Killeen Police are seeking assistance in locating a female who may have information about the Danydia Thompson case.

Seven year old Danydia Thompson was abducted during the morning hours in the 900 block o Rev R.A. Abercrombie Dr. in Killeen, on April 30, 1997.  She was located deceased days later, south of Killeen along Highway 195.  Witnesses reported that she walked away from an area near the school with an adult black male.  She was last seen riding “piggy back” on her abductor near the intersection of Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard and Jeffries Avenue in Killeen.  Detectives have followed numerous leads and have reason to believe Maria Lashawn Taylor may have information about this case that could possibly lead to the arrest of a suspect.

Taylor has been known to live in Caldwell, TX and frequents cities in the Central Texas area.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information on Maria Lashawn Taylor’s whereabouts or has information about the Danydia Thompson case, to contact Crime Stoppers at 526-TIPS (8477), go online anonymously at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or text BELLCO along with the tip to 274637.  Text HELP to 274637 for help with the tip or text STOP to 274637 to stop the tip. All information is confidential and anonymous and if your tip leads to the arrest of the suspect in this case you could be eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Officers responded to a report of a suicidal subject in the 4500 block of Golden Gate at 11:38am on Friday, April 04, 2014.  Upon the officers’ arrival to 4509 Golden Gate, they were attempting to talk to the male at the residence but he was being uncooperative.  As the officers continued to attempt to speak with male, he came outside of the residence armed and began charging at one of the officers.  The officers commanded him to drop the weapons, but he continued to charge the officer in a threatening manner; the officer was forced to defend himself by using deadly force.

The suspect was immediately transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and underwent surgery.  He was subsequently airlifted to Scott and White Memorial Hospital and where he underwent another surgery; he was listed in critical condition at that time, but eventually released from Scott & White Hospital.

This case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging Titus Latchison with Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant.  He was also indicted by a Bell County Grand Jury on the Aggravated Assault charge.  Latchison was released after posting bond and was awaiting his trial.

On Saturday, Sepember 4, 2015, Titus Latchison was pronounced deceased at the VA Hospital in Temple.   Justice of the Peace Don Engleking ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

The Killeen Police Department is awaiting the final autopsy results that will determine Mr. Latchison’s cause of death.   It is unknown when the final autopsy results will be available.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police asking for assistance identifying a Theft and Debit/Credit Card Abuse suspect.

On Tuesday, August 25, 2015, an officer was notified of a theft that had taken place in the 5000 block of Tiffany Circle.  The reporting person advised their wallet had been stolen from their residence and their debit card had been used at a Walmart store in Killeen.

Detectives are asking anyone who can identify the suspect in this Theft and Debit/Credit Card Abuse, to contact Crime Stoppers at 526-TIPS (8377) or go online anonymously at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or text BELLCO along with the tip to 274637.  Text HELP to 274637 for help with the text or text STOP to 274637 to stop the tip.  All information is anonymous and confidential; if your information leads to the arrest of the suspect in this case you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Tuesday, October 6, 2015, neighborhoods throughout Killeen are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “32nd 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 6pm to 9pm on October 6^th, 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 6^th, 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 want more information please contact Killeen Police Department Crime Prevention Coordinator, Tammy Moseley at 501-8805.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police investigate a Fraudulent Use of Identifying Information case.

On Monday, August 24, 2015, detectives with the Killeen Police Department were asked by detectives with the Coppell, TX, Police Department for assistance. There was a report filed in Coppell after the victim had his debit card used without his permission in Killeen.  The victim found that purchases were made at three different locations in Killeen and a still photo was obtained of the suspect.

Detectives are asking if anyone can identify the person in the attached photo to contact Crime Stoppers at 526-TIPS (8477) or go online anonymously at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or text BELLCO along with the tip to 274637.  Text HELP to 274637 for help with the tip or text STOP to 274637 to stop the tip.  All information is confidential and you can remain anonymous.  If your tip leads to the arrest of the suspect you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Carroll Smith

Public Affairs

Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police are investigating a stabbing in the 700 block of E. Ave. G.

Officers responded to a report of stabbing at 710 E. Ave. G on Monday, September 07, 2015, at 9:57am. Upon the officers arrival they located a 49 year old male with a stab wound.  He was transported to Metroplex Hospital with what is believed to be a non life threatening wound.

The preliminary investigation revealed that there was an altercation and at some point during the altercation the male was stabbed with an unknown object.

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

Carroll Smith

Public Affairs

Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police investigate a mid morning stabbing.

Officers responded to a report of a stabbing at the First Cash Pawn located at 908 W. Rancier Ave., on Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at 9:50am.   The preliminary information is that two males, that appeared to know each other, were involved in an altercation inside the business when one of the males stabbed the other. The suspect fled the area.  The victim, a 45 year old male, was transported to Scott & White in serious condition.

There is no information at this time on the suspect and the case is still being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Division.  Information will be released as it becomes available.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this incident, to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online anonymously at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or text BELLCO along with your tip anonymously to 274637.  Text HELP to 274637 for help with the tip or text STOP to 274637 to stop the tip.  All information is confidential and if your tip leads to the arrest of person responsible for this crime, you could be eligible to receive up to $1,000 in cash.

Carroll Smith

Public Affairs

Killeen Police Department

Officers responded to numerous 911 calls telling them about a major crash in the 3500 block of Watercrest Road at 10:16pm, on Friday, August 21, 2015.

Upon the officers’ arrival they located a dark gray 2007 Ford Mustang in the middle of the roadway, occupied by 2 males, and a silver 2000 Mercedes Benz SUV on the south side off the roadway.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the Ford Mustang was traveling westbound on Watercrest at a high rate of speed; at some point the driver lost control and the vehicle began to spin out of control continuing westbound into the oncoming lanes colliding with the Mercedes SUV.   The Mustang’s driver side collided with the front of the Mercedes, pinning the driver inside.   The 34 year old female driver of the Mercedes was transported to Metroplex Hospital with non life threatening injuries and the passenger in the Mustang was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition; he was later transferred to the Baylor Scott & White Hospital.  The 21 year old driver of the Mustang, a Fort Hood soldier, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Garland Potvin at 10:55pm.  There will not be an autopsy performed.

The name of the deceased has been withheld pending the notification of their next of kin. The names of the other occupants have also been withheld due to the severity of the crash.

The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate this crash and information will be released as it becomes available.

Carroll Smith

Public Affairs

Killeen Police Department

On Friday, August, 14, 2015, a series of robberies started where a male suspect entered various businesses with a mask covering his face and a knife in his hand.  The male demanded money from the businesses and made off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The first robbery occurred in Bell County at a Dollar General, and was investigated by the Bell County Sheriff’s Office.  Over the next few days, a Subway Restaurant in Copperas Cove, a Subway Restaurant in Gatesville, two Subway Restaurants in Killeen and two Dollar General Stores also in Killeen, were robbed by the same suspect.

The Killeen Police Department worked together with the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, Copperas Cove Police Department, and the Gatesville Police Department and a suspect was identified and placed under arrest.  The suspect was identified as 31 year old Alfredo Eldridge Coleman Jr. of Killeen. Justice of the Peace Garland Potvin set his bond at $850,000; he is currently in the Killeen City Jail awaiting transfer to the Bell County Jail.

The agencies continue to investigate these robberies and information will be released as it becomes available.

Ofelia Miramontez

Public Affairs

Killeen Police Department