Retired military officer close to Chavez slain in Venezuela

CARACAS — Venezuelan authorities say they've arrested four men for the murder of retired Maj. Gen. Felix Velasquez, who was once chief of security for the late President Hugo Chavez.

Velasquez was shot to death on Saturday while driving with his granddaughter. Prosecutors initially said it appeared to be an attempt to steal his gun.

The national prosecutor's office said yesterday that two of the suspects are police officers from the opposition-governed Chacao district of the capital. On yesterday, the national police announced a "technical intervention" of the local force. Chacao Mayor Ramon Muchacho says he's not sure what that involves, but urged officials not to politicize the case.

Velasquez was security chief for Chavez in 2003 and also headed the country's militia force.