Trial Begins for Suspected Shoplifter Accused of Causing Death of Texas Officer

The trial has begun for a man who had reportedly shoplifted at a Target store in Harris County, TX and then led police on a vehicle pursuit that resulted in the death of Officer Marco Antonio Zarate of the Bellaire (TX) Police Department in 2016.

According to the Houston Chronicle , the accused suspect—identified as Dante Moore—was fleeing in a vehicle in July when Officer Zarate engaged in a pursuit.

The 52-year-old motor officer lost control of his motorcycle during the pursuit and slammed into a stationary vehicle.

He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Moore's attorney—identified as Danny Easterling—said during the proceedings, "We're disputing that my client caused the death… There was a concurrent cause. The officer was speeding at a very high rate of speed through the residential area, and he hit a big dip in the road."

Moore's trial is expected to last at least a week.