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School Zones Are Back on Monday!

The Killeen Police Department would like to remind all motorists that beginning Monday, August 25, 2014; a new school year begins.

School Zone SignOn Monday, August 25, 2014, motorists will be seeing more children walking to and from school.  The Killeen Police Department is asking all motorists to be mindful of the extra pedestrians and that the school zones will be in effect and will be enforced.

Remember the speed limits will be decreased in a designated school zone; the majority of school zones begin at 7:00am and are usually 20 mph.  Please remember children are known to dart out into the roadway and it is asked that you give extra attention when driving.

We would also like to remind you that it is against the law to talk on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle within a designated school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or the device is used with a hands free device or to make an emergency call.

It is against the law to use a wireless communication device to view, send or compose an electronic message or engage other application software while operating a motor vehicle in a designated school zone.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Announce National Night Out October 7

KILLEEN TO JOIN CITIES NATIONWIDE FOR
‘AMERICA’S NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME’

On Tuesday, October 7th, neighborhoods throughout Killeen are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “31st 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 to 9 p.m. on October 7th, 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 7th, 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 501-8805.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Arrest One After Standoff

Killeen Police involved in early morning standoff on Armadillo Drive ends peacefully.

Carrisalez  Andres
Officers responded to 2701 Armadillo Drive, after receiving a 911 call at 3:50am, on Friday, August 08, 2014, in reference to a domestic disturbance. Upon their arrival, they were told a female had been assaulted by her boyfriend.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a male and female were involved in a verbal disagreement that turned physical and the male had left the residence prior to the officers’ arrival. A short time later, officers were notified that the suspect had returned to the residence and were advised that the victim was being held against her will and there was a possibly weapon involved. After several attempts were made to speak to the suspect, the Tactical Response Unit was deployed. For approximately two hours, members of the unit spoke to the suspect on and off and convinced him to surrender; at 8:52am, he was taken into custody, without incident, and transported to the Killeen City Jail. The female was released unharmed.

The suspect, 31 year old Andres Carrisalez of Killeen, is being charged with Assault with Bodily Injury on a Family Member, outstanding traffic warrants and a warrant for Human Trafficking by the U.S. Marshals Office.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Arrest Three for 20 Pound Marihuana Seizure

The Killeen Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit arrest three people and seize a large amount of narcotics.

April Natalie Armenta Marcus Vaughn Furr Lester Jerome Sumpter

Killeen Police Detectives assigned to the Organized Crime Unit; with the assistance of the K-9 Unit and Special Investigations Division, conducted a traffic stop on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, in the 5500 block of East Central Texas Expressway on a suspected drug courier vehicle. The stop resulted in the seizure of 20 pounds of packaged suspected marijuana and a large amount of US Currency. Three suspects were arrested; 28 year old Marcus Vaughn Furr of Killeen, 27 year old Lester Jerome Sumpter and 26 year old April Natalie Armenta both of El Paso. The case was screened by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office where a felony complaint was returned charging each suspect with Possession of Marijuana over 5 pounds. The three suspects were arraigned, on Friday, July 25, 2014, by Justice of the Peace Garland Potvin and a bond amount of $50,000 was placed on each suspect.

 

Due to information gained from the investigation, stop and arrest; more arrests are possible.

Tina Amerson
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Seek Forgery Suspects

The Killeen Police are asking for the community’s help identifying and locating two Forgery suspects.

Forgery Suspect 073014 A

Killeen Police Detectives are working with other Texas Law Enforcement agencies to locate a male and female suspected of passing forged checks. The checks were reported stolen in vehicle burglaries that occurred in Dallas and Williamson Counties. The suspects were seen on video surveillance Tuesday, July 8, 2014 in Bell County, as well as Coryell and Williamson Counties, passing the forged checks.

Forgery Suspect 073014 B

Detectives have attached photos of the suspects and they believe the female might be pregnant. The vehicle in the photo is possibly a newer model Kia or BMW that was either recently purchased or is being “test driven”.

If anyone can identify these suspects they are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or text BELLCO along with the tip to 274637. Text HELP for help to 274637 or STOP to stop to 274637. All information is confidential and you can remain anonymous. If you tip leads to the arrest of the suspect involved in this crime, you could be eligible for a reward up to $1000 in cash.

Tina Amerson
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Seek Identity Theft Suspect

The Killeen Police Department is asking for assistance in locating the female in this photo.

ID Theft Suspect 073014

The female is this photo has assumed the name of Teresa Ann Mercado and we know this is not her real name. Detectives need to speak with this woman and are asking anyone if they may know her whereabouts or might have any information.

If anyone can identify this suspect they are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or text BELLCO along with the tip to 274637. Text HELP for help to 274637 or STOP to stop to 274637. All information is confidential and you can remain anonymous. If you tip leads to the arrest of the suspect involved in this crime, you could be eligible for a reward up to $1000 in cash.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Recognizes Officers

Killeen Police Department recognizes and awards eight officers for their courageous actions.

Award Recipients 072514
The Killeen Police Department responded to the Grandon Apartments on Saturday, July 13, 2013, in reference to a man with a long rifle threatening residents in the pool area. As the situation unfolded, these officers immediately took action demonstrating courage, risk and danger to his/her personal safety.

Chief Dennis Baldwin presented the awards on Thursday, July 24, 2014 to the following officers; the Medal of Valor to former Officer Christopher Ache and Officer Odis Denton; the Police Purple Heart and the Meritorious Conduct Award to Officer Juan Obregon and the Meritorious Conduct Award to Sgt. Jonathan Rinehart, officers’ Brandon Smith, Joseph Delongchamps, former officer Lorraine McAtee and Tactical Paramedic Michael Neujahr.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Seek Learning Center Burglary Suspects

Killeen Police are asking for the community’s help identifying two men who broke into a local business.

suspect 1 & 2 learning center072314

Officers responded to the Jackson Professional Learning Center, located at 902 Rev. R.A. Abercrombie, at 11:20 pm on Thursday, July 3, 2014 in reference to a burglary. Upon the officer’s arrival, they spoke with an employee who told them that the business was broken into,   a television was removed from inside the learning center and was later found sitting outside the building.

suspect 2 learning center072314

Detectives have attached photographs of the suspects. The suspects are two white males that are thin to medium build. The first suspect has brown or dark hair and is wearing a white t-shirt with large black wording on the front, dark shorts and dark tennis shoes. The second suspect is wearing a green cap turned backwards, a red t-shirt with “DC” on the front in white and dark shorts.

suspect 1 learning center072314

Detectives are asking anyone who can identify these suspects or has information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477), go online at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com or text BELLCO along with their tip to 274637. Text HELP for help with the tip or text STOP to stop the tip, message and data rates may apply. All information is anonymous and confidential and if your tip results in the arrest of the suspect involved in this crime you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

 

Tina Amerson
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigate Fatal Traffic Accident – Update

Killeen Police investigate early morning fatal crash at W.S. Young and Veteran’s Memorial Blvd.

Officers responded to W.S. Young Dr. and Veteran’s Memorial Blvd, at 4:14 am on Saturday, July 19, 2014, after receiving a 911 call telling them there was an accident with injuries.  Upon the officers arrival they located a white Nissan Altima and a blue Hyundai Elantra turned over onto the driver’s side with the unresponsive driver pinned inside.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the Nissan, with three occupants, was traveling eastbound in the outside lane of Veteran’s Memorial Blvd, approaching W.S. Young Dr. and the Hyundai was traveling westbound on Veteran’s Memorial Blvd, turning southbound onto W.S Young.  The Nissan collided with the Hyundai causing it to leaving the roadway hitting the curb in the parking lot and coming to rest on its side; the Killeen Fire Department used the Jaws of Life to remove the driver from the vehicle.  Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke pronounced the 27 year old driver deceased at 4:50am and ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

The front passenger in the Nissan was airlifted to Scott & White Memorial Hospital in serious condition and the driver of the Nissan was transported to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights in stable condition.

Update:

The deceased male has been identified as Troy Richard Eric Taylor of Killeen

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

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Investigate Fatal Traffic Accident

Killeen Police investigate early morning fatal crash at W.S. Young and Veteran’s Memorial Blvd.

WS Young and VMB Crash 071914

Officers responded to W.S. Young Dr. and Veteran’s Memorial Blvd, at 4:14 am on Saturday, July 19, 2014, after receiving a 911 call telling them there was an accident with injuries.  Upon the officers arrival they located a white Nissan Altima and a blue Hyundai Elantra turned over onto the driver’s side with the unresponsive driver pinned inside.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the Nissan, with three occupants, was traveling eastbound in the outside lane of Veteran’s Memorial Blvd, approaching W.S. Young Dr. and the Hyundai was traveling westbound on Veteran’s Memorial Blvd, turning southbound onto W.S Young.  The Nissan collided with the Hyundai causing it to leaving the roadway hitting the curb in the parking lot and coming to rest on its side; the Killeen Fire Department used the Jaws of Life to remove the driver from the vehicle.  Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke pronounced the 27 year old driver deceased at 4:50am and ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

The front passenger in the Nissan was airlifted to Scott & White Memorial Hospital in serious condition and the driver of the Nissan was transported to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights in stable condition.

The name of the deceased male has been withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

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

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department