Houston Tow Operator Shot and Killed After Verbal Altercation

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A tow operator was shot and killed on Oct. 23, by two suspects after a verbal altercation in Houston, Texas. The operator, Augustin Martinez, 48, was reportedly giving a customer a ride when he encountered the suspects at an apartment complex.

During the altercation the suspects, who were driving a red Ford Explorer, began firing a handgun from the Explorer into the tow truck. Martinez was struck, but managed to take a photo of the suspects. Martinez attempted drive away in his tow truck but crashed and died at the scene. The customer was also struck in the gunfire but is expected to survive.

Police have posted a photo Martinez took of the two suspected assailants, described as two Hispanic males between 30 to 40 years old. They are asking for anyone who has information on the identities of the suspects to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.