POLICE Department
Suspect Arrested, Charged in Fatal Crash Involving Bellaire Police Officer at 8500 Ferris
July 14, 2016 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash at 8500 Ferris about 1:40 p.m. on Tuesday (July 12).
The suspect, Dante J. Moore (b/m, 27), is charged with murder in the 339th State District Court for his role in the death of Bellaire Police Department Officer Marco Zarate, 52.
A photo of suspect Moore is attached to this news release.
HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant J. Salazar and Officer C. Semien reported:
Bellaire motorcycle Officer Zarate was on duty and parked in the Target parking lot at 300 Meyerland Plaza when he was flagged down by loss prevention officers from the business regarding a theft/possible robbery. The loss prevention officers advised two suspects jumped into a vehicle and fled the scene. Officer Zarate pursued the suspects, who were driving an older model green Chevrolet Malibu. As they traveled northbound in the 8500 block of Ferris, Officer Zarate lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into the back of a parked utility trailer hitched to a Ford F-150 pickup truck. Paramedics transported Officer Zarate to Memorial Hermann Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The suspect vehicle fled the scene. No persons were inside the trailer or truck at the time of the crash.
Further investigation developed Dante Moore as a suspect in the case and he surrendered to authorities on Wednesday (July 13). Moore provided a statement admitting to being the driver of the suspect vehicle.
The investigation is continuing.
suspect Dante J. Moore
JFC/KJS 7-14-16
Inc. #089588616-U
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
