Retired HPD Officer Shot In Drive-By Dies

POSTED: Tuesday, August 12, 2008

HOUSTON -- Houston's first Hispanic female police officer died Monday from wounds she suffered in a drive-by shooting, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Retired officer Velia "Belle" Ortega was visiting family members at the Plum Creek Apartments in the 6900 block of South Loop East at about 1:20 p.m. on July 21.

Houston police said 20-year-olds Andrew Garcia and Raziel Jesus Munoz and 17-year-old Bruno Aviles had a dispute about a car with Ortega's family.

Investigators said Munoz fired shots into the family's apartment, wounding Ortega as she watched television.

Garcia, Munoz and Aviles have been arrested. Munoz and Aviles have been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and Garcia has been charged with aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.

Previous Stories:

July 31, 2008: Suspect Arrested In Retired Officer's Shooting
July 24, 2008: 1 Arrested, 2 Sought In Retired Officer's Shooting
July 21, 2008: Retired Police Officer Shot In Apartment

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