In the heart of Corpus Christi, Texas, a tragic series of events unfolded on the afternoon of January 23, 2026, culminating in the death of 39-year-old Daniel Andrew Suarez. A Hispanic man, Suarez was a father to four daughters and a grandfather, born and raised in the coastal city.
That Friday, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Corpus Christi police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Ayers Street and McArdle Road following reports of a shooting.
Upon their arrival, they discovered Suarez suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. First aid was immediately rendered at the scene before he was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Suarez succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led police to a suspect. Within minutes of the initial call, officers located a vehicle believed to be connected to the homicide. When they attempted to initiate a traffic stop near Port Avenue and Agnes Street, the situation escalated dramatically. A shootout erupted between the suspect and the responding officers. In the exchange of gunfire, two Corpus Christi police officers were injured.
The suspect, identified as Ricardo Rojas, was also injured during the confrontation with law enforcement. After being treated at a local hospital, Rojas was taken into custody on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. He was subsequently booked at the City Detention Center and faces a series of serious charges, including one count of murder for the death of Daniel Suarez, four counts of attempted capital murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. One of the injured officers was released from the hospital, while the other remained in critical condition following the shootout.
