3 UH cops fired after 2 'mini-appliances' disappear

University of Houston Police Chief Ceasar Moore this week announced the firing of three unnamed officers in connection with the disappearance of two appliances. (University of Houston photo) University of Houston Police Chief Ceasar Moore this week announced the firing of three unnamed officers in connection with the disappearance of two appliances. (University of Houston photo) Photo: Handout Photo: Handout Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close 3 UH cops fired after 2 'mini-appliances' disappear 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Three University of Houston patrol officers have been fired after an investigation into the disappearance of two mini-appliances, the university said Wednesday.

University administrators have not released the officers' names because the issue is a personnel matter and no charges have been filed, according to a UH news release.

The two items fell off a delivery truck Sept. 27, and university police were called to the scene, a university spokesman said. Before the appliances could get to their rightful destinations, however, they somehow disappeared, the spokesman confirmed.

UH Police Chief Ceaser Moore notified the Harris County District Attorney's Office as soon as he learned of the incident on Oct. 3.

"I am deeply disappointed by the circumstances that have come to light as a result of our investigation into this incident," Moore said in a prepared statement.

Moore, who became UH police chief in February, after a 28-year career with the Houston Police Department, said the three veteran officers were dismissed for "failing a test of integrity."

The district attorney's office requested that the university police department complete its internal affairs investigation, according to the release.

It's now up to the DA's office to determine if charges will be filed, the release said.

The university would not disclose how many years of service the officers have. They have the option to appeal their dismissal, the release said.

carol.christian@chron.com