Illegal immigrant charged with intoxication manslaughter in Harris County deputy’s death
HOUSTON -- The man accused of hitting and killing a Harris County sheriff’s deputy while driving drunk was in the country illegally, a judge said in court overnight.
Andres Munos-Munos, 23, was charged with intoxication manslaughter in the death of Sgt. Dwayne Polk.
According to the Houston Police Department, Munos-Munos allegedly ran a red light on Little York at N. Shepherd and hit Polk's personal truck shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday. HPD said there were no skid marks to indicate Munos-Munos even attempted to stop prior to the crash.
The deputy died at the scene. He was in uniform, and officials believe he was driving home following an off-duty job.
During his court appearance early Monday, Munos-Munos was ordered held without bond. Details weren't immediately available on his attorney.
Police said the suspect suffered minor injuries in the wreck and was taken to the hospital prior to being taken to court. It was there he underwent a mandatory blood draw.
Polk, 47, had been with the sheriff's office for 16 years. On Sunday afternoon family and friends left small mementos at the Houston intersection where the deputy was killed.
“Tough morning," Sheriff Adrian Garcia tweeted. "The HCSO suffered a terrible loss & we are all grieving. Keep HCSO members & their families in your prayers."
According to the Houston Chronicle, Polk grew up in Houston with his two brothers, three sisters and many cousins. The Bible was among the books his mother used to teach him and his siblings to read, according to a 2012 obituary for his younger brother.
The suspect accused in Polk’s death has had trouble with the law before.
Records show he was arrested on June 10, 2012 for driving while intoxicated. He also was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon. He was deported in July 2012, but later returned to the U.S.
Andres Munos-Munos, 23, was charged with intoxication manslaughter in the death of Sgt. Dwayne Polk.
According to the Houston Police Department, Munos-Munos allegedly ran a red light on Little York at N. Shepherd and hit Polk's personal truck shortly after 3 a.m. Sunday. HPD said there were no skid marks to indicate Munos-Munos even attempted to stop prior to the crash.
The deputy died at the scene. He was in uniform, and officials believe he was driving home following an off-duty job.
During his court appearance early Monday, Munos-Munos was ordered held without bond. Details weren't immediately available on his attorney.
Police said the suspect suffered minor injuries in the wreck and was taken to the hospital prior to being taken to court. It was there he underwent a mandatory blood draw.
Polk, 47, had been with the sheriff's office for 16 years. On Sunday afternoon family and friends left small mementos at the Houston intersection where the deputy was killed.
“Tough morning," Sheriff Adrian Garcia tweeted. "The HCSO suffered a terrible loss & we are all grieving. Keep HCSO members & their families in your prayers."
According to the Houston Chronicle, Polk grew up in Houston with his two brothers, three sisters and many cousins. The Bible was among the books his mother used to teach him and his siblings to read, according to a 2012 obituary for his younger brother.
The suspect accused in Polk’s death has had trouble with the law before.
Records show he was arrested on June 10, 2012 for driving while intoxicated. He also was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon. He was deported in July 2012, but later returned to the U.S.
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Sheriff Garcia sent this e-mail to his staff following Polk's death:
The members of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office mourn the untimely death of Sgt. Dwayne Polk, a 16 year veteran of the HCSO and a dedicated public servant.
The HCSO deals with on a daily basis the tragedy that happens in our community. Our deputies are trained to handle these situations and do what we can to help our citizens move forward when they have been touched by tragedy. Today, it reminds us that although we wear badges and guns, we too are human and our hearts hurt and are heavy as anyone else who has dealt with the loss of a son, a brother, a dedicated colleague, a caring friend and a proud father. Our prayers are with Sgt. Polk’s family and those who knew him best.
Sgt. Polk’s death reminds us that we must stop these senseless actions at the hands of irresponsible individuals who insist on ignoring the law and common sense, and get behind the wheel after having too much to drink!
As we move forward, Sgt. Polk's death will not be in vain. We will continue to put behind bars those who run the risk of devastating other families, as the Polk family has been. It was eerily ironic that on the morning of June 18th I was with Mothers Against Drunk Driving as they held the annual “Walk Like MADD”.
Let’s remind ourselves that these deaths can be prevented either by personal responsibility or by handcuffs, but we will not stop in our efforts to save lives on our roadways!
The HCSO deals with on a daily basis the tragedy that happens in our community. Our deputies are trained to handle these situations and do what we can to help our citizens move forward when they have been touched by tragedy. Today, it reminds us that although we wear badges and guns, we too are human and our hearts hurt and are heavy as anyone else who has dealt with the loss of a son, a brother, a dedicated colleague, a caring friend and a proud father. Our prayers are with Sgt. Polk’s family and those who knew him best.
Sgt. Polk’s death reminds us that we must stop these senseless actions at the hands of irresponsible individuals who insist on ignoring the law and common sense, and get behind the wheel after having too much to drink!
As we move forward, Sgt. Polk's death will not be in vain. We will continue to put behind bars those who run the risk of devastating other families, as the Polk family has been. It was eerily ironic that on the morning of June 18th I was with Mothers Against Drunk Driving as they held the annual “Walk Like MADD”.
Let’s remind ourselves that these deaths can be prevented either by personal responsibility or by handcuffs, but we will not stop in our efforts to save lives on our roadways!
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