Person of interest surrenders to Bellaire police

BELLAIRE, Texas (FOX 26) - After the Harris County District Attorney's Office released a photo of a person of interest in the death of Bellaire Police Department Officer Marco Zarate, that person has surrendered to Bellaire police. 

Dante Moore turned himself in on Wednesday afternoon. His twin brother is also sought in the case. Community activist Quanell X facilitated the surrender.

Quanell X says all he was concerned about was safety and he praised Bellaire PD Chief Byron Holloway for keeping his word. Chief Holloway praised Quanell X and said Moore has not been charged. Moore will be booked in Bellaire and transferred to the custody of the Houston Police Department.

"Officer Zarate was a great guy," said Chief Holloway. "He always had a smile on his face. He's married. He has three daughters, one 25 and he has a set of 11-year-old twins. The family is grief-stricken, as you can imagine." 

Colleagues told FOX 26 News that Zarate was 52 years old and a former Marine.

"Although we're wearing different uniforms and different badges, we all have the same hurt for a brother officer that we loved and held dear," said Chief Holloway.

Police escorted Officer Zarate's body from Memorial Hermann Hospital - Texas Medical Center to a funeral home on Tuesday evening.

When asked about police deaths relating to Dallas, Chief Holloway said it was separate issue.

"It's not tied to what is going on in our nation right now," added Chief Holloway. "This was a police officer doing his job for the community that he loves, and he lost his life in the line of duty just like American police officers do every 2 to 3 days in this country." 

Police say Ofc. Zarate was on his motorcycle chasing after two males through a nearby neighborhood when the motorcycle struck the back of a trailer carrying lawn care supplies and equipment.