KILLEEN TO JOIN CITIES NATIONWIDE FOR ‘AMERICA’S NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME’.

On Tuesday, October 1, 2019, neighborhoods throughout Killeen are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “36th 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 1^st, 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 1^st, 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 Sunday, June 30, 2019, at approximately 11:05 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Clear Creek Road and Golden Gate Drive in reference to a suspicious vehicle. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located an unresponsive male inside a pick-up truck.

The sole occupant, 33 year-old Seth Ward, was pronounced deceased at 11:28 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke.  He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

The preliminary investigation has indicated that Ward’s death is the result of a Homicide.  Detectives with the Homicide Unit continue to investigate this incident, and additional information will be released when available.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have seen Seth Ward between Saturday, June 29, and Sunday June 30, or anyone with information about this Homicide, 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(s) 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 would like to wish everyone a Happy Independence Day.  We also want to remind the citizens of Killeen about the responsibility to celebrate safely and legally.

• Drivers are encouraged to observe the posted speed limits and to avoid drinking and driving for their own safety and the safety of others.
• Fireworks are illegal to discharge within city limits and it shall be unlawful for any person to possess, store, offer for sale, sell at retail, or use or explode any fireworks within the corporate limits of the city and within the area immediately adjacent and contiguous to the city limits and extending outside the city limits for a distance of five thousand (5,000) feet, unless such area is within the corporate limits of another municipality. Any person in violation may be charged with a class C misdemeanor and a fine up to $2,000.00. The use of fireworks can put an unnecessary strain on police and fire departments.
• Fireworks are dangerous and citizens should understand the associated risks, which can include burns, injuries, fire and even death.  Leave the fireworks to professionals and enjoy one of the area shows.
• Loud, unexpected noises such as fireworks may affect combat veterans suffering with PTSD.

Please celebrate safely and responsibly.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

The chill is on again this summer! For 24 years, 7-Eleven, Inc. has enabled law enforcement agencies to connect with kids through its Operation Chill community service program. 7-Eleven^® works with local police and sheriff’s departments donating free Slurpee^® drink coupons that they can distribute to children and youth caught being safe or doing good. Killeen Police Officers will be dispensing well-deserved Slurpee^® justice to good kids and youth in Killeen.

During 2019, 7-Eleven will issue approximately 1.475 million Slurpee coupons to more than 1,100 law enforcement agencies and they will be distributed in Killeen, most during the summer months and back-to-school season.

Officers will be looking for kids who might be helping another person, deterring crime or participating in a positive activity in the community.  Although the reasons for being “ticketed” are varied, the end result is the same for every youngster: a free Slurpee drink and a smiling kid. Each coupon can be redeemed for a small Slurpee drink at participating 7-Eleven stores.

“We are always looking for ways to help our officers build strong relationships in the community.  The coupons are great for officers who are on patrol and Operation Chill makes it easy to interact with kids in a positive way,” said Chief of Police Charles Kimble.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department