On Thursday, June 20, 2019, at approximately 7:47p.m., officers were dispatched 2800 block of Larissa Drive.  While officers were enroute, they were advised of a shooting victim.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a 47 year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound.  She was immediately airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in Temple in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim and suspect were involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical.  During the altercation, the victim was shot and the suspect fled to a nearby residence and barricaded herself.  Approximately 15 minutes later, the suspect exited the residence and surrendered.  The suspect was arrested without incident and transported to the Killeen City Jail.

On Saturday, June 22, 2019, this case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorneys’ Office and a complaint was returned charging Cynthia Ann Wilson with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  Wilson was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters and set her bond $200,000.  Wilson is currently in the Bell County Jail.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Sunday, June 23, 2019, at approximately 5:09 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2200 block of Wheeler Avenue in reference to a burglary of a habitation. Upon the officers’ arrival, they were told that the victim was sleeping in the bedroom when the victim heard noises inside the residence.  As the victim was retrieving a handgun, an unknown male entered the bedroom and the victim fired a shot at the suspect. The suspect fled the area eastbound on Wheeler Avenue.

The suspect is described as a black male, early 20’s, approximately 5’6” tall and weighing approximately 135 pounds.  He was last seen wearing gray sweat pants and with no shirt.  Detectives believe the suspect was wounded during this incident.

Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this incident, 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

On Friday, May 30, 2019, officers were dispatched to the 2800 block of Lake Road in reference to a shooting victim.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they were told that the incident occurred in the area of Hunt Circle and Westcliff Road.  The victim was immediately airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in Temple in stable condition.

Through the investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Violent Crimes Unit, were able to identify two suspects involved in this case.  The case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and complaints were returned charging 21 year-old Eric David Madden for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and 20 year-old Shyheem Jubar Washington for Fail to report a Felony.

On Tuesday, June 18, 2019, officers received information that Madden and Washington were involved in the Murder on Fleetwood.  At approximately 8:50 p.m., CID detectives and with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service-Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Madden and Washington were located and apprehended without incident in the 3300 block of Stan Schlueter Loop.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Through the investigation, detectives were able to identify multiple suspects involved in this case. On Thursday, June 20, 2019, the Bell County District Attorneys’ Office reviewed this case and returned three complaints charging the following adult individuals with Murder.  Each of the adult suspects had additional warrants and they were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke.  

• 20 year-old Shyheem Jubar Washington, charged with Murder, bond set at $1,000,000. Warrant for Fail to report a Felony, bond set at $5,000.
• 46 year-old Dexter Gervard Washington, charged with Murder, bond set at $1,000,000. Warrant for Bond Forfeiture-Assault with Bodily Injury-Family, bond set at $20,000.
• 21 year-old Eric David Madden, charged with Murder, bond set at $1,000,000. Warrant for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, bond set at $100,000 and Parole Violation for Possession of Heroin, no bond.

One juvenile suspect was also taken into custody in connection with this case

•  15 year-old juvenile male, charged with Murder.

 ###

Killeen Police Investigate a Homicide on Fleetwood.

On Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at approximately 5:36 p.m., Killeen Police were dispatched to the area of Fleetwood Drive and Greengate Drive after receiving numerous 911 calls about shots fired.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male in the 1900 block of Fleetwood Drive, suffering from a gunshot wound.  The victim was immediately transported to Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights in critical condition.

The victim, 28 year-old Luis Angel Santiago, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters at 6:55 p.m.  An autopsy has been ordered to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensics Sciences of Dallas.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at approximately 5:36 p.m., Killeen Police were dispatched to the area of Fleetwood Drive and Greengate Drive after receiving numerous 911 calls about shots fired.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male in the 1900 block of Fleetwood Drive, suffering from a gunshot wound.  The victim was immediately transported to Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was in a verbal altercation with numerous individuals in a vehicle when shots were fired and the victim was shot.  The others involved fled the scene prior to police arrival.

The victim, 28 year-old Luis Angel Santiago, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters at 6:55 p.m.  An autopsy has been ordered to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensics Sciences of Dallas.

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

The Killeen Police Department was informed of allegations against a Killeen Police Officer, which had been reported to the Harker Heights Police Department of an alleged injury to a child case.  On Wednesday, June 12, 2019, the Bell County Grand Jury indicted Officer Sarah Hydorn charging her with Injury to a Child.  Due to the indictment, the officer was placed on administrative leave without pay.

On Thursday, June 13, 2019, Officer Sarah Hydorn, a six-year veteran with the department, turned herself into the Bell County Jail and was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Theodore R. Duffield, who set her bond at $25,000.

Chief Kimble stated, “This temporary leave is not intended to reflect an opinion on the merits of the case.  It is in accordance with Civil Service Law.  The department will conduct a thorough investigation into this matter.”

Because this is an open case, there will be no further information released, interviews given or further comments at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Department conducted the “Officer on a Train” detail event on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, in order to bring awareness to the community about railroad crossing and railroad devices.  The attached video link shows two of the violators disregarding the railroad stop signal.

https://youtu.be/2jCvHCvnLrU

The following violations occurred in the officer’s presence during the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at eight separate locations.

• 60 citations were issued for Disregard Railroad Signal
• 6 citations were issued for Parked on Tracks
• 4 citations were issued for No Seat Belt
• 3 citations were issued for Fail to Stop at Railroad Crossing
• 3 citations were issued for No Driver’s License
• 2 citations were issued for No Insurance
• 2 citations were issued for Interference with Railroad Property
• 1 citation was issued for Fail to Display Driver’s License
• 1 citation was issued for Driving While License Invalid
• 1 citation was issued for Ran Red Light
• 1 citation was issued for Loud Noise

A total of 84 citations were issued for various violations.

One arrest was made for Interference with Railroad Property due to the fact the subject would not sign the citation. 

 Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

The Killeen Police Department and BNSF Railway will be conducting  an  “Officer  on  the  Train”  event  in  support  of  International  Level  Crossing Awareness Day on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  The intent of these activities is to give Police Officers an opportunity to approach a crossing from the locomotive engineer’s perspective.  In addition to having an officer on the train, other officers will be on hand to issue citations to those drivers and pedestrians who disregard the railroad warning devices.

Texas law requires motorists to stop no closer than 15 feet or farther than 50 feet from the nearest rail if; a clearly visible signal, a crossing gate or barrier is lowered, or flagger warns of the approach of a train.  Motorists must also stop if the warning barriers are being lowered, are already down  or  are  being  opened, and  must  remain  stopped until  the  barriers  are  fully opened.

Since 1977, Texas Operation Lifesaver has been working to spread the safety message throughout the state by educating the public through free presentations and other safety activities.  Due to the number of crossings and track miles in the state, Texas has a high number of collisions resulting in fatalities and injuries. However, we still need to get all motorists to think about safety when they approach a crossing. People should “LOOK, LISTEN and LIVE!”

Trespassing is being on railroad property or around train tracks without the railroads’ permission. Jogging, walking on the track or crossing at other than designated rail crossings is also trespassing.   Texas has the highest number of trespassing incidents resulting in either injury or death. Pedestrians should “STAY OFF, STAY AWAY and STAY ALIVE!”

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Officers were dispatched to a 911 call in reference to a shooting victim in the 4700 block of Greenlee Drive on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at approximately 4:14 a.m.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male suffering from a gunshot wound.  Officers’ immediately started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived.

The victim, 29 year-old Kevin Lebriant Thomas, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 5:02 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

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

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Homicide Unit are asking anyone who has information about this Murder, 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 Texas Rangers have completed an investigation into an officer-involved shooting.   On February 27, 2019, the Killeen Police Department served a search warrant at 215 West Hallmark Avenue and during this operation, James Reed was killed in an armed confrontation with Killeen police officers.

Per standard department protocol, the Texas Rangers were requested to conduct a thorough, non-biased investigation of the officer-involved shooting.  The investigation revealed that projectiles were fired into the back of the residence. While these rounds did not result in any injuries, they were not in compliance with the planned operation.

Anthony Custance, who was a member of the Killeen Police Department Tactical Response Unit, was ultimately identified as the responsible party despite deceptive conduct and attempts to interfere with the progress of the investigation, including tampering with his rifle and ammunition. The results of the investigation were forwarded to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution of the former Killeen police officer.

The Killeen Police Department began an internal investigation into Custance’s actions.  Custance resigned during the course of these investigations.

On Wednesday, June 5, 2019, the Texas Rangers presented their entire investigation to the Grand Jury.  No further investigation or action will be made by the Grand Jury in connection with the execution of the search warrant.  The Grand Jury did return an indictment against Anthony Custance for Tampering with Evidence.

On Thursday, June 6, 2019, Anthony Custance turned himself into the Bell County Jail and was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman who set his bond at $100,000.

“Killeen Police Department has a very clear code of ethics, and this officer’s actions during and after the incident were unacceptable,” said Chief Charles Kimble. “Public trust is paramount to law enforcement, and unethical behavior within the department will not be tolerated.”

The Killeen Police Department would like to thank the community for its support and patience while these investigations were completed.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department