An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer accused of intentionally striking a man with his vehicle in Houston earlier this month is expected to surrender to authorities on Monday morning. Mario Alberto Morales was indicted by a grand jury in Houston on a charge of second-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

The incident occurred on October 10, 2026, during a pursuit. Morales' attorney, David Lindenmuth, stated that his client did not intend to strike Miguel Parra Hernandez, who was attempting to flee on foot along with another individual. Lindenmuth characterized the event as an "accident" and suggested the charges were brought by the district attorney for political reasons ahead of elections.

Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare alleged during a press briefing that body-camera footage shows Morales aggressively steering his vehicle into Parra Hernandez. Graphic video from Morales' body-worn camera, along with surveillance footage, was presented during the briefing. The body-camera footage shows Morales pursuing two individuals on foot, stating "Got a runner, got a runner. On foot. Both of them." Seconds later, the video appears to capture the officer turning his steering wheel left, resulting in the vehicle striking Parra Hernandez.

Following the impact, Morales is seen exiting his vehicle and approaching Parra Hernandez, who was lying on the ground in visible pain. When questioned about the video, Lindenmuth reiterated that Morales had two detainees in the back of his patrol vehicle and was attempting to avoid striking another car, not intentionally hitting Parra Hernandez.

Lindenmuth described Morales as a former Army paratrooper, a Christian pastor, and someone who engages in missionary work. He believes the charges are politically motivated, asserting that prosecutors are attempting to vilify his client due to a lack of evidence. "Clearly there is contact but the contact wasn’t intentional. It wasn’t knowingly," Lindenmuth said. "It was in reaction to him trying not to strike a vehicle."

Authorities have not publicly released the full body-camera footage or detailed information about the circumstances leading to the pursuit. The Harris County Sheriff's Office was involved in the scene investigation following the incident.

Morales has been placed on administrative leave by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the agency. The indictment marks a significant development in the case, moving it from an alleged incident to formal criminal charges.

Further details regarding the surrender and the legal proceedings are anticipated in the coming days. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of law enforcement interactions during pursuits and the use of vehicles as potential weapons.