On February 10, 2024, Deputy Rondald Bates was working an overtime shift and was assigned as a security escort for inmates being treated at Memorial Hermann Hospital. Before the end of the shift, Deputy Bates was summoned to report to the 1200 Baker St. facility to complete his payroll paperwork. He was relieved by D.O. Parmar at 9:19 pm in order for him to report to complete his overtime paperwork. While en route to 1200 Baker St in his privately owned vehicle, Deputy Bates was involved in a one-vehicle crash in which he struck a tree near Travis St and W. Alabama at approximately 9:48 pm. Deputy Bates was transported by ambulance to Ben Taub Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

At the time of his death, Deputy Rondald Bates was assigned to the Harris County Jail Operations Unit, a position covered by the Texas Government Code, Chapter 615. His death resulted from a personal injury sustained and protected by Government Code 615, 021. Deputy Bates is survived by his wife, Carol, and two adult children.

Deputy Bates joined the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in 1992 and served with professionalism and honor until his passing in the line of duty.

The loss of Deputy Rondald Bates is felt by the Bates family, throughout the ranks of the Sheriff’s Office, and our extended law enforcement community.