Officers responded to 3322 E. Rancier Avenue, at approximately 8:58 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2017, after receiving a 911 call letting them know the Star Mart Convenience Store had just been robbed.  Officers were told that a male entered the store and displayed a weapon, demanding money from the store clerk.  The suspect fled south on 46^th Street on foot with an undisclosed amount of money and from the store.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 6’ 00” and 190 pounds.  He was last seen wearing dark clothing.

Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this Robbery or can identify the suspect, to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.  You can also download the P3Tips App for IOS or Android and give an anonymous tip.  All information is confidential and anonymous and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person responsible, you could be eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

The Killeen Police Department has invited the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Diagnostic Center to assist the department in efforts to reduce crime. This collaboration will produce a comprehensive crime reduction strategy by examining Killeen’s crime environment, evaluating current response methods and resources and developing proactive approaches to achieving measurable and sustainable results.

“Bringing in experts from outside our organization will provide a fresh perspective and new ideas for combatting crime in Killeen,” said Police Chief Chuck Kimble. “OJP has developed successful solutions in other communities, and I believe they will deliver the same in our city.”

Over the next several months, OJP will work with Killeen Police Department and local stakeholders to thoroughly assess serious crime and associated response tactics and to develop an understanding of the community’s perceptions of crime and its perspectives on community engagement.

OJP Diagnostic Center utilizes a data-driven approach to “diagnosing” crime and its root causes. By collecting and analyzing current and trend data, the center can identify multiple facets of the crime cycle and determine baseline indicators for comparison to other cities. Strategies can then be developed unique to Killeen but based in best practices from other agencies with proven results.

The outcome of this process will be a comprehensive strategy to combat crime based on data and evidence. The strategy will establish priorities, identify and allocate resources, provide training, create partnerships and engage the community to effect meaningful and measurable change.

“A safer Killeen is a goal we all share, and it will take all of us, law enforcement and the community, to achieve it,” said Kimble.

The U.S. DOJ, OJP Diagnostic Center is a resource designed to provide customized training and technical assistance (TTA) by working with law enforcement and communities to reduce violent and other serious crimes. The OJP Diagnostic Center helps communities invest in what works best by bridging the gap between data and justice policy at the state, local and tribal levels. OJP Diagnostic Center TTA builds community capacity for data-driven decision-making, ensuring that limited local resources are invested wisely and federal assets are leveraged where they are needed most. By maximizing the impact of available resources, the OJP Diagnostic Center helps communities reap better public safety outcomes and provides their assistance at no cost.

For more information about OJP, visit www.ojpdiagnosticcenter.org 

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

UPDATE

On Wednesday, December 20, 2017, this case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, and a complaint was returned charging 33 year-old Sylvester Hiroyuki Hernandez with Racing on Highway Causing Serious Bodily Injury or Death.  Hernandez is currently in the Killeen City Jail awaiting arraignment. 

Officers would like to ask if anyone who has any information such as messages, photos or videos to contact Investigator Brian Pruitt at (254) 200-7931.

The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate this crash and information will be released as it becomes available.

Officers were dispatched to the 3500 block of Barbed Wire Drive, at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2017, in reference to a crash.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they found a vehicle inside a residence.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a green Dodge Challenger was traveling southbound on Bunny Trail at a high rate of speed.  The driver failed to negotiate a curve, causing the vehicle to hit the curb and leave the roadway.  The vehicle continued to travel through the front yard of a residence, striking a tree and coming to a rest inside the residence.  The driver of the Challenger was the sole occupant of the vehicle and he succumbed to his injuries.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke at 12:35 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2017.  He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

The deceased males have been identified as 34 year-old Bernard Trumarde Winston-Haynes and 25 year-old Courtney Jamal Nelson.

This incident continues to be investigated and information will be released as it becomes available.

Killeen Police investigate shooting in the 400 block of South 2^nd Street.

Officers responded to the Lone Star Inn and Suites, located at 409 of S. 2^nd Street, on Sunday, December 17, 2017, after receiving numerous 911 calls just before 2:30 a.m., about shots fired.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they located two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds.  Both victims were immediately transported to the Carl R. Darnall Medical Center in critical condition.  One victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke at 4:44 a.m.  The second victim was subsequently transported to Baylor Scott and White in Temple where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace GW Ivy at 7:08 a.m.

The preliminary investigation revealed that an incident occurred involving both males in which they shot at each other resulting in injuries to both parties.

At this time there is no threat to the community involving this incident.

Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this shooting to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online anonymously at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.  You can also download the app P3 tips for IOS and Android phones.  All information is anonymous and confidential and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this crime, you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

December 19, 2017 – UPDATE

The name of the driver has been identified as 28 year-old Kali Athinos Strongheart of Fort Stewart, Georgia.   

Through the investigation officers with the Traffic Unit have identified a second vehicle and driver   involved in this investigation.   Justice of the Peace Claudia Brown issued a warrant for 33 year-old Sylvester Hernandez for Fail to Stop and Provide Information Striking Fixture.  Today, at approximately at 5:10 a.m., Hernandez turned himself in and is currently in the Killeen City Jail. 

Officers would like to ask if anyone who has any information such as messages, photos or videos to contact Officer Brian Pruitt at (254) 200-7931.

The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate this crash and information will be released as it becomes available.

Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online anonymously at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.  You can also download the app P3 tips for IOS and Android phones.  All information is anonymous and confidential and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this crime, you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Officers were dispatched to the 3500 block of Barbed Wire Drive, at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2017, in reference to a crash.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they found a vehicle inside a residence.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a green Dodge Challenger was traveling southbound on Bunny Trail at a high rate of speed.  The driver failed to negotiate a curve, causing the vehicle to hit the curb and leave the roadway.  The vehicle continued to travel through the front yard of a residence, striking a tree and coming to a rest inside the residence.  The driver of the Challenger was the sole occupant of the vehicle and he succumbed to his injuries.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke at 12:35 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2017.  He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Officers were dispatched to the 3500 block of Barbed Wire Drive, at approximately 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2017, in reference to a crash.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they found a vehicle inside a residence.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of a green Dodge Challenger was traveling southbound on Bunny Trail at a high rate of speed.  The driver failed to negotiate a curve, causing the vehicle to hit the curb and leave the roadway.  The vehicle continued to travel through the front yard of a residence, striking a tree and coming to a rest inside the residence.  The driver of the Challenger was the sole occupant of the vehicle and he succumbed to his injuries.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke at 12:35 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2017.  He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

The victim’s name has been withheld pending the notification of his next of kin.

The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate this crash and information will be released as it becomes available.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Officers responded to the Lone Star Inn and Suites, located at 409 of S. 2^nd Street, on Sunday, December 17, 2017, after receiving numerous 911 calls just before 2:30 a.m., about shots fired.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they located two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds.  Both victims were immediately transported to the Carl R. Darnall Medical Center in critical condition.  One victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke at 4:44 a.m.  The second victim was subsequently transported to Baylor Scott and White in Temple where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace GW Ivy at 7:08 a.m.

The preliminary investigation revealed that an incident occurred involving both males in which they shot at each other resulting in injuries to both parties.

At this time there is no threat to the community involving this incident.

The names of the victims are being withheld until next of kin is notified.

Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this shooting to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online anonymously at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.  You can also download the app P3 tips for IOS and Android phones.  All information is anonymous and confidential and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this crime, you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Ofelia Miramontez

Public Affairs

Killeen Police Department

15 year-old Daejzia Morgan Alexander has been located and is safe with family members.  We would like to thank everyone for their assistance in locating Daejzia.

Killeen Police are searching for a 15 year-old female Runaway.

On Thursday, November 9, 2017, 15 year-old Daejzia Morgan Alexander was reported as a Runaway to the Killeen Police Department.  Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Runaway Unit were told that Daejzia was last seen on Thursday, October 26, 2017.  Daejzia is a black female with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5’ tall and weighs approximately 90 pounds.

Detectives continue to search for Daejzia and are asking anyone who has seen her or knows of her whereabouts, to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or text BELLCO along with the tip to 274637.  Text HELP to 274637 for help with the tip or text STOP to 274637 to stop the tip.  Message and data rates may apply. All information is anonymous and confidential; if your tip leads to the arrest of the suspect (s) involved in this case you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Thursday, November 9, 2017, 15 year-old Daejzia Morgan Alexander was reported as a Runaway to the Killeen Police Department.  Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Runaway Unit were told that Daejzia was last seen on Thursday, October 26, 2017.  Daejzia is a black female with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 5’ tall and weighs approximately 90 pounds.

Detectives continue to search for Daejzia and are asking anyone who has seen her or knows of her whereabouts, to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or text BELLCO along with the tip to 274637.  Text HELP to 274637 for help with the tip or text STOP to 274637 to stop the tip.  Message and data rates may apply. All information is anonymous and confidential; if your tip leads to the arrest of the suspect (s) involved in this case you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Burglary Unit are interested in speaking to the individual in this photo.  They believe this subject may have information that would be pertinent to a burglary investigation that occurred at the Real Estate Management Property, located at 3901 E. Stan Schlueter Loop on Wednesday, December 6, 2017.

Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this burglary or knows the whereabouts of the male in this photo, to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or text BELLCO along with the tip to 274637.  Text HELP to 274637 for help with the tip or text STOP to 274637 to stop the tip.  Message and data rates may apply. All information is anonymous and confidential; if your tip leads to the arrest of the suspect (s) involved in this case you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department