close
close

Ex-Harris County Pct. 6 Deputy Police Officer Rigo Vivar could be charged in a crash that killed Ricky Resendez Jr. on Canal Street

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A new search warrant serves as the first indication that a now-fired Harris County police officer may face charges after he allegedly struck and killed a 28-year-old man on his way to work last month.

The document states that former Harris County District 6 Police Deputy Rigo Vivar was reportedly speeding and driving the wrong way when he allegedly hit Ricky Resendez Jr. at the intersection of Canal Street and North Live Oak Street rammed and killed.

RELATED: Pct. 6 deputies who are being investigated for a fatal wrong-way accident have been fired: officers

One witness estimated he was traveling at speeds of up to 80 miles per hour.

“No one is above the law,” said the victim’s sister, Brenda Resendez.

The warrant is to recover the event data recorder, also known as the “black box,” from Vivar’s vehicle. Vivar told authorities he turned on his lights before the accident “to avoid traffic.”

However, witnesses interviewed said they did not notice the lights. Precinct 6 told ABC13 that Vivar was driving his personal vehicle at the time of the accident.

RELATED: Fired Harris Co. Precinct 6 police officer apologizes after fatal wrong-way crash

“Seeing a document come out really reassures us that they haven’t forgotten it,” Brenda Resendez said.

The accident occurred just a block from the house where Ricky Resendez Jr. lived with his family.

His other sister, Vanessa Resendez, said she is now taking alternative, longer routes to avoid the road. The family decorated the scene with candles, flowers, a cross and signs.

“We just want people to drive by it every day and not forget what happened,” Vanessa Resendez said.

No charges have been filed at this time.

RELATED: Family of man who died in crash calls for charges against former PCT. 6 deputies

“We need justice,” cried his mother Blanca Marquez.

The arrest warrant indicates that police are investigating possible charges of involuntary manslaughter or manslaughter.

“It makes us feel heard because for us, that’s what it is,” Brenda Resendez said.

For more updates on this story, follow Shannon Ryan on Facebook. X and Instagram.

Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All rights reserved.