Texas Police Officer Arrested in Mexico After Deadly Custody Dispute

Important Point: This story involves a tragic shooting in Mexico that left three people dead and a mother critically injured. A Texas law enforcement officer has been arrested and charged with serious crimes.

What Happened?

A 35-year-old Texas police officer named Chad Eberle was arrested in Mexico on Wednesday. Mexican authorities say he shot and killed three people and critically injured the mother of his 3-year-old son during an argument over child custody.

The shooting happened in July in the city of Saltillo, Mexico.

Who Was Involved?

The Suspect

• Name: Chad Eberle, 35 years old
• Job: Reserve police officer in Santa Anna, Texas (a small town in central Texas)
• Status: On personal leave until December 2025
• Background: Worked many law enforcement jobs across Texas, including:
  • Deputy constable in Bexar County (San Antonio area)
  • Police officer for Northside Independent School District
  • Positions in Somerset, Marble Falls, Gregory, Lockney, and Bangs
  • Army veteran (according to a 2022 police department post)

The Victims

Important Point: Under Mexican law, "femicide" means the intentional killing of a woman or girl because of her gender. Eberle is charged with femicide and qualified homicide.

How Did It Happen? (Step by Step)

1. Argument over custody – Eberle allegedly did not have permission to take his 3-year-old son.
2. Shooting in Saltillo – In July, Eberle opened fire at a residence, killing three people and shooting the boy’s mother in the head.
3. Fleeing with the child – Eberle left in a gray Chevrolet Silverado with his son.
4. Manhunt begins – Mexican investigators tracked the vehicle heading toward the Texas border.
5. Arrest at the border – Eberle was stopped before he could cross back into the U.S. at the Piedras Negras / Eagle Pass international bridge.
6. Child rescued – The 3-year-old was unharmed and placed in the care of Coahuila’s child welfare agency (Pronnif).

What Are Officials Saying?

Coahuila Attorney General Federico Fernández

"Chad ‘N’ has been admitted to the Saltillo men’s penitentiary… placed at the disposal of the competent judicial authority."
"The minor is already in the city of Saltillo, under the custody and care of the prosecutor’s office for boys, girls and the family (Pronnif), in order to guarantee the comprehensive protection of his rights."

Santa Anna, Texas City Officials

• Eberle was "one of our reserve officers… on a personal leave of absence until December."
• He was "an unpaid reserve police officer hired in November 2025 and worked one weekend per month."
• The department is working with the U.S. Consulate in Mexico and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
• No further comments due to the ongoing investigation.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Location of crime: Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico
• Suspect’s role: Texas reserve police officer (Santa Anna)
• Charges: Femicide + Qualified Homicide (Mexican law)
• Child’s status: Safe, in protective custody in Mexico
• Border crossing attempted: Piedras Negras, Mexico → Eagle Pass, Texas
• Shooting date: July 2025
• Arrest date: Wednesday, August 2025

Summary

A Texas reserve police officer, Chad Eberle, has been arrested in Mexico for a triple homicide and the attempted murder of his son’s mother. The violence stemmed from a custody dispute over their 3-year-old son. Eberle fled toward the U.S. border with the child but was intercepted by Mexican authorities. The boy is safe and in protective care. Eberle faces serious charges under Mexican law, including femicide. His law enforcement career spanned multiple Texas agencies over many years. Investigations are ongoing on both sides of the border.

FAQ

What is a "reserve police officer"?

A reserve officer is a part-time, often unpaid law enforcement officer who has full police powers but works limited hours (in this case, one weekend per month).

What does "femicide" mean in Mexico?

In Mexico, femicide is a specific crime: the intentional killing of a woman or girl because of her gender. It carries harsher penalties than regular homicide.

Will Eberle be tried in the U.S. or Mexico?

He was arrested in Mexico on a Mexican warrant, so he will face trial in the Mexican justice system.

Is the child okay?

Yes. The 3-year-old boy was unharmed and is now in the custody of Coahuila’s child welfare agency (Pronnif) for his protection.

Did Eberle have a history of violence?

The article does not mention prior violence, but it notes he held many law enforcement positions across Texas over the years and was an army veteran. The Santa Anna police department says he was on personal leave at the time.