Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
End of Watch: December 11, 2001
Date of Incident: December 11, 2001
Age: 33
Badge Number: 251
Tour of Duty: 11 yr
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Weapon Used: Automobile

Officer Morales was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while driving to work on his department motorcycle. A vehicle in the center lane of I-10 sideswiped his motorcycle, causing him to be thrown to the ground. The suspect fled the scene but was followed by a citizen and was observed switching cars. The citizen continued to follow the suspect, who was later apprehended.

In 1991, Officer Morales apprehended the murderer of Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Carlos Warren. Trooper Warren's murder took place earlier in the evening near Austin and the suspect fled towards San Antonio.  Officer Morales stopped the vehicle for speeding and was met by gunfire. He returned fire, wounding the suspect, and apprehended him.

Officer Morales was survived by his wife and four children.