Federal officer charged after SUV collision with Houston worker

Mario Alberto Morales, a 33-year-old federal immigration officer, surrendered to authorities on Monday. He faces a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon related to a collision in Houston on Oct. 10.

Prosecutors say Morales intentionally drove his unmarked SUV into Miguel Parra Hernandez, a 48-year-old Mexican construction worker. The incident occurred in a parking lot while Morales chased Parra Hernandez. Surveillance footage shows the vehicle crossing a median to make contact with the worker as he ran away.

A grand jury indicted Morales on Friday. Judge Matthew Peneguy presided over Morales' first court appearance on Monday. The judge set his bond at $30,000. Prosecutors had requested a higher amount of $75,000, according to the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

Parra Hernandez sustained a broken leg. He is currently recovering in a rehabilitation facility while remaining in federal custody. District Attorney Sean Teare confirmed the victim's status. ICE officials previously stated that Parra Hernandez ran in front of the vehicle. Prosecutors argue that video evidence contradicts that account.

Morales served as an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officer for slightly more than a year. His attorney, David Lindenmuth, described his client as a good man who did not commit a crime. Morales also ran unsuccessfully for Congress this year and has prior military service in the Army.

Court records show Morales was charged with a misdemeanor in 2013 for stealing four DVDs. Those charges were dismissed under a plea deal that included a $270 fine. He is one of a small number of federal officers to face criminal charges for their conduct during the current administration's immigration enforcement efforts.