Carlos Cabrera, 32

Bellaire, Texas
January 03, 2003

Agencies: Houston Police Department Texas | Texas Attorney General's Office | Bellaire Police Department Texas

Cause of death: Shooting

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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

Carlos Cabrera, 32, h/m, shot in the chest and killed by detective Zell Ray Woods, b/m, 42, a 9-year veteran with Bellaire PD. Bellaire police officer Frederico Ramirez, h/m, a 15-month veteran, said he attempted to stop Cabrera’s pickup for a routine traffic violation but claims Cabrera sped away and a brief chase ensued. After the truck stopped, Ramirez and Cabrera apparently exchanged gunfire, and Ramirez was shot in the leg. Woods arrived at that time and shot Cabrera. Police tout Woods’ actions as "possibly sav(ing) Ramirez’ life," and claim Cabrera and one of his passengers "are believed to have robbed several people." Woods was no-billed. Cabrera is the first person known to have been shot to death this year by a Harris County police officer.

On 10/15/86, Woods, then a 4-yr. veteran police officer with Brookshire PD and a former military police officer, shot Anthony Carl Spiller, 15. Spiller was a passenger in a pickup truck allegedly stolen by a 17-year-old friend. Woods shot at the truck as he chased it at speeds up to 100 mph. (It is unlawful for a peace officer to shoot at a fleeing suspect.) The truck crashed and the boys ran on foot. Woods chased and shot at them, hitting Spiller in the jaw. Investigators said they do not know why Woods fired at the unarmed teen.

The only other known deadly incident involving a Bellaire police officer occurred on 7/15/95, when 17-year-old Travis Allen was shot twice in the back and killed by officer Michael Leal.