Fugitive Captured After Warrant Arrest, Mother Arrested for Hindering Capture

On March 26, 2025, deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Special Operations and Canine Unit, along with the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, executed a warrant service in the 500 block of Gulf Bank Road, acting on a tip regarding the whereabouts of wanted fugitive 21-year-old Elias Espinoza Jr.

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with 46-year-old Maria Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Espinoza’s mother, who provided false information in an attempt to hinder law enforcement efforts to locate her son. Despite her efforts, Espinoza was found nearby shortly after, and deputies confirmed that he had two outstanding felony warrants for Evading Arrest in a Motor Vehicle.

Both Espinoza and Rodriguez were taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail. Espinoza, facing his felony warrants, had his bond set at $25,000 by the 230th District Court. Rodriguez was charged with Hindering Apprehension, though her bond and court details have not yet been established.