Peter Herrera, El Paso Sheriff's Deputy, Dies Days After Traffic Stop Shooting

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office confirmed late Sunday that deputy Peter Herrera, who was shot multiple times during a traffic stop Friday morning, died. Peter Herrera succumbed to his injuries after being allegedly shot by 27-year-old Facundo Chavez.

"Saddened to hear about the loss of our Brother with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our Blue Family in West Texas. Deputy Peter Herrera EOW 03.24.2019," Frisco Police wrote on Twitter.

On Friday when the incident took place, authorities said Herrera was shot after he stopped a vehicle in San Elizario, southeast of El Paso along the U.S.-Mexico border. The man in the vehicle started shooting after the deputy asked the driver to step out of the car. El Paso County Sheriff's Office spokesman Robert Flores said Herrera did not return fire.

Herrera was struck several times in the attack, sustaining gunshot wounds to the body and the back of his head. A police spokesperson said the bullet narrowly missed Herrera's brain.

The shooter fled on foot along with a female passenger after shooting Herrera. Deputies found the pair hiding in a tool shed a few blocks away from the scene of the attack.

After Herrera's hospitalization Friday, authorities credited the body armor with saving his life. Doctors said at the time that the deputy's condition was critical but stable. He underwent a surgery Friday and was expected to survive.

Chavez, 27, the suspected gunman, was booked into the El Paso County Jail without bond on attempted capital murder of a peace officer and other charges. Chavez reportedly had a long criminal history. In 2017, he had a warrant for delivery of marijuana. In 2018, he had warrants for assault causing bodily injury to a family member and criminal mischief.

The EPCSO is expected to ask the district attorney to seek the death penalty for Chavez.