An off-duty Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy was killed early Wednesday morning following a crash in north Harris County, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
The crash occurred at approximately 2:28 a.m. in the 23000 block of Aldine Westfield Road near Ciderwood Drive.
The deputy who died was identified as Deputy Ricky Zaragoza, 33. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), Zaragoza was a three-year veteran of the department.
Crash Details
Authorities reported that the incident occurred during the early morning hours on Wednesday.
Limited additional details regarding the cause of the crash have been released at this time.
Deputy Zaragoza was off duty when the crash occurred.
Arrest of Off-Duty Montgomery County Deputy
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), an off-duty MCSO deputy was arrested by the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Court records identify the deputy as Aylin Balderas.
Balderas has been placed on administrative leave, according to MCSO.
Statements and Court Records
According to court records:
- Balderas told investigators that she was Zaragoza’s significant other.
- The two had consumed three or four drinks at a bar prior to the incident.
- Balderas stated she was following Zaragoza home from the bar.
Records from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement show that Balderas has been employed by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office since Nov. 25, 2025. Prior to that, she worked for Harris County Precinct 6.
Agency Statement on Involvement
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office stated that:
- Balderas was traveling in a separate vehicle.
- She witnessed the crash involving Deputy Zaragoza.
- She remained at the scene and awaited law enforcement.
- The agency has no credible information that she was involved in the crash.
- She was not involved in Zaragoza’s death in any way.
Authorities have not released further information regarding the crash investigation at this time.
Investigation Status
As of this publication:
- The crash remains under investigation.
- Balderas has been placed on administrative leave.
- No additional charges beyond suspicion of driving while intoxicated have been publicly announced.
- No public statement has been made indicating that Balderas contributed to the crash.
Cop Talk LIVE will update this article if additional information is released by Harris County, Montgomery County, or the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the deputy killed in the crash?
Deputy Ricky Zaragoza, 33, a three-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Where did the crash occur?
In the 23000 block of Aldine Westfield Road near Ciderwood Drive in north Harris County.
Was the Montgomery County deputy involved in the crash?
According to MCSO, there is no credible information that she was involved in the crash or Zaragoza’s death.
What charge was filed?
The off-duty MCSO deputy was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
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