Police Officer Alberto "Albert" Vasquez

Alberto "Albert" Vasquez

Officer Albert Vasquez was shot and killed while patrolling a housing complex during an off-duty security assignment at approximately 2230 hours.

He and three other officers had just arrested five suspects on narcotics violations and were walking them to the security office. Three of the suspects had been handcuffed and the remaining two were handcuffed together. One of those two suspects was walking with a crutch as the result of an injury to his leg.

The three officers and three handcuffed suspects were walking into the security office when they heard gun shots from outside. One of the officers immediately exited the office and observed the suspect with the crutch shooting Officer Vasquez. The suspect then opened fire on the other officer, striking him in the chest. Despite being critically wounded, the officer was able to return fire and struck the suspect in the leg.

The suspect was taken into custody and charged with capital murder and attempted capital murder. He was sentenced to life in prison on October 23, 2002, after the jury became deadlocked on whether or not to sentence him to death.

Officer Vasquez had served with the Houston Police Department for seven years, and is survived by his wife, two sons, ages 10 months and 6 years, and his parents.