What is a Blue Alert in Texas and why it was issued on Thursday

AUSTIN, Texas — A Blue Alert was issued Thursday by the Texas Department of Public Safety, but what does it mean?

Texas created the Blue Alert in 2009 when former Governor Rick Perry signed an executive order designed to speed up the apprehension of violent criminals who kill or seriously injure law enforcement.

Texas is one of 37 states that has a Blue Alert action plan.

Why was a Blue Alert issued on Thursday?

Thursday's alert was connected to a deputy shot and killed during an ambush near Houston.

Authorities say Deputy Fernando Esqueda, a five-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff's Office, was killed after a call about an aggravated assault late Wednesday night at a Little Caesars Pizza.

The 28-year-old Esqueda was a member of the sheriff's office Violent Person Task Force, which investigates child rapists, homicide suspects and other violent offenders.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture of a suspect.

Who is the suspect?

Authorities say 44-year-old Ronald "Ronnie" Palmer was identified as a person of interest in connection to Esqueda's death and the aggravated assault.

Following an hours-long manhunt, authorities say Palmer was arrested without incident at a home in Houston.

What are the criteria for a Blue Alert?

According to DPS, Blue Alerts must meet the following four criteria:

• A law enforcement officer must have been killed or seriously injured by an offender.
• The investigating law enforcement agency must determine that the offender poses a serious risk or threat to the public and other law enforcement personnel.
• A detailed description of the offender's vehicle, vehicle tag, or partial tag must be available for broadcast to the public.
• The investigating law enforcement agency of jurisdiction must recommend the activation of the Blue Alert to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).