Suspect accused of shooting Harris County deputy was free on multiple bonds

HOUSTON – The man accused of shooting a Harris County deputy in the back Tuesday night was free from jail on multiple bonds at the time of the shooting, according to court records.

Investigators said 37-year-old Moises Martinez fired shots at two deputies who had responded to reports of a suspicious person. Some of those shots hit Deputy Brandon Barrigan in the back, face and hand. Investigators said Martinez fled but was arrested after an hourslong manhunt.

“Sadly it’s par for the course for what we’re seeing, in what I’m calling the ‘bond pandemic,’” said Houston Crime Stoppers victim’s advocate Andy Kahan. “This is just a daily occurrence.”

Martinez has a rap sheet that includes violent crimes such as accusations of robbing his mother and two counts of criminal mischief last October. All of the charges are felonies. He also has convictions for assault, burglary, theft and firearm possession.

The county prosecutor asked that Martinez be held without bond, but that request was denied by 263rd District Court Judge Amy Martin, who granted a low bond and allowed Martinez to go free after posting a $1,750 bail. He was later declared a fugitive after violating the terms of his bail agreement.

Martin denied KPRC 2′s request for an interview about this story.

Harris County Deputy Association President David Cuervas said that problem of violent career criminals who re-offend after being granted multiple felony bonds has become epidemic in Harris County.

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2021/01/28/suspect-accused-of-shooting-harris-county-deputy-was-free-on-multiple-bonds/?