A Mission police officer is dead after being shot by a suspect near Stewart Road and Business 83. Investigators say officer Jose Luis Espericueta was waved down late yesterday and told about a suspect with a weapon. When he tried to talk with him, the suspect fired his gun, wounding the officer. The officer returned fire killing the suspect. Officer Espericueta later died after being taken to McAllen Medical Center. The suspect has been identified as 33-year-old- Juan Carlos Chapa. Mission Police Chief Robert Dominguez had to choke back tears as he discussed the murder of the veteran officer, saying prayers were with the officer's family and the community.
The city posted on Twitter, "We’re devastated. It’s w/the deepest sadness we share with you we lost one of our own. Our officer was shot when he was waved. down for a suspect with a weapon. He gave his life protecting us. There are no words to explain how heartbroken we are as a community."
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