Maybe ya'll can help me...

At work today, I saw an insect that I have never seen before. It was on a branch of a cedar elm. The best way for me to describe is as follows:
like a large beetle, about the size of an adult grasshopper, and it has a body form of a grasshopper,not rounded-like as of ladybugs. Instead the top part of the thorax is wider than lower part, like a triangle. The wing "covers" are red or reddish orange, as red as ladybug. It looks like predatoral insect to me. I did notice that there were some scales at where the "thing" was. Maybe it was eating them, though I did not notice. Then it flew out of my sight.
Does anyone have seen and know what this creature is?

Tree Dude

It sounds familiar. Is there any way you could take a picture of it? About how long was it?

Is there any way you could take a picture of it? About how long was it?

Like I just stated-it was the size of an adult grasshopper, then it flew away so I can't picture.

Tree Dude

I believe I know what insect you are referring to. I just need to look it up in my Texas Bug Book. I am at the radio station right now, but I'll get back with you soon as I can.

Good news! I just found out what the insect is by looking at a book about insect. It is called cardinal beetle.

Tree Dude

Sounds pretty! I have never heard of a cardinal beetle. I will have to check it out. Thanks!