the shopping center before leaving in another unmarked vehicle.
“I believe ICE agents moved it before we got there,” HCSO Major Anthony McConnell said.
ABC13 reached out to an ICE spokesperson, who said agents were attempting to arrest Jose Mendoza-Cervantes, who was their intended target.
ICE alleges Mendoza-Cervantes entered the United States illegally from Mexico five times and had a final order of removal issued by a judge. The agency also alleges Parra-Hernandez is in the country illegally.
ICE said agents attempted to make the arrest and claimed Parra-Hernandez ran in front of their vehicle and was struck.
However, the surveillance video appears to show the SUV veering left through empty parking spaces before running over Parra-Hernandez.
A witness said the incident was deeply unsettling, adding that it could have happened to him.
The sheriff’s office said ICE notified deputies that it needed emergency services following the crash.
HCSO deputies said their investigation would be limited to the crash, and they referred all questions related to the incidents leading up to it to ICE.
Mendoza-Cervantes remains at large, investigators said. Parra-Hernandez remains stable in the hospital.
On Saturday, Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin issued a statement regarding the incident, stating in part:
“Time is of the essence in getting the facts, and the public deserves clear, accurate answers.
ICE must cooperate fully with the local investigation. My office supports Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and District Attorney Sean Teare in their ongoing independent investigation, and the Harris County Attorney’s Office stands ready to assist and support these critical efforts. We will continue to monitor developments closely as the facts become clear.”
“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.“