For Immediate Release

August 21, 2017

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT 2017

KILLEEN TO JOIN CITIES NATIONWIDE FOR

‘AMERICA’S NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME’

             On Tuesday, October 3, 2017, neighborhoods throughout Killeen are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “34th 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 p.m. to 9 p.m. on October 3^rd, 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 3^rd, 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.

 Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

For Immediate Release – UPDATE

August 21, 2017

The shooting victim from the Homicide in the 1100 block of Bacon Ranch Road been identified as 29 year-old Brandi Jo Cadena.

Detectives continue to investigate this Homicide and information will be released as it becomes available.

Killeen Police investigate Homicide on Bacon Ranch.

Officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Bacon Ranch Road at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2017, after receiving a 911 call in reference to a gunshot victim.  Upon the officers’ arrival they located a female inside the residence suffering from a gunshot wound; she was unconscious and not breathing.  Justice of the Peace Claudia Brown pronounced the victim deceased at 10:34 a.m.  She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

The preliminary information that was received by officers revealed that a family member went by to visit the victim at her residence.  The family member entered the apartment and found that the victim had been shot and immediately called 911.

Detectives are asking anyone who 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 and Android and give an anonymous tip.  All information given is anonymous and confidential, and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person responsible for this Homicide, you could be eligible for reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police investigate a Homicide on Bacon Ranch Road.

Officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Bacon Ranch Road at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2017, after receiving a 911 call in reference to a gunshot victim.  Upon the officers’ arrival they located a 29 year-old female inside the residence suffering from a gunshot wound; she was unconscious and not breathing.  Justice of the Peace Claudia Brown pronounced the victim deceased at 10:34 a.m.  She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

The preliminary information that was received by officers revealed that a family member went by to visit the victim at her residence.  The family member entered the apartment and found that the victim had been shot and immediately called 911.

The victim’s name has been withheld pending the notification of her next of kin.

Detectives are asking anyone who 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 and Android and give an anonymous tip.  All information given is anonymous and confidential, and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person responsible for this Homicide, you could be eligible for reward up to $1,000 in cash.

The Criminal Investigation Division, Homicide Unit, continue to investigate this Homicide and information will be released as it becomes available.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Detectives with The Killeen Police Department began an investigation into a string of Aggravated Robberies that occurred between August 4, 2017 and August 7, 2017 at two local Killeen 7-11 convenience stores. The suspects entered the stores on both occasions armed with a firearm and demanded cash and property. Investigation led to the identification of 20 year-old Adrian Torres of Killeen. The Bell County District Attorney reviewed both cases and issued criminal complaints against Torres for two (2) counts of Aggravated Robbery with a Firearm.  Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke issued two (2) warrants for these offenses.

On Thursday, August 10, 2017 detectives apprehended Torres without incident; he is currently in the Killeen City Jail.  Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke arraigned Torres on Friday, August 11, 2017 and set his bond at $200,000.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

For Immediate Release – UPDATE

August 11, 2017

Jo Ann Wilbert waived extradition hearings in Florida and was transported to the Bell County Jail on August 9, 2017.  She is currently held in the Bell County Jail on a $1,000,000.00 bond for the Capital Murder charge.

Killeen Police Charge Second Person in Bus Driver’s Murder.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division and the Bell County District’s Attorney’s Office have been working together on this case and additional charges have been filed.  On Wednesday, July 26, 2017, an indictment was obtained on 64 year-old Jo Ann Wilbert, charging her with Capital Murder for Remuneration and Solicitation for Capital Murder for her involvement in the Murder of Christine Dailey Watkins.   Detectives had been working with Brevard County Sheriff’s Detectives, and traveled to Merritt Island, Florida.  Both agencies took Wilbert into custody without incident and she is currently in the Brevard County Jail awaiting extradition.

On October 1, 2015, the Bell County District Attorney’s Office issued a complaint charging 32 year- old Andrew Lenard Hardesty with Murder.  Hardesty is currently in the Bell County Jail awaiting trial.

On Monday, October 20, 2014, at approximately 5:30 a.m., Officers responded to the 1400 block of Pine Drive after receiving numerous calls about shots being fired in the area. Upon their arrival, they found a 64 year-old female in her driveway with a gunshot wound. Justice of the Peace Garland Potvin pronounced the victim, Christine Watkins, deceased at 6:05am.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Arrest Internet Dating Suspects.

Killeen Police received a 911 call in reference to an Aggravated Robbery of an individual on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at 7:26 a.m. at the Econo Lodge located at 606 E. Central Texas Expressway.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they met with the victim who indicated that he had arranged a meeting with a woman through an online dating website.   He reported that upon entering the woman’s motel room, he was confronted by a black male armed with a handgun and robbed at gunpoint.

Officers and detectives were able to locate the suspects in the motel room.  18 year-old Carletra Agnie Suggs and 22 year-old Dwayne Preston Williams, both of Killeen, were subsequently arrested and taken to the Killeen City Jail.  The case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and warrants issued charging both suspects with Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon.  Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke arraigned both suspects and set their bond at $100,000 each.

The Killeen Police Department would like to remind the community about the dangers of meeting unknown subjects from the internet in remote locations.

A few tips regarding meeting strangers for sales and dating include:

1. Trust your instincts. If it sounds too good to be true, it normally is.
2. In the case of sales, don’t go alone.
3. Insist on meeting at a public place such as the KPD Safe Exchange Zone.
4. Do not meet in a secluded area.
5. Do not invite strangers into your home, and do not go to theirs.
6. Be cautious when buying/selling high value items.
7. Perform the transaction during daylight hours.
8. Tell a friend or family member about your intentions and where you will be.
9. Take your mobile phone with you.

This warning is not necessarily directed at legitimate dating websites, although common sense and caution should always be exercised when meeting a stranger for the first time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police investigate an Aggravated Assault on Wolf Street.

Killeen Police responded to a 911 call on Thursday, August 10, 2017, at 12:40 p.m. at 302 Wolf Street in reference to a reported disturbance in the parking lot.  Witnesses reported two black male subjects involved in a verbal argument, that escalated when the suspect produced a firearm and shot the victim in the chest.  The suspect then fled the area in a gray or silver Chrysler 300 or similar style vehicle.  The victim was airlifted to Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple, TX in critical condition.

The suspect is described as a thin build black male, in his 30’s, 5’11” to 6 ft tall, with short hair and some facial hair.  Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division continue to investigate the assault.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Violent Crimes Unit, are asking anyone who has information about this Aggravated Assault, 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 and Android and give an anonymous tip.  All information given is anonymous and confidential, and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person responsible for this Aggravated Assault, you could be eligible for reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police investigate a store robbery at the Sun Mart Convenience Store.

Officers responded to the Sun Mart Convenience Store located at 817 E. Rancier Avenue, on Thursday, August 10, 2017, at 7:24 a.m., after receiving a 911 call that the store clerk had been stabbed.  She was immediately airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition.

Officers arrived and learned that a black male entered the store and walked toward the coolers.  He approached the counter with a beverage and walked away.  The store clerk walked towards the male and at that point he stabbed her.  A second employee was in a back room of the store and ran out after he heard the commotion, causing the suspect to flee the store.

The suspect is described as a black male, slender build, approximately 5’8”-5’9” tall and was last seen wearing a red polo shirt and blue jeans.  Detectives were able to obtain video from the store and they are seeking assistance from the community in identifying this suspect.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Violent Crimes Unit, are asking anyone who has information about this Robbery, 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 and Android and give an anonymous tip.  All information given is anonymous and confidential, and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person responsible for this Robbery, you could be eligible for reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Upon review, the police department found the following.

Killeen Animal Control Officers were called at approximately 12:38 p.m., to assist a tenant during the evacuation of an apartment complex fire at the Village West Apartments located at 424 Gilmer Street, on Tuesday, August 1, 2017.  Upon completion of the call, Animal Services Unit staff met with Killeen Firefighters who advised of another apartment containing two dogs and several cats.  ASU staff inquired about the immediate safety of the cats and was advised that there was no smoke or fire danger in that apartment.  They requested cat carriers to the scene.

Later, KFD removed the cats and advised the apartment was infested with insects.  The eleven cats appeared to have health issues with discharge coming from their eyes and nose.  Due to a miscommunication, it was erroneously reported that the incident involved eight cats; however upon review, the apartment had contained eleven cats.  ASU employees offered the owner the use of the cat carriers to transport her animals.  She was unable to place them anywhere and agreed to surrender (transfer of ownership) them to animal services.

Animal services office personnel were notified to try and find local rescue groups to relocate current cats in the isolation room, which had reached its capacity, in order to accommodate these cats.  Office staff managed to make contact with three groups, one of which was able to respond that evening and take two cats from the shelter; a second group was unable to respond until the following day.

The owner confirmed that the cats had been ill for some time and her residence was infected with bed bugs.  ASU staff noticed bed bugs in the animal cages and in the front seat of the truck where two cats had been placed to cool them down.   Although it is not confirmed that cats can be infested with bed bugs in the same manner as fleas, it is apparent that they had carried the bed bugs to the truck from the apartment.

Before transporting the cats, a local pest control was contacted and advised that a flea dip, Permethrin, would kill the bed bugs and if the shelter were to become infested, it would have to be evacuated and treated.  A local veterinarian was contacted, who advised that Permethrin would be harmful to the cats and was not an option for treatment.

A shelter supervisor was briefed and also made contact with pest control and verified the risk to the shelter.  The decision to euthanize the eleven cats by IV was made to protect the entire population of the shelter.

Interim Chief Margaret Young conducted a review of this incident and said, “I would like to apologize on behalf of the department for the miscommunication in reference to the number of cats involved in this incident.”

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police are asking for help identifying an Aggravated Robbery suspect.

Killeen Police responded to a 911 call of an Aggravated Robbery at the Jack in the Box, located in the 200 block of W. Rancier Ave., on Wednesday, July 26th, 2017, at approximately 8:58 p.m.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they were told a suspect pointed a handgun at an employee and demanded money. The suspect was described as a black male in his mid 20s, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, medium build, with facial hair, wearing a hooded sweat shirt and a black wave cap; he was accompanied by a black female with dreadlocks, wearing all black clothes. The two then fled the scene in a gold colored mid-size sedan. No one was injured during this incident.

Detectives were able to obtain a photograph of the male suspect.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Violent Crimes Unit, are asking anyone who has information about this Aggravated Robbery 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 and Android and give an anonymous tip.  All information given is anonymous and confidential, and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person responsible for this Aggravated Robbery, you could be eligible for reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Tina Amerson
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department