In our ongoing efforts to perform our essential functions to protect and serve the public, we will be taking several proactive measures to keep our officers, staff and the community safe starting March 20, 2020 until further notice.

Our number one goal and priority is to respond as quickly as possible to life-threatening emergencies, but we want to limit face to face contact as much as possible in accordance to CDC guidelines.  Officers will continue to respond in-person to calls where there is a life safety issue or if it is a call that cannot be taken by phone due to the nature of the call.

Given the current situation with COVID-19 and the recommendations from the CDC, we are taking the following steps:

• For emergencies continue to utilize 9-1-1. For non-emergency, (254) 501-8800. This will free up officers to focus on emergency calls for service.
• When possible, and there is not a life-safety issue, officers and/or a staff member will be available to take reports over the telephone. This will reduce the possible transmission of the virus to the public or our officers, as carriers may not even know they have the virus and are inadvertently transmitting it.
• Temporarily suspending non-essential services such as fingerprinting and background checks. Taxi, Peddler and Towing Permits will be by appointment only by calling (254) 501-8940.
• Limiting access to the main lobby and jail visitor’s area.
• Temporarily suspending our presence at community engagement events.
• Increasing the cleaning schedule of our work spaces to protect to protect the public and our staff.

We are asking for the public’s help to follow these recommendations for customer service:

• All victims who need to file a non-life threatening crime report to call our non-emergency line at (254) 501-8800.
• To request a “press copy” of your filed report, you can email the Records Office at kpdrecords@killeentexas.gov. Please include your name, a contact number and a brief statement in your email.
• To request an appointment for permits by calling the Records Office at (254) 501-8940 during normal operating hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• To purchase crash reports online by visiting this link: https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/
• To file a complaint, email the Internal Affairs Unit at kpdia@killeentexas.gov
• For jail access, bail bonds companies, attorneys and families can contact (254) 200-7908 for information about an inmate.
• For custodial exchanges and Safe Exchange Zone transactions can be made outside the front main entrance of the headquarters.
• The Evidence Property Unit will be available by appointment only at (254) 501-8918.

“We are committed to taking appropriate actions to protect the safety and the health of our community,” said Chief Charles Kimble.  “We want to thank the public for their patience during this difficult time and to continue to follow all CDC guidelines”.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police were dispatched to the 2900 block of Lake Road at approximately 6:32 p.m. in reference to a 911 call about shots fired on Monday, March 16, 2020.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they located an unresponsive male in the parking lot of an apartment complex suffering from a gunshot wound.  The victim, Terrance Darnell Iles, 22, was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke at the scene.  He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Homicide Unit, 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.

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

UPDATE – March 17, 2020

The three victims have been identified as Asia Cline, 22, Shaquan Markell Allred, 23, and Freddy Beningo Delacruz Jr., 23. 

This investigation is still ongoing and information will be released as it becomes available.  If you have any information about this case, we ask you to call the Bell County Crime Stoppers at (254) 526-TIPS (8477).  You will remain anonymous. 

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Killeen Police Investigate a Triple Homicide.

On Saturday, March 14, 2020, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Killeen Police were dispatched to the Summerlyn Apartments located at 4101 E. Rancier Avenue in reference to shots fired call.  Officers’ checked the area and were unable to locate the source.  At approximately 1:40 a.m. officers received another call, in reference to a water leak coming from one apartment leading to another. Upon investigation of the source of the water leak officers found an unlocked apartment and attempted to contact the tenant. Officers upon entry to the apartment located three victims deceased, having gunshot wounds.

The victims, two males and one female in their early twenties were pronounced deceased at 2:46 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters.  He ordered autopsies to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.  The investigation is ongoing, and names of the victims will not be released pending next of kin notification.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Homicide Unit are asking anyone who may have seen anything or has 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.

Commander Ronnie Supak
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Tuesday, March 3, 2020, the Killeen Police Department received a call in reference to major crash in the 13100 block of South State Highway 195 at approximately 2:37 p.m., involving a motorcycle and a vehicle.  The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit responded to the scene and upon their arrival, they were advised a pedestrian was walking across the southbound lanes of traffic on SH 195.

The preliminary investigation revealed a white Toyota Prius was traveling southbound on SH 195 and observed the pedestrian attempting to cross the highway.  The operator of the Toyota slowed down as the pedestrian changed directions to go back towards the shoulder of the roadway.  As the Toyota slowed down, a black 1999 Harley Davidson motorcycle that was traveling behind the Toyota ran into the rear of the vehicle.  The impact caused the operator of the motorcycle to be thrown off of the motorcycle.  He was air lifted to Baylor Scott and White Memorial Hospital with life threatening injuries.

The pedestrian, a 31 year-old male, was taken into custody and charged with Public Intoxication and Pedestrian Failure to Yield Right of Way to a Vehicle.  There were no injuries reported for the operator of the Toyota.

On Wednesday, March 4, 2020, the operator of the motorcycle, Donald Jay Mires, 59, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at approximately 2:42 p.m.

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a national initiative by the United States Department of Justice to reduce gun violence in the United States.  The project is a partnership designed to develop, implement, and evaluate data-driven violence reduction strategies in communities, and improve the long-term prevention of gun violence.  The Killeen Police Department was awarded funding as part of this initiative.  Special enforcement operations will be conducted over the remainder of this year focusing on narcotics and gang involvement, which are a precursor to gun violence in most occasions.  Some of the enforcement actions will be conducted that will align with normal day-to-day operations of the department.

Other PSN operations will be more in depth such as one recently conducted on February 28 and 29.  The Killeen Police Department along with several federal and state agencies, using crime data analytics, conducted enforcement operations in the areas of Loma Vista and Cantabrian.  The results of this enforcement action were.

48 total arrests made, with some individuals facing multiple charges.

• 21 Narcotics related.
• 13 Felony arrests.

12 guns recovered.

• 8 Arrests for unlawfully carrying a weapon.
• 4 Arrests for Felon in possession of a firearm.

6 Arrests warrants served to include parole revocation.

Total Narcotics Recovered

• 2 grams marijuana
• 8 grams methamphetamine
• 15 grams MDMA (ecstasy)

Recovery of one stolen vehicle.

The Killeen Police Department would like to thank our federal and state partners for their assistance in this enforcement effort.  The agencies that assisted were the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crimes Task Force, The US Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Task Force and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Commander Ronnie Supak
Killeen Police Department

 UPDATE – March 2, 2020

Through the investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Homicide Unit, received information that the victim, Shelby Jones, was shot at Club Dreams located at 4300 S. Fort Hood Street. If anyone was at this establishment on the night of this Murder and may have seen anything or have information, please contact Detective Uvalle at (254) 501-8854 or contact the Bell County Crime Stoppers at (254) 526-(TIPS) 8477.

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Killeen Police Investigate a Murder.

On Sunday, March 1, 2020, at approximately 3:05 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Mickey’s Convenience Store located at 3200 S. Fort Hood Road in reference to a 911 call about a gunshot victim.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male suffering from a gunshot wound.  Officers’ immediately started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived.

The victim, Shelby Jones, 20, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 3:45 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters at the scene. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

We 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.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Sunday, March 1, 2020, at approximately 3:05 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Mickey’s Convenience Store located at 3200 S. Fort Hood Road in reference to a 911 call about a gunshot victim.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male suffering from a gunshot wound.  Officers’ immediately started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived.

The victim, Shelby Jones, 20, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 3:45 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters at the scene. He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

We 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.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

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