52-year-old Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot by federal officers in Houston on July 9 after a traffic stop, with his family and the Harris County DA disputing claims that substances found in his van were drugs. The FBI described the substances as white crystal-like
material, while Araujo’s attorney called them a homemade electrolyte mix.
The fatal encounter unfolded on July 9 when federal agents attempted to stop a white van driven by Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, in Houston. According to a search warrant filed by the FBI on July 14, agents inspected the vehicle and observed in plain view several plastic bags with what appeared to be white crystal-like substances packaged in small plastic bags.
The warrant stated these items would yield evidence of the crimes committed and violations of drug offenses.
ABC13 Houston reported the details, which the family later disputed.
Family Challenges Drug Allegations
Ruby Powers, Araujo’s attorney, confirmed the substances were not narcotics but granulated salt paired with lemon and water as a homemade electrolyte mix used by outdoor workers in extreme Texas heat.
This statement, shared with the BBC, directly contradicted the FBI’s characterization. BBC cited Powers’ assertion, emphasizing the family’s request for immediate testing to clear Araujo’s name. Powers also stated, After consulting with my client and his family, our understanding is that this was granulated salt…
BBC reported the quote, highlighting the family’s efforts to clarify the circumstances of the shooting.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office also cast doubt on the drug allegations. DA Sean Teare stated on social media, based on what we've learned about the passengers, it's inconsistent that drugs were in the van.
The DA’s office did not suspect the substances collected were drugs, as confirmed by a statement from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
Timeline of the Traffic Stop
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Aaron Reitz, provided a timeline of events following the shooting. According to Reitz’s statement, federal officers were investigating two men known to be driving a white van that had previously evaded arrest and were potentially subject to deportation. Two vehicles with four officers attempted to pull the van over but failed initially. Later that morning, agents blocked the van, and two of the four officers got out of their vehicles and instructed the non-compliant aliens to put the van in park.
For more on this story, see ICE Shoots Colombian Man to Death in Biddeford, Maine.
Calls for Transparency and Investigation
Reitz’s statement noted that the FBI, DHS, and local agencies were involved in the investigation. The family has requested the immediate testing of the substances found in the van, while also seeking the release of Araujo’s brother, Victor, from ICE custody. Powers stated, After consulting with my client and his family, our understanding is that this was granulated salt…
BBC reported the quote, highlighting the family’s efforts to clarify the circumstances of the shooting.
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Aaron Reitz, released a statement for the first time after the shooting, saying, I want to assure the public that the appropriate law enforcement agencies are looking into this matter. That includes my office, the FBI, DHS, and other state and local partners.
Reitz’s statement outlined the version of events his office believes happened, including the initial failed traffic stop, the successful blockage of the van, and the officer’s actions leading to the shooting. The statement concluded with a call for public patience as the investigation continues.
The case has drawn national attention, with the FBI’s initial description of the substances clashing sharply with the family’s explanation. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on reconciling these conflicting accounts and determining whether the shooting was justified under the circumstances. The family’s request for testing and the DA’s skepticism about the drug allegations add layers of complexity to the unfolding narrative.
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