Killeen Animal Services announces it has been awarded a $80,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to support funding that will be utilized to aid the shelter’s ongoing spay and neuter program and the health and care of the animals in need, so that they can be entered into the adoption program.

Killeen Animal Services is a nonprofit municipal organization serving the citizens of Killeen, Texas.  Killeen Animal Services provide a full range of services that begin with the initial capture or owner surrender of animals that have been located within the corporate limits of the city.  Through various programs Animal Services strives to return lost pets to their original owners, seek new owners for abandoned or stray animals, or coordinate with rescue organizations to help manage the placement of as many future pets as possible in their new homes.

The Petco Foundation investment will provide a bridge to help new pet owners make responsible choices as they bring home their new family member.  Killeen Animal Services will issue a voucher to cover the cost of the rabies vaccination as well as the spaying or neutering the new adopted pet.  The shelter will also issue vouchers to Return to Owner animals that are not in compliance with the city ordnance.  This program will help bring the shelter’s name in a positive venue.  Name recognition increases attention and draws more potential pet owners to the shelter.  The program aids the new owners fiscally while supporting the cities spay, neuter and rabies program in the most positive manner to promote adoptions.

The Petco Foundation’s support for our organization, with this grant will allow the animal shelter to provide citizen’s of Killeen with a method to have their animals spayed or neutered and receive their rabies shot with minimal fiscal impact.

For more information about Killeen Animal Services or the Petco Foundation, visit, www.killeenpetadoption.org or www.petcofoundation.org. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or by using the hashtag #PetcoFoundation.

The Killeen Animal Shelter was formed in 1975 to meet the needs of the City of Killeen for both animal welfare and the public health. Since opening their doors, they have remained true to their mission in helping all animals in need, regardless of species or breed.  At the shelter, our employees care for and find permanent, loving homes for dogs, cats and other companion animals through adoption and rescue. Their mission is to provide temporary shelter, food, medical needs, and well being to all strays animals that were abandoned, neglected or injured and brought to us by the community.  Our ultimate goal is to restore lost animals to their owners or seek new homes for lost or stray animals.  We also seek to educate the public about the humane care of animals with a goal of reducing overpopulation.

At the Petco Foundation, they believe that every animal deserves to live its best life.  Since 1999, they have invested more than $157 million in lifesaving animal welfare work to make that happen. With their more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, they inspire and empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical care programs, spay and neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives. Through their Think Adoption First program, they partner with Petco stores and animal welfare organizations across the country to increase pet adoptions. So far, they’ve helped more than 4.9 million pets find new loving families, and they’re just getting started. Visit petcofoundation.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

For further information about the voucher program at the Killeen Animal Services contact Lt. McDaniel, at 254-526-4455 or by email – amcdaniel@killeentexas.gov .

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

In the early morning hours on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, Killeen Police Department responded to a rural area in west Bell County to assist the Temple Police Department with the discovery of a deceased male.  Support and investigative assistance was provided by the Killeen Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and by deputies with the Bell County Sheriff’s Department patrol division.    Killeen Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke was notified and responded to the scene where he ordered the body transported to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Science (SWIFS) in Dallas for autopsy and positive identification.

On Wednesday, July 18th, SWIFS identified the deceased as Hasson Lindsey, Jr., 21, a Killeen resident who had recently been reported missing.  His death was ruled a homicide.

This afternoon, Temple Detectives presented the case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office.  The case was accepted and a complaint was issued charging Oklahoma resident, Raymond McKinnon, 26, with the murder of Hasson Lindsey, Jr.  That complaint was reviewed by Justice of the Peace David Barfield, who issued a warrant for McKinnon’s arrest and set bond at one million dollars.  This is an active and ongoing investigation.

Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to the Temple Police Department.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

UPDATE – July 18, 2018

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Special Missions Unit, were able to identify the suspect in this case.  On Friday, July 13, 2018, the case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging 36 year-old Christopher Rodney Lee Deborde with Possession of Prohibited Weapons – Improvised Explosive Device (pipe bomb).  Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke issued a warrant for his arrest and suggested a bond of $200,000.  

On Monday, July 16, 2018, with the assistance from the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, KPD Detectives located and arrested Deborde without incident and transported him to the Killeen City Jail.  He is awaiting transport to the Bell County Jail.

On Wednesday, July 11, 2018, Killeen Police received a call at 2:32 p.m. from a Bell County Constable in reference to a suspicious device in the 4400 block of Maggie Dr.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they learned that the Constable was at a residence to serve an eviction notice when he was notified about a suspicious device.   Nearby residents were evacuated and the Fort Hood Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Team was contacted and asked to assist.

Fort Hood EOD arrived on scene and assessed the devices.  A second device was located and both devices were made safe and seized by agents with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. all agencies safely cleared the scene and residents were able to return to their homes.

The agencies involved in this incident were the Bell County Constable’s Office, Fort Hood EOD Team, BATFE and the Killeen Police Department Patrol Division.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Tuesday, October 2, 2018, neighborhoods throughout Killeen are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “35th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event.

National Night Out is designed to:  (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 2^nd, residents in neighborhoods throughout Killeen and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police.  Neighborhoods are encouraged to host a variety of events such as block parties, cookouts, contests, and youth activities.  Call and register your neighborhood so they will get a visit from the police department, fire department and McGruff the Crime Dog.

“The National Night Out program is an outstanding campaign to help build neighborhood unity and strengthen police-community partnerships.  On October 2^nd, we invite citizens of Killeen and neighborhoods nationwide to join forces with us to give Crime & Drugs a Going Away Party.”  It’s also a chance to have a really good time!

If you would like to register your neighborhood or find out more information please contact Tammy Moseley at (254) 501-8805.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Wednesday, July 11, 2018, Killeen Police received a call at 2:32 p.m. from a Bell County Constable in reference to a suspicious device in the 4400 block of Maggie Dr.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they learned that the Constable was at a residence to serve an eviction notice when he was notified about a suspicious device.   Nearby residents were evacuated and the Fort Hood Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Team was contacted and asked to assist.

Fort Hood EOD arrived on scene and assessed the devices.  A second device was located and both devices were made safe and seized by agents with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

At approximately 7:30 p.m. all agencies safely cleared the scene and residents were able to return to their homes.

The agencies involved in this incident were the Bell County Constable’s Office, Fort Hood EOD Team, BATF and the Killeen Police Department Patrol Division.

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Over the past several months, the Killeen Police Department, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), joined together to target violent crime in Killeen.  The Bell County Violent Crime Task Force, as organized by DPS, sent various elements of their operations to Killeen in order to support our crime fighting efforts.  In conjunction with KPD, over 800 traffic stops were conducted, numerous guns and narcotics were recovered and over 100 arrests were made.

The operation is on-gong and both agencies will continue to collaborate together to reduce violent crime in the City of Killeen.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department