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

We’d like to take a moment to acknowledge Retired Captain William Victor Mangerich, 101, who passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

Captain Mangerich (Ret.) served in the United States Army during World War II. Following his time in the military, Capt. Mangerich (Ret.) joined the Killeen Police Department in 1949 where he began his career as a patrolman.  He served in various assignments throughout the department for 30 years and retired in 1979 as a Police Captain.  He was well respected by all those he served with and those he served.  Captain Mangerich (Ret.) was the first Police Officer to retire in the department’s history.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Walt, his sister Monika Rettng, his first wife Leone Marie Mangerich, and ex-wife and friend Nellie Faye Mangerich. Survivors include daughter Carolynn Champlin (Eugene) of Killeen, grandsons Billy Gene Champlin(Teri) and Terry Wayne (Tammy) of Killeen and great grandchildren Bailey, Paige, Aiden, Cayce, Cody and Clayton Champlin all of Killeen.

The funeral services for Captain Mangerich (Ret.) will be on Friday, January 31, 2020 at the First Baptist Church Trimmier.  Burial will follow with Police Honors at Live Oak Cemetery in Youngsport.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

UPDATE – January 14, 2020

Through the investigation, it was determined that the suspect, Jason Wayne Brooks, 42, was not armed during this incident.  Brooks had an active parole warrant for Parole Violation and was charged with Evading Arrest or Detention and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Brooks is currently in the Bell County Jail. 

Probationary Police Officer, Jose Rosado, who was hired in 2018, will remain on administrative leave pending the results of the two investigations. 

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.  

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Killeen Police Investigate an Officer Involved Shooting.

On Sunday, January 12, 2020, at approximately 11:14 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Holiday Terrace Motor Hotel located at 1708 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd. in reference to a criminal trespass.

Upon the officers’ arrival, they were advised the male suspect fled on foot eastbound.  During the course of the investigation, the suspect was located on Terrace Drive.  During the confrontation, the officer gave several commands to the suspect, when the officer discharged his firearm.  No injuries were reported and the suspect was detained and transported to the Killeen City Jail.

The department will conduct two separate investigations of this incident: one by the Criminal Investigation Division and another by the Internal Affairs Unit.  According to standard procedures, the officer has been place on administrative leave pending the results of the investigations.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department