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Killeen Police Organized Crime Unit Seize Narcotics and Arrest Seven People

Killeen, TX (October 24, 2023): On Thursday, October 19, 2023, detectives with the Special Investigation Division, conducted a special detail at the Venom Vape/Sweep Stakes located at 1518 S. Fort Hood Street due to crime and narcotic complaints. During the operation, officers arrested seven individuals for Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 (under 1 gram), Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 (over 1 gram under 4) Fail to Identify Fugitive, Fail to ID, Walking in the Roadway, Resisting Arrest, Search or Transport, and Felony Warrant for Debit Card Abuse.

On Friday, October 20, 2023, detectives conducted an inspection, with the assistance of the Killeen Fire Marshals, Killeen Code Enforcement, and Killeen Building Inspectors. During the inspection, illegal narcotics were displayed inside the business. A narcotics search warrant was executed, and detectives seized 120 grams of THC products, 56 grams of marijuana, 8 electronic gambling devices (computer towers), 6 gambling ledgers, gambling paraphernalia, and $36,117.00 in US currency.

The investigation into the illegal gambling is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police and Texas Rangers Release Name of Deceased Male

Killeen, TX (October 24, 2023): The name of the deceased male has been identified as William Frank Lee.

Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to Sgt. Bryan Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE AND TEXAS RANGERS ARE INVESTIGATING AN OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING

Killeen, TX (October 20, 2023): On Friday, October 20, 2023, at approximately 5:39 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Southside Drive in reference to a 911 call about a violent domestic with weapons. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male in the roadway suffering from a stab wound and a second male armed with a knife in close proximity. The responding officer discharged his weapon, striking the armed male with the knife.

Both males were transported to Baylor Scott & White in Temple. The stabbing victim (36 years-old) is currently in critical, but stable condition. The armed male (38 years-old) succumbed to his injuries.

As per protocol, the officer, a 5-year veteran, will be placed on administrative leave.
The Texas Rangers responded to the scene and are the lead investigating agency. The Killeen Police Department Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an internal investigation.

Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to Sgt. Bryan Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police and Texas Rangers are Investigating an Officer Involved Shooting

Killeen, TX (October 20, 2023): On Friday, October 20, 2023, at approximately 5:39 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Southside Drive in reference to a 911 call about a violent domestic with weapons. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male in the roadway suffering from a stab wound and a second male armed with a knife in close proximity. The responding officer discharged his weapon, striking the armed male with the knife.

Both males were transported to Baylor Scott & White in Temple.  The stabbing victim (36 years-old) is currently in critical, but stable condition.  The armed male (38 years-old) succumbed to his injuries.

As per protocol, the officer, a 5-year veteran, will be placed on administrative leave.

The Texas Rangers responded to the scene and are the lead investigating agency. The Killeen Police Department Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an internal investigation.

Any further requests for information surrounding this incident can be directed to Sgt. Bryan Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Introduction of Fusus Technology for Enhanced Community Safety

I am writing to introduce an innovative technological solution that promises to enhance our community’s safety and security significantly. Ensuring the safety of our residents is a top priority for the Killeen Police Department and the City of Killeen. In our ongoing effort to employ cutting-edge tools and strategies for this purpose, we are excited to bring to your attention the Fusus technology platform as part of our Real Time Crime Center initiative.

Fusus is a state-of-the-art security and investigation system providing incident-based monitoring, analysis, and advanced response capabilities. This platform integrates sensors, cameras, and other data sources into a unified, user-friendly interface. Its advanced features allow for rapid detection and response to potential security threats, ensuring a swift and effective response from the Killeen Police Department.

Key features of the Fusus technology include:

  • Incident-Based Monitoring: Officers will be able to receive actionable intelligence from Fusus when dispatched to an incident.
  • Collaborative Response: Fusus facilitates seamless communication and information sharing among law enforcement agencies, first responders, and our community’s security personnel. This open platform helps facilitate community ownership of public safety and precision policing, ultimately bringing the city of Killeen into the future of public safety.
  • Community Tipline: Community members can easily text a publicly available number to law enforcement without needing an app. This data is automatically stored in a cloud-based vault, as is all other data pertinent to investigations.
  • Privacy Protection: Fusus technology is designed with stringent privacy safeguards to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and protect individuals’ rights. Moreover, community members registering their private camera feeds with their respective agencies can determine how much they share.
  • Future-proof: The Fusus platform allows agencies to integrate their existing infrastructure while considering that their infrastructure may change over time. Fusus users are not forced into overhauling any hardware or purchasing specific cameras to use the platform, for example.
  • Intelligent Analysis: The platform employs advanced analytics and artificial intelligence algorithms to identify unusual patterns, behaviors, and object detection, providing an extra layer of security.

We believe implementing Fusus technology will significantly enhance our community’s safety and security. We are committed to working closely with residents, community leaders, and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the deployment of this technology is transparent and responsible.

In the coming weeks, we will organize informational sessions and community forums to allow you to learn more about Fusus technology, ask questions, and share your thoughts and concerns. Your input is invaluable in shaping how we utilize this powerful tool to benefit our community.

We ask that you complete a survey and share your thoughts. Your responses will remain confidential and will not be shared. Click on either the QR Code below.

Real Time Crime Center Survey

We look forward to your active participation and collaboration in this important endeavor. Together, we can create a safer and more secure environment for all residents and visitors of Killeen.

Pedro Lopez, Jr.
Chief of Police
Killeen Police Department

Introducción de la Tecnología Fusus para Mejorar la Seguridad de la Comunidad

Le escribo para presentarle una solución tecnológica innovadora que promete mejorar significativamente la seguridad de nuestra comunidad. Garantizar la seguridad de nuestros residentes es una prioridad para el Departamento de Policía de Killeen y la Ciudad de Killeen. En nuestro esfuerzo continuo por emplear herramientas y estrategias de última generación para este propósito, nos complace llamar su atención sobre la plataforma tecnológica Fusus como parte de nuestra iniciativa Real Time Crime Center.

Fusus es un sistema de seguridad e investigación de última generación que proporciona capacidades avanzadas de monitoreo, análisis y respuesta basadas en incidentes. Esta plataforma integra sensores, cámaras y otras fuentes de datos en una interfaz unificada y fácil de usar. Sus características avanzadas permiten una rápida detección y respuesta a posibles amenazas de seguridad, lo que garantiza una respuesta rápida y eficaz del Departamento de Policía de Killeen.

Las características clave de la tecnología Fusus incluyen:

  • Monitoreo basado en incidentes: Los oficiales podrán recibir inteligencia procesable de Fusus cuando sean enviados a un incidente.
  • Respuesta colaborativa: Fusus facilita la comunicación fluida y el intercambio de información entre los organismos encargados de hacer cumplir la ley, los socorristas y el personal de seguridad de nuestra comunidad. Esta plataforma abierta ayuda a facilitar la apropiación comunitaria de la seguridad pública y la vigilancia policial de precisión, lo que en última instancia lleva a la ciudad de Killeen hacia el futuro de la seguridad pública.
  • Línea de información comunitaria: Los miembros de la comunidad pueden enviar fácilmente un mensaje de texto con un número disponible públicamente a las fuerzas del orden público sin necesidad de una aplicación. Estos datos se almacenan automáticamente en una bóveda basada en la nube, al igual que todos los demás datos pertinentes a las investigaciones.
  • Protección de la privacidad: La tecnología de Fusus está diseñada con estrictas medidas de seguridad de la privacidad para garantizar el cumplimiento de todas las normativas aplicables y proteger los derechos de las personas. Además, los miembros de la comunidad que graban sus imágenes de cámaras privadas con sus respectivas agencias pueden determinar cuánto comparten.
  • Preparado para el futuro: La plataforma Fusus permite a las agencias integrar su infraestructura existente teniendo en cuenta que su infraestructura puede cambiar con el tiempo. Los usuarios de Fusus no están obligados a revisar ningún hardware ni a comprar cámaras específicas para utilizar la plataforma, por ejemplo.
  • Análisis inteligente: La plataforma emplea análisis avanzados y algoritmos de IA para identificar patrones, comportamientos y detección de objetos inusuales, lo que proporciona una capa adicional de seguridad.

Creemos que la implementación de la tecnología Fusus mejorará significativamente la seguridad de nuestra comunidad. Estamos comprometidos a trabajar en estrecha colaboración con los residentes, los líderes comunitarios y las agencias de aplicación de la ley para garantizar que la implementación de esta tecnología sea transparente y responsable.

En las próximas semanas, organizaremos sesiones informativas y foros de la comunidad para permitirle obtener más información sobre la tecnología de Fusus, hacer preguntas y compartir sus pensamientos e inquietudes. Su aporte es invaluable para dar forma a la forma en que usamos esta poderosa herramienta para beneficiar a nuestra comunidad.

Le pedimos que complete una encuesta y comparta sus pensamientos. Sus respuestas serán confidenciales y no serán compartidas. Haga clic en el código QR a continuación.

Encuesta del Centro de Delitos en Tiempo Real

Esperamos contar con su participación y colaboración activa en este importante esfuerzo. Juntos, podemos crear un entorno más seguro para todos los residentes y visitantes de Killeen.

Sinceramente,

Pedro López Jr.
Jefe de Policía
Departamento de Policía de Killeen

Killeen Police Investigate a Multiple-Vehicle Crash on Stan Schlueter Loop

On Friday, October 13, 2023, at approximately 7:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1300 Block of E Stan Schlueter Loop in reference to a crash. Upon the officers arrival, they located five vehicles that were involved.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a blue Dodge Charger was traveling eastbound on E Stan Schlueter Loop in the inside lane approaching the intersection of E Stan Schlueter Loop and Trimmier Road. The Dodge Charger exited its lane and struck a vehicle that was traveling in the outside lane. The Dodge Charger continued to travel eastbound at a high rate of speed, when it struck a second vehicle in the left-hand turn only lane in the 1300 Block of E Stan Schlueter Loop. The Dodge Charger continued to travel eastbound, striking a third vehicle. The Dodge Charger lost control and struck a vehicle head-on that was traveling westbound of E Stan Schlueter Loop. The Dodge Charger subsequently caught fire.

Patients from all vehicles were transported to local hospitals with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

The roadway was closed for several hours for investigation.

The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit is currently investigating this crash and there is no additional information at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Releases Name of the 54-Year-Old Female

Killeen, TX (October 12, 2023): Killeen Police have notified next of kin of the decedent, LaTonya Thomas of Killeen.

The Texas Rangers was notified and are the lead investigating agency. Any inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to Sgt. Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE AND TEXAS RANGERS INVESTIGATE AN IN-CUSTODY DEATH

Killeen, TX (October 10, 2023): On Monday, October 9, 2023, the Killeen Police Department arrested a 54-year-old female and transported her to the Killeen Police Department Jail. Upon arriving at the jail, she was placed in a cell. When the officers and jail staff went to check on the female, they noticed she was unresponsive. Officers immediately started to perform life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. Killeen paramedics transported the female to Advent Health. The female was pronounced deceased by medical staff.

The Texas Rangers was notified and are the lead investigating agency. Any inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to Sgt. Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police and Texas Rangers Investigate an In-Custody Death

Killeen, TX (October 10, 2023): On Monday, October 9, 2023, the Killeen Police Department arrested a 54-year-old female and transported her to the Killeen Police Department Jail. Upon arriving at the jail, she was placed in a cell. When the officers and jail staff went to check on the female, they noticed she was unresponsive. Officers immediately started to perform life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. Killeen paramedics transported the female to Advent Health. The female was pronounced deceased by medical staff.

The Texas Rangers was notified and are the lead investigating agency. Any inquiries regarding the investigation should be directed to Sgt. Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Respond to a Dog Incident on Brewster

Killeen, TX (September 15, 2023): On Thursday, September 14, 2023, at approximately 4:29 p.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to the 900 block of Brewster Avenue to assist Killeen Paramedics. They were told a dog had attacked and bit one of the EMS personnel. The Animal Control Unit responded and were able to contain that dog, when a second dog attacked and bit the Animal Control Officer. That is when a patrol officer discharged his duty issued firearm, striking it. The second dog was subsequently contained by another Animal Control Officer.

No other injuries were reported.

Officers attempted to contact the owner of the dogs but were unsuccessful.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Organized Crime Unit Arrest Fugitive and Seize Drugs

Killeen, TX (September 14, 2023): On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division Organized Crime Unit executed a felony arrest warrant at a residence in the 1400 block of Shoshoni Trail, Harker Heights, Texas, on a wanted subject. During the apprehension, detectives detected the odor of marijuana emitting from the residence. A search warrant was obtained and executed.

Detectives recovered two (2) handguns, two (2) cellphones and drug paraphernalia during the search of the residence.

Detectives also recovered 14,600 grams (32 pounds) of marijuana, 176 grams (6.2 ounces) of THC vape oil, 1,566 grams (3.45 pounds) of cocaine, 28 grams (1 ounce) THC wax, 8 mushroom bars, and $8,187.00 cash.

One person was arrested and transported to the Killeen City Jail and charges are pending.

The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Arrest Murder Suspect

UPDATE NEWS RELEASE – Killeen, TX (September 7, 2023): Arrest made on the ninth Murder in the City of Killeen for 2023.

With the assistance of the community and numerous crime stopper tips, Detectives with the Killeen Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Unit were able to identify the suspect in this case.

On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, detectives presented this case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a criminal complaint was issued charging Angelica Sharice Lamar Higgins, 32, with Murder. Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman issued an arrest warrant for Lamar Higgins.

On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the U.S. Marshals Lonestar Fugitive -Task Force located Angelica Sharice Lamar Higgins at a residence in Harker Heights, TX. She was apprehended and taken into custody without incident. Higgins was transported to the Bell County Jail and Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey arraigned her and set her bond at $1,000,000.

The next of kin has been notified and the victim has been identified as Valeria Favila.

We would like to thank the community for their assistance in this case.

The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.

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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE AN EARLY MORNING SHOOTING

Killeen, TX (September 1, 2023): Killeen Police are investigating the ninth Murder in the City of Killeen for 2023.

On Friday, September 1, 2023, at approximately 2:41 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Atlas Avenue in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a female suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition.

The 22-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at 3:57 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson.

The identity of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The department is asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this Murder, to contact the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at http://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.

The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department