Detective Victor R. Wells III
Houston Police Department
Texas
End of Watch: Thursday, October 2, 1980

Biographical Info
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, October 2, 1980
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Acquitted

Detective Wells was shot and killed while making a traffic stop of a taxi cab. He was in plainclothes driving an unmarked police vehicle when he stopped the cab. The taxi driver shot him and then fled the scene. Several citizens followed the taxi and the suspect was arrested.

In trial the suspect claimed he did not know that Detective Wells was a police officer and was convicted of voluntary manslaughter. The man was able to get a second trial and was acquitted of all charges.

Detective Wells had been with the agency for 12 years and was survived by his wife and two children.