On Friday, February 28, 2020, at approximately 9:38 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of W.S. Young Drive and Elms Road in reference to a 911 call about a major crash.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they were advised that three vehicles were involved in a crash.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a gray Dodge Charger and a black Mercedes Benz were traveling northbound at a high rate of speed on W.S. Young Drive.  A Dodge Journey was traveling southbound on W.S. Young and was in the turning lane to make a left turn.    When the driver turned at the intersection at W.S. Young and Elms, the Charger, which was in the outside lane, struck the passenger side of the SUV.  The impact caused the Journey to drift northeast, striking a signal light pole.  The Charger began to route clockwise and its left rear struck the Mercedes, which was in the inside lane, on the right side causing the Charger to turn counter clockwise and come to a rest.

The female passenger of the Journey was airlifted to Baylor & Scott and White in critical condition and the male driver and five children were transported by ambulance.  The male driver and female passenger of the Charger were transported to Seton Medical Center Harker Height with minor injuries.  The male driver and female passenger of the Mercedes reported no injuries.

Officers with the Killeen Police Department, Traffic Unit, are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to please contact Investigating Officer Matt Smith at (254) 501-8800.  This major crash continues to be investigated and information will be released as it becomes available.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

 2019 Uniform Crime Report

(RAW DATA ONLY, population increase/decrease not factored into data)

The Killeen Police Department has released its 2019 Part 1 Uniform Crime Report (UCR) for violent and non-violent crimes.  The data released are raw numbers and do not reflect the crime rates for Killeen, Texas.  The U.S. Census Bureau has not released the 2019 population estimates for Killeen.

Compared to 2018, Killeen’s 2019 Part 1 Reported UCR Crimes increased 3%.  The biggest contributing factor to the overall increase in crimes was auto thefts.  According to Chief Kimble, “we continue to encourage citizens to practice basic crime prevention techniques, unfortunately many citizens still leave their keys in their cars, leave them unlocked as well as leaving valuables in plain view.  We look forward to continuing our partnerships to make 2020 a safer year.”

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Press Release

For Immediate Release

February 19, 2018

UPDATE – February 24, 2020

To provide more information on the officer involved shooting that occurred on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, the driver, Paris Lamar Hunter, 29, was stopped by the officer for Obscured License Plate in violation of Texas Traffic Code. 

During the stop, which lasted for approximately three and half minutes, the officer observed furtive movements of both occupants.  As he approached the driver’s side and began communications with Hunter, he partially opened the door and the officer immediately pushed the door closed.  The officer explained the reason for the stop and he observed marijuana remnants on both of the occupants.  The officer repeatedly told both Hunter and the passenger to keep their hands where he could see them.  The officer continued with multiple commands to Hunter, asking him to place his hands on the steering wheel and to turn off the vehicle.   During the commands, Hunter opened the door a second time and the officer pushed the door closed.  Hunter was told multiple times to place his hands on the steering wheel and the passenger was told to place her hands on the dash in front of her.  Due to the driver and passenger failing to comply with the officers’ commands, the officer radioed dispatch to have backup sent immediately.  As a backup unit approached with its sirens and lights activated, Hunter lunged his body through the opened driver side window towards the officer.  The officer stepped back and discharged his duty weapon, striking Hunter once in the upper left shoulder.

The backup officer arrived, called for EMS and immediately began first aid on Hunter.   EMS arrived and transported Hunter to Baylor Scott & White in Temple.  During medical treatment, medical staff located and removed a baggie with suspected crack cocaine wedged in between his buttocks.    

A search of the vehicle revealed a handgun and suspected narcotics to include crack cocaine, marijuana and MDMA (ecstasy), which is pending lab results.   

On Thursday, February 20, 2020, a complaint was issued by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office charging Paris Lamar Hunter with Possession of a Controlled Substance over 4 grams under 200 grams.  

The passenger, Morgan Alexandria Cleveland, 23, was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Harris County for Prostitution, Fail to Identify Fugitive and Possession of Marijuana under 2 oz.  

The officer involved, Devonte Johnson, has been with the department for 3 years.

The investigation is still ongoing by the Texas Rangers and the Killeen Police Department Internal Affairs Unit continues its administrative review. 

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On February 18, 2020, at approximately 10:15 p.m., a patrol officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Veteran’s Memorial and Conder Street.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the officer observed two occupants and suspected narcotics.  The driver repeatedly failed to comply with officer commands to show his hands and the officer requested immediate assistance.  As the situation progressed, the driver appeared to try to exit the vehicle, opening the door into the officer, who pushed the door closed.  As the situation continued to develop, the officer discharged his weapon.

The driver was transported to Baylor Scott & White in Temple with non-life threatening injuries. The passenger was taken into custody for an unrelated warrant.

The Killeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division and Internal Affairs Unit responded to the scene and requested the assistance of the Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers for an independent investigation.  In accordance with policy, the Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an administrative review and the Texas Rangers will lead the primary investigation into this incident.  This investigation is in its infancy.

Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to the Texas Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer.

As per protocol, the officer will be placed on administrative leave.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, officers responded to a 911 call in reference to a domestic dispute in the 4200 block of Corrine Drive at 11:41 p.m.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they entered the residence and attempted to speak with the people involved in the dispute.  During that contact, a male resident was armed and pointed a weapon towards the officers.

The Tactical Response Unit was deployed and arrived to assist with this incident.  Three residents and two officers exited the residence without incident.  Over the next several hours the Crisis Negotiators spoke off and on with the 44 year-old male and attempted to get him to surrender.  At approximately 2:46 a.m., the 44 year old-male suspect exited the residence and was detained.  He was transported to the Killeen City Jail.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2020, the Bell County District Attorney’s Office reviewed this case and issued two complaints charging 44 year-old David Paul Lawrence with Aggravated Assault against a Public Servant.  Lawrence was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke and set his bond at $100,000 for each charge.  He is currently waiting transport to the Bell County Jail.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On February 18, 2020, at approximately 10:15 p.m., a patrol officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Veteran’s Memorial and Conder Street.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the officer observed two occupants and suspected narcotics.  The driver repeatedly failed to comply with officer commands to show his hands and the officer requested immediate assistance.  As the situation progressed, the driver appeared to try to exit the vehicle, opening the door into the officer, who pushed the door closed.  As the situation continued to develop, the officer discharged his weapon.

The driver was transported to Baylor Scott & White in Temple with non-life threatening injuries. The passenger was taken into custody for an unrelated warrant.

The Killeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division and Internal Affairs Unit responded to the scene and requested the assistance of the Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers for an independent investigation.  In accordance with policy, the Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an administrative review and the Texas Rangers will lead the primary investigation into this incident.  This investigation is in its infancy.

Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to the Texas Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer.

As per protocol, the officer will be placed on administrative leave.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

UPDATE – February 14, 2020

This is an update following the press conference held on Monday February 10, 2020.

The victim has been identified as Teckla Domesca, 19 of Killeen.

                                                       ###

On Monday, February 11, 2020, at approximately 9:28 PM, officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Cedar Dr. in reference to a potential medical call.  A caller advised that there was an individual not moving near the front porch of the residence.  Upon officer’s arrival, they found that the victim suffered from a gunshot wound.    

Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters pronounced the victim deceased at 10:11 PM. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Homicide Unit, continue to investigate this case. They are asking anyone who may have seen anything or 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(s) responsible, you could be eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

UPDATE – February 13, 2019
On Wednesday, February 12, 2020, the Bell County District Attorneys’ Office reviewed this case and returned a complaint charging Anthony Taylor Masters-Gutierrez, 27, with Murder. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke and bond was set at $1,000,000. He was transported to the Bell County Jail after arraignment.

The victim is identified as John Dearmontrice Mitchell, 27, of Killeen.

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On Monday, February 10, 2020, at approximately 5:27 P.M., officers were advised by Ft. Hood personnel that a subject was at the East Gate claiming to have murdered his roommate. Officers met with the subject and ascertained an address in Killeen where this may have occurred. Officers then went to the 2300 block of Andover Dr. and located a deceased individual within an apartment at that location.

The victim was pronounced deceased at 6:14 P.M. by Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas. The suspect was taken into custody and is in the Killeen City Jail.

Commander Ronnie Supak

Killeen Police Department

On February 12, 2020, the Killeen Police Department, in partnership with the Killeen Independent School District, conducted a traffic enforcement detail.  This was an effort to address complaints related to motorists failing to stop for school buses picking up and dropping off students as required by law, at various locations in Killeen. 

The detail consisted of a Traffic Unit officer riding the bus for the entirety of the bus route and calling out locations and violations by radio to other officers in the area.  This took place on a bus route in the northeast area of Killeen, from about 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM.  The project was met with enthusiasm by the many stakeholders, including residents of Killeen, the bus driver, and other members of the Department and the school district.  This morning one violator was stopped and a citation was issued.

It is important to remember that the primary goal in any proactive law enforcement detail, particularly those related to traffic safety, is compliance.  We would like to thank the many motorists who demonstrated concern for the safety of students by complying with the law.  We would also like to thank the community and local media for the overwhelmingly positive response to this effort.  We intend to expand this detail to other parts of the city in the near future, and will announce other dates as appropriate.

Commander Ronnie Supak

Killeen Police Department

On Monday, February 10, 2020, at approximately 5:27 P.M., officers were advised by Ft. Hood personnel that a subject was at the East Gate claiming to have murdered his roommate.  Officers met with the subject and ascertained an address in Killeen where this may have occurred.  Officers then went to the 2300 block of Andover Dr. and located a deceased individual within an apartment at that location.    

The victim was pronounced deceased at 6:14 P.M. by Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.  The suspect was taken into custody and is in the Killeen City Jail.

Commander Ronnie Supak
Killeen Police Department

The Killeen Police Department has received several complaints regarding motorists failing to stop for school buses picking up and dropping off students along various bus routes.  In addition to being a violation of state law (TRC 545.066), this represents a serious safety concern for the children in our community. 

To address this concern the department has partnered with Killeen Independent School District and will conduct a traffic enforcement detail.  In this detail, an officer will ride on a school bus and notify other officers in the area of violators.  Those officers will strictly enforce laws related to the failure to stop for school buses.  The first of these details will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., along a school bus route in the northeast sector of Killeen.

Citizens are encouraged to comply with all laws, and asked to pay particular attention to their surroundings while operating a vehicle in proximity to a school bus. 

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department