Patrolman Norman Edward Zator

Norman Edward Zator

Patrolman Norman Zator was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle for a traffic violation near La Marque.

At 10:30 p.m., Patrolman Zator radioed the La Marque Police Department that he was stopping a vehicle for weaving at Texas 146 and Texas 3. Unknown to him, the car had been stolen earlier from a hospital parking lot in Houston. At 10:40 p.m., Patrolman Zator was found beside his patrol car with his service revolver in his hand and his patrol car still running. One shot had been fired.

Two suspects, 20 and 25, who fled on foot, were apprehended the next day at a tin smelter in Texas City. The oldest, also the gunman, had a gunshot wound in his arm. On May 11, 1970, both were convicted of murder and each was sentenced to 99 years.

Patrolman Zator was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Highway Patrol for three years, stationed at La Marque. He was survived by his wife parents, and brother.