
POLICE Department
Officer Andrew Winzer
1988
February 18, 1988
Automobile accident @ Franklin/Louisiana
DOB -6/24/1957, Age 30
Badge – 4330
Class #112
Final Resting Place – Paradise North, Houston, TX
Houston Police Officer Andrew Winzer lost his life in the line of duty on February 18, 1988. He drowned in the Buffalo Bayou when his patrol car was hit by Andres Abelina Alfaro, spun out of control and hit a guardrail. The patrol car flipped over and fell forty feet into the cold murky waters of Buffalo Bayou. Alfaro was cited for driving with a suspended license and for having no proof of insurance. The accident happened at Louisiana and Franklin.
Houston Police Officer Jeff Shipley, police diver, hoped that he and other police officers could save Officer Winzer's life. Officer Shipley heard the call, rushed to the headquarters to get diving equipment. He had to get someone to open the door because he did not have a key. He was on the scene by 9:59 p.m. "I could feel him. I got his badge and name plate and brought them up," said Shipley. He also praised the patrol officers who jumped into the water wearing only their uniforms.
The rescuers hoped that the cold water of the bayou would slow down the body functions of the officer to give them a few extra minutes to save the officer's life. They also hoped that there was an air pocket for the officers. Unfortunately, neither happened. The car was destroyed. Officer Shipley thought if the car hadn't been destroyed, there might have been a chance.
Officer Andrew Winzer was a police officer for four years before the tragedy happened. He was well-thought of by the people that knew him. Sergeant D.J. Crain said of Winzer, "He was what every sergeant wanted in an officer." Officer Walter Redman said, "I have known no other officer more dedicated to the job, with a great desire to be a police officer, with the intention of serving you, the community. Andrew did that constantly on and off duty."
The funeral was attended by the police chief, the mayor, and Congressman Mickey Leland. Funeral services were held on February 23, 1988 at the Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Burial was held at Paradise Cemetery North. Officer Winzer was survived by his wife, Lavendra, and son, Corey. He was also survived by a brother, Frank Winzer, Ill, and a nephew, Untorio Jones.
Source – Houston Police Department Museum Files