UPDATE  – 8/12/2016 3:38PM

Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke pronounced the driver of the SUV deceased at 9:36 am and has ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

Update – 8/12/2016 1:48 PM

Residents who reside at the Twin Creek Apts and 56th Street West may return to their homes.

Residents of 58th Street are still not clear.

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KPD and KFD responded to a major crash on Friday, August 12, 2016, at 4:20 am at the Mickeys Convenience Store located at 4415 E VMB.   Upon the officers arrival they found a fuel tanker and a SUV on fire. Firefighters immediately attempted to contain the fire and officers began an evacuation process within immediate area.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the fuel tanker was refueling the gas pumps, when an SUV hit the tanker, causing a fire and explosion. The fire caused major damage to the convenience store, a Killeen fire truck and six additional vehicles. One casualty has been confirmed and no other injuries were reported. The name has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.

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

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police conduct Red Light Traffic Enforcement Detail.

Officers with the Killeen Police Department Traffic Section conducted a special red light traffic enforcement detail in the area of Stagecoach and SH 195 for approximately 3 hours today.  This enforcement detail was a result of numerous complaints of vehicles that are travelling east on SH201 (Stagecoach) running the red light as they turn south onto SH195.  There have been several major crashes at this intersection because drivers were failing to stop at the red lights; one of those crashes resulted in a death.  The results of this detail are as follows:

Red Light Violations – 67

Fail to Signal Violations – 12

Restraint Violations – 2

Other Non-Hazardous Violations – 6

In total 87 violations were issued which amounts to approximately 29 citations per hour.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police are investigating a report of a shooting on Covey Lane.

Officers responded to the 1300 block of Covey Lane #D on Tuesday, August 09, 2016, at 2:51am.  The caller was in reference to a shooting victim.  Upon the officers arrival they were told that the male was outside in front of his residence when a blue sedan was driving towards him.  The victim heard a gunshot come from the vehicle and he began running.  The victim heard another gunshot and felt pain in his leg.  He was transported to Baylor Scott & White in stable condition.  The victim was unable to give anything further on the suspect.

Detectives continue to investigate this incident and the circumstances surrounding it.  Information will be provided as it becomes available.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police investigate overnight Robberies.

Killeen Police responded to a report of a Robbery at The Gateway Food Mart located at 104 W. Elms Rd., on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 10:35pm.  Upon the officers arrival they were told that a black male entered the store wearing a black hoodie and black shorts; he stayed at the door as a “lookout”.  Another black male, who was armed with a handgun, entered after the first one and he was wearing a gray hoodie, dark colored shorts and demanded money.  The attendant went towards the armed male with a bat and the suspect fired a shot missing the attendant.  The attendant then hit the suspect with the bat causing the suspect to fall.  Both suspects then fled on foot without getting anything.  No one was injured in this incident.

Officers were notified at 10:50pm of another Robbery at the Star Mart located at 1704 Old FM 440.  The officers were told that one black or Hispanic male entered the store wearing all black and stood as a “lookout”.  Another black or Hispanic male entered the store wearing all black, he was armed and demanded money from the attendant.  Both suspects fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.  No one was injured during this incident.

Officers were then notified at 10:59pm, of another Robbery at the Star Mart located at 4002 Watercrest Rd.  The officers were told a black male wearing a black hoodie and black shorts opened the door and stood as a “lookout” while an armed black male wearing a gray hoodie and blue shorts entered the store and demanded money.  Both suspects fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.  No one was injured during this incident.

During all of these Robberies the suspects had their faces covered while inside the store.

Detectives are asking anyone who has information about any of these Robberies to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online anonymously at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.  You can also download the P3tips app for IOS or Android and give an anonymous tip.  All information is anonymous and confidential.  If your tip leads to the arrest of the suspects involved in this crime you could be eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

UPDATE – August 5, 2016

Bell County Crime Stoppers received a tip on the whereabouts of Torico James Devon Crutcher, who was wanted for Attempted Burglary of a Habitation, on Thursday, August 4, 2016.  When the detectives received this information they immediately contacted the U.S. Marshal’s Office.  The information received was that Crutcher was on the run and was last known to be in Memphis, TN.  The U.S. Marshal’s Office located Crutcher at a Knights Inn located in Memphis, TN and placed him under arrest on August 4, 2016, at 1:45pm.  He was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he awaits extradition.

 The Killeen Police Department would like to thank everyone for the many tips and assistance in locating Torico Crutcher.

Killeen Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating a wanted person.

An attempted burglary occurred during the early morning hours on March 4, 2016, in the 4400 block of Lake Rd. Through the investigation a suspect was identified, this case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was issued charging Torico Crutcher with Attempted Burglary of a Habitation, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.   Detectives are interested in speaking with Torico Crutcher in reference to the Homicide that also occurred during the early morning hours on March 4, 2016; they believe he may have information that is pertinent to this case.

Torico James Devon Crutcher is a 19 year old male who is 5’ 8” tall and weighs approximately 155 pounds.   HE IS CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS; DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPREHEND

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police investigate afternoon stabbing at Lake Rd. convenience store.

Officers responded to the area of 38^th and Lake Rd. on Wednesday, August 03, 2016, at 2:34pm, after receiving 911 calls in reference to a man who had been stabbed.    Officers arrived at the Sun Mart located at 1515 N. 38^th St., they were told a black male was stabbed by a Hispanic male.  The located the victim walking north on 38^th St.   The preliminary investigation revealed that the two men were involved in a verbal altercation when the Hispanic male stabbed the black male.  The Hispanic male then left in a maroon Ford Explorer.  The victim was airlifted to Baylor Scott & White Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this stabbing or the suspect involved to call Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online anonymously at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.  You can also download the P3tips app on IOS and Android phones.  All information is anonymous and confidential and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person responsible for this crime you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

This case and the circumstances surrounding it continue to be investigated and information will be released as it becomes available.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police investigation leads to the arrest of two men on felony charges.

Officers responded to the 2200 block of Andover Dr. in reference to a report of shots fired in the area at 10:30 pm on July 27, 2016.  At 10:50 pm, while still checking the area, the officers were advised there was a report of an armed subject at 501 E. Central Texas Expressway.  As the officers were checking the area, they located a silver Honda that was occupied by three males.  Two of the males got out and started running when the officers arrived; the two males were caught and detained.   Through the investigation the officers learned the two males were involved in a Robbery and attempted to flee when they saw the officers.

This case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and complaints were returned charging 32 year old Ernie Figueroa-Baez and 35 year old Howard James Thomas Jr. each with Aggravated Robbery.  Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke arraigned Figueroa-Baez and Thomas and issued a $200,000 bond for each; they were subsequently transferred to the Bell County Jail.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police investigate Aggravated Robbery near downtown night club.

Officers responded to the Cuckoo’s Nest located at 104 W. VMB, after receiving a 911 call at 3:13am, telling them someone had been shot.  Upon the officers arrival they located four males who were victims of a robbery.    The preliminary information received is that the four males were leaving the club through the back door when two armed light skinned black or Hispanic males accosted them and demanded their money.   For unknown reasons one of the victims was shot and two others were assaulted.  The victim who was shot was transported to Baylor Scott & White Hospital in stable condition.  The other two victims were transported to Metroplex Hospital in stable condition.

Detectives are asking anyone who has information about the suspects or about this robbery, to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online anonymously at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.  You can also download the app P3 tips on IOS and Android phones.  All information is anonymous and confidential and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for this crime you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

This case and the circumstances surrounding it continue to be investigated and information will be released as it becomes available.

Carroll Smith
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen to join cities nationwide for “America’s Night Out Against Crime”

On Tuesday, October 4^th, neighborhoods throughout Killeen are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “33rd 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 4^th, 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 4^th, 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