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

The Killeen Police Department would like to wish everyone a Happy Independence Day.  We also want to remind our residents about the responsibility to celebrate safely and legally.

• 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.
• Pets and Fireworks don’t mix.  The Animal Services Unit has an influx of animals after the holiday because pets are left unattended and they become frightened or disoriented from the noise.  Remember to keep your pets in an escape-proof home, as many can jump over or dig under a fence in their panic from the noise.  Make sure your pet is micro-chipped.
• 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

On June 27 and 28, 2018, members of the Killeen Police Department Criminal Investigation Division were joined by the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and the Bell County Sheriff’s Department for a Warrant Round Up.  The primary goal of the Roundup was to apprehend known violent or habitual criminals including documented gang members and suspects known to be involved in the drug trade.  During these two days, multiple teams from DPS CID, KPD CID and BCSD worked to locate and apprehend 18 wanted fugitives.  These suspects were arrested on a variety of outstanding warrants such as Aggravated Assaults, Narcotics Violations, Parole Violations, Theft and Criminal Mischief.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

In 2017, the Killeen Police Department requested assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Diagnostic Center with assessing the scope of violent crime, reviewing existing response strategies and understanding community perspectives on crime and community engagement. It was anticipated that working with the Diagnostic Center would help the Killeen Police Department with implementing proactive strategies to reduce crime, use resources more efficiently and build positive relationships with the community.

As a training and technical assistance resource, the OJP Diagnostic Center has been able to provide customized technical assistance to help other state, county, city and tribal communities build capacity to reduce violence and other serious crimes in their jurisdictions, and it is anticipated that their assistance will provide the same benefits to the Police Department and citizens of Killeen.

Chief Kimble States “A safer Killeen is a goal we all share as a community, and it is believed that the in depth analysis and fresh perspectives being presented by the Office of Justice Programs can provide a blueprint of effective strategies that will allow us to focus our resources and meet that objective.”

On Monday, June 25, 2018, at 1:30PM representatives from the OJP Diagnostic Center will meet with the Killeen Police Department, local stakeholder agencies and community representatives in the Community Room of the Police Headquarters, located at 3304 Community Blvd., to deliver the findings of the assessment and recommended strategies that can be implemented to achieve a sustainable reduction in violent crime, while maintaining positive relationships with the community. Specifically, the presentation will outline:

• Analysis of key findings
• Model programs for violence reduction
• Recommendations for improvements in crime reduction practices and community engagement

A copy of the Diagnostic Center’s report will be available on the PD’s website after 2:00PM on Monday June 25^th.  To view a copy visit www.killeenpd.com .

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

On Thursday, June 21, 2018, at approximately 12:36 a.m., Officers were dispatched to the 5400 block of Veterans Memorial Boulevard in reference to a 911 call about a crash.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they located two people lying in the roadway.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the two pedestrians, an adult female and a female child, were walking on Veterans Memorial Boulevard, when they were struck by a black 4-door Hyundai that was traveling eastbound in the inside lane, near Dogwood Boulevard.  The occupant of the vehicle reported no injuries.

Justice of the Peace Claudia Brown pronounced 32 year-old Ashley Carol Leonetti of Harker Heights and the 2 year-old juvenile child deceased at 1:15 a.m.  She ordered autopsies to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

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

On Friday, June 1, 2018, at 9:52 p.m., Officers responded to a 911 call in reference to a crash involving a car and a motorcycle, in the 5200 block of Bridgewood Dr.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed on Bridgewood Dr., when the driver of a 2014 Jaguar backed without safety onto the roadway from a private driveway; resulting in the motorcycle to colliding with the back right quarter panel of the vehicle.  The impact caused the rider of the motorcycle to be ejected and collide with a parked vehicle in the southbound lane of Bridgewood Dr., with the rider eventually coming to a rest in the roadway.  The victim was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The operator of the motorcycle, 54 year-old Haywood J. Stricklen, was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by medical authorities at 10:37 p.m.

This crash continues to be investigated by the Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit and information will be released as it becomes available.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Thursday, May 31, 2018, at approximately 8:33 a.m., officers were notified that a female suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest was dropped off at Metroplex Hospital.  The 31 year-old victim was subsequently airlifted to Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital in stable condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the shooting incident occurred in the 800 block of Sissom Road.   The victim and a female suspect were involved in a verbal altercation about the use of a vehicle, when the suspect produced a handgun.  The two females began to struggle over the keys and the handgun, when the handgun discharged, striking the victim.

On Friday, June 01, 2018, this case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, and a complaint was returned charging 38 year-old Nazeema Nicole Augustin with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. Augustin was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke and he set her bond at $100,000.  Augustin will be transported to the Bell County Jail.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department