Killeen Police Warn of Facebook Scams
Killeen Police would like to inform citizens of con artists that have increased their efforts to obtain money from law abiding citizens
Several account holders, who bank with USAA and other well known banks, are contacting solicitors that are advertising on Face book, Twitter and Instagram about ways to make money. The account holders contacting these solicitors are being scammed. They are mailing or giving their debit cards to the solicitors, in addition to providing their log in information and other online banking credentials. The solicitors then deposit a worthless check, usually via deposit@mobile, into the account holders’ bank account. The solicitor then withdraws the funds or they may have the account holder withdraw the funds and send the money to the solicitor via Western Union. The account holder ends up with a negative balance because their money has been withdrawn and the worthless check does not clear.
To help prevent yourself from being a victim you should:
- Never give out your personal information to include your banking information.
- Do not send your debit card to anyone or give out your card numbers.
- Contact the police immediately if you think someone is trying to scam you.
Remember if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is!
Tina Amerson
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Arrest KISD Teacher
Killeen Police arrest a former Killeen High School teacher for an inappropriate relationship with a student.
Officers were notified of a male teacher who was having a sexual relationship with a student who was attending Killeen High School between September 2013 and June 2014.
Samuel Antonio Caines Jr.
Detectives began an investigation into this allegation over several months and were able to determine that the 55 year old male teacher was having a continuous sexual relationship with a 16 year old female student for approximately 9 months. Upon learning of this investigation, KISD administrators placed the teacher on administrative leave on February 14, 2014.
On Wednesday, June 18, 2014, this case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging Samuel Antonio Caines Jr. with Inappropriate Relationship Between Educator and Student (2nd degree Felony) and Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke issued a warrant for his arrest. Detectives served the warrant against Caines at his residence in Killeen. He was transported to the Killeen City Jail where he was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke on Thursday, June 19, 2014 and set his bond at $100,000. Caines was released after posting the required bond.
Additional charges are pending after further review by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office. Caines is no longer employed with the Killeen Independent School District.
Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Missing Eldery Man – Update
UPDATE:
Mr. Rubio Zaragoza has been located and is safe. Thank you to everyone who assisted in looking for him.
Missing Elderly Man – endangered
On Thursday night, June 5, 2014, at about 10:30 p.m. the police department was notified of a missing Killeen citizen.
Mr. Rubio Zaragoza, an 86-year-old Hispanic male was last seen around 9:00 p.m. leaving his Killeen home in his blue 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser bearing Texas license DJ2-S840 in an unknown direction of travel. Rubio is 5’7” and about 130 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a beige and brown checkered shirt and beige pants.
Rubio is medication-dependent and showing the early signs of dementia.
Rubio’s family and the police department are concerned for his welfare. If anyone has seen Rubio, please call the police immediately.
Margaret Young
Chief of Staff
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Seek Missing Elderly Man
Missing Elderly Man – endangered
On Thursday night, June 5, 2014, at about 10:30 p.m. the police department was notified of a missing Killeen citizen.
Mr. Rubio Zaragoza, an 86-year-old Hispanic male was last seen around 9:00 p.m. leaving his Killeen home in his blue 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser bearing Texas license DJ2-S840 in an unknown direction of travel. Rubio is 5’7” and about 130 pounds with gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a beige and brown checkered shirt and beige pants.
Rubio is medication-dependent and showing the early signs of dementia.
Rubio’s family and the police department are concerned for his welfare. If anyone has seen Rubio, please call the police immediately.
Margaret Young
Chief of Staff
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Ingvestigate Felony Theft from City Library
Killeen Police need your help identifying a male suspect involved in a Felony Theft.
Theft Suspect
Officers were dispatched to 205 N Gray St. on Saturday, April 26, 2014, in reference to a theft. Upon their arrival, officers met with an employee of the City of Killeen Library who told them that a male had entered the restroom and stole the metal piping from several of the toilets. The suspect is described as a tall white or light skinned male, bald and wearing a light blue shirt, blue jeans and white shoes. The security video revealed that the suspect was driving a small orange hatchback car, possibly a Mazda 2.
Theft Suspect’s Vehicle
Detectives are asking anyone can identify this suspect 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
Rabies Confirmed in Skunk Found on Greyhound Drive
Killeen Animal Control Officers responded to the 4500 block of Greyhound Drive on Saturday, May 24, 2014, in reference to a dog chasing a skunk out of the yard of a residence. A call was later received advising officers that the skunk was found dead in the backyard of another residence. The skunk was picked up and per protocol it was processed for testing at the Texas Department of State Health Service, Austin Laboratory.
The Texas Department of State Health Services notified the Killeen Animal Control Unit on May 27, 2014 that the skunk had tested positive for the rabies virus.
Animal Control Officers will be distributing handouts in the area of Greyhound to ensure the residents of that area are aware of this incident, the potential danger that has been identified and have a chance to prepare.
RABIES NOTICE
We ask that all citizens to take the following precautions:
- Make sure your pets rabies vaccinations are up to date
- Supervise your pets and/or children when they are outdoors even in fenced yards
- Do not approach or touch any wild animal
- Report any sick or injured animals or any unusual animal activity to the Killeen Animal Control Unit at:
During normal operating hours – 254-526-4455
After normal operating hours – 254—501-8800
The rabies virus is deadly to humans and animals; be cautious and observant.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate Child Struck by Vehicle – Update
UPDATE – May 21, 2014
On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, the victim involved in the crash in the 4200 block of Cessnock, succumbed to his injuries at the Scott & White Children’s Hospital. Justice of the Peace Don Engleking pronounced the 8 year old male deceased at 1:45pm. At the request of the family the victim’s name will not be released.
The Killeen Traffic Unit continues to investigate this crash and information will be released as it becomes available.
Killeen Police Department investigates a child hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on Cessnock Drive.
Officers responded to a crash in the 4200 block of Cessnock Drive on Monday, May 19, 2014, at 6:11pm. Upon the officers’ arrival, witnesses told them that an 8 year old boy was riding his bicycle south in the 6400 block of Nessy Drive on the eastside of the roadway, when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Nessy Drive and Cessnock Drive. The child continued riding his bicycle into oncoming traffic that was traveling eastbound in the 4200 block of Cessnock Drive. The driver of the black Ford pickup attempted to stop, but was unable to do so before hitting the child. The child was immediately transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition and subsequently airlifted to the Scott and White Children’s Hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The Killeen Police Traffic Unit continues to investigate this crash and information will be released as it becomes available.
Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigates Child Struck by Vehicle
Killeen Police Department investigates a child hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on Cessnock Drive.
Officers responded to a crash in the 4200 block of Cessnock Drive on Monday, May 19, 2014, at 6:11pm. Upon the officers’ arrival, witnesses told them that an 8 year old boy was riding his bicycle south in the 6400 block of Nessy Drive on the eastside of the roadway, when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Nessy Drive and Cessnock Drive. The child continued riding his bicycle into oncoming traffic that was traveling eastbound in the 4200 block of Cessnock Drive. The driver of the black Ford pickup attempted to stop, but was unable to do so before hitting the child. The child was immediately transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition and subsequently airlifted to the Scott and White Children’s Hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The Killeen Police Traffic Unit continues to investigate this crash and information will be released as it becomes available.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Donation Accounts Established for Fallen and Wounded Officers
The Killeen Police Department would like to thank everyone for their support during our tragic events. Many have asked for a location to make donations to either Officer Charles Dinwiddie’s family or to Officer Odis Denton and his family.
Funds have been established for both the Dinwiddie family and for the Denton family at the Extraco Banks. For those who are interested in donating online may go to the following links:
Dinwiddie Family – http://www.gofundme.com/94w9aw
Denton Family – www.gofundme.com/95gd4w
The Dinwiddie family has asked our department to release the following statement:
“While our family recognizes the risks of law enforcement every day, we have lost a father, husband, brother and son suddenly. Charles was a charismatic, loving member of our family and dedicated to his job with the Killeen police department and Swat team. Charles was a man of many talents and had compassion for everyone whom he met and would not hesitate to offer assistance to any in need. Charles senseless death is tragic and shocking for the community and his brothers and sisters of the Killeen Police Department. As we mourn our loss, the family wishes to do so in private. We direct all media inquires and media interview requests to the Killeen Police Department.”
Officer Dinwiddie’s family understands the community may have questions; they have made a family member available for comment on Thursday, May 15, 2014, at 2:30pm, at the Killeen Police Headquarters’ Community room.
Our department is deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Dinwiddie and the injury of Officer Denton. We ask that you continue to keep these families in your thoughts and prayers.
Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Identify Fallen Officer
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Detective Charles “Chuck” Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie was an 18 year veteran of the Killeen Police Department and a member of the SWAT Team for 15 years of those years.
Detective Charles Dinwiddie
“Our community has suffered a great loss. Few people have touched the number of lives, in such a meaningful way, as Detective Dinwiddie. As a dedicated professional, his service to the Killeen community was with honor, courage, and unwavering loyalty. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time, says Chief Dennis Baldwin.”
On Friday, May 9, 2014, just after 5:30am, members of the Killeen Police Department Tactical Response Unit and the Bell County Organized Crime Unit were attempting to serve a narcotics search warrant. The TRU was beginning to breach the window when the 49 year old male inside, opened fire striking four officers. Two of the officers who were shot, received minor wounds because they were shot in an area where their safety equipment protected them; they were treated and released at Scott & White Memorial Hospital.
Officer Odis Denton
Officer Odis Denton, a 9 year veteran of the department and an 8 year SWAT Team member, was shot in the femur. He was transported to the Carl R Darnall Army Hospital and later transferred to Scott & White Memorial Hospital. After undergoing surgery Officer Denton is in the Intensive Care Unit in good condition; he continues to recover successfully. Detective Dinwiddie received a life threatening wound to the face and was immediately transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and later transferred to Scott & White Memorial Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition. On Sunday, May 11, 2014, Detective Dinwiddie succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 2:14 pm by Justice of the Peace David Barfield. Detective Dinwiddie’s body will be escorted to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas on Monday, May 12, 2014, for an autopsy to be performed.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be released as they become available.
The Killeen Police Department would like to thank the members of the Temple and Harker Heights Police Departments and Scott and White Memorial Hospital for providing their phenomenal support to us during this very trying time.
Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
KilleenPD News 