Houston Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Thursday, October 2, 1980
Add to My HeroesVictor Ray Wells, III
Detective Wells was shot and killed while making a traffic stop of a taxi cab in the 6800 block of Wayside Drive. 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 was a U.S Air Force veteran and had served with the Houston Police Department for 12 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 12 years
- Badge 693
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Acquitted
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 ReflectionsRest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
October 2, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jacob Russell Chaffins
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: July 1, 2022

Deputy Sheriff William Petry
Floyd County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Captain Ralph Frasure
Prestonsburg Police Department, KY
EOW: June 30, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Bradley Johnson
Bibb County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 30, 2022

Reserve Officer Jeffrey Richardson
Poteet Police Department, TX
EOW: June 29, 2022

Sergeant Richard Lopez
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, AZ
EOW: June 28, 2022

Detention Officer Jeremiah James Story
Perry County Sheriff's Office, AR
EOW: June 22, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Austin Derek Aldridge
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: June 21, 2022

Deputy Sheriff J'Mar Colin Abel
Chambers County Sheriff's Office, AL
EOW: June 20, 2022