Killeen Police Identify and Arrest Suspect in Fatal Hit and Run Crash
Killeen, TX (June 13, 2024): The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit has identified and arrested a 47-year-old male suspect in a fatal hit and run crash.
On Sunday, June 11, 2023, at approximately 2:31 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of E. Elms Road in reference to a crash. Upon the officers’ arrival, paramedics were on scene attending to a male lying in the roadway with serious injuries. The victim, Eric Rucker, succumbed to his injuries.
As a result of an extensive joint investigation with the Fort Cavazos Criminal Investigation Division, Traffic Investigators were able to identify the suspect in this case. The case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, and on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, a complaint was issued charging 47-year-old Kristopher Taylor Jr. with Collision Involving Death, a second-degree felony offense.
On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service-Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, Taylor was located and arrested without incident in Bryan, TX. He was transported to the Brazos County Jail and is pending arraignment.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A HIT AND RUN FATALITY
Killeen, TX (June 11, 2023): The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit need the community’s assistance in a hit and run fatality.
On Sunday, June 11, 2023, at approximately 2:31 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of E. Elms Road in reference to a crash. Upon the officers’ arrival, paramedics were on scene attending to a male lying in the roadway with serious injuries. The victim, Eric Rucker, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 3:21 a.m. She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.
The preliminary investigation revealed that two motorcycle operators were traveling westbound on E. Elms Road when the victim dropped an item in the roadway. Both motorcyclists stopped and got off their motorcycles to retrieve the item. While the victim was trying to recover the dropped item, he was struck by a passing vehicle.
The suspect vehicle was described to be a smaller gray sedan and may have front end and windshield damage.
Traffic Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this incident, to contact Crime Stoppers at 254-526-TIPS (8477) or go online at http://www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com. You can also download the P3Tips App for IOS or Android and give an anonymous tip. All information is confidential and anonymous and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person(s) responsible, you could be eligible to receive a reward up to $1,000 in cash.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police are Investigating a Pedestrian Fatality
Killeen, TX (May 22, 2024): Investigators with the Killeen Police Traffic Unit are investigating a pedestrian fatality.
On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at approximately 2:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2800 block of E. Veterans Memorial Blvd in reference to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Deputies with the Bell County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4, were the first to arrive on scene when they located a female lying in the roadway. They immediately started to perform life-saving measures until paramedics arrived.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the pedestrian was attempting to cross northbound on Veterans Memorial Blvd., when a red Chevrolet pick-up truck traveling eastbound in the inside lane, struck the pedestrian. No other injuries were reported.
The 63-year-old victim succumbed to her injuries. Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced the estimated time of death at 4:00 p.m. at the scene.
The name of the victim has been withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Investigators with the Traffic Unit continue to investigate this fatality and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Motorcycle Fatality on Rancier Avenue
Killeen, TX (March 28, 2024): Investigators with the Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit investigate a motorcycle fatality on Rancier Avenue.
On Thursday, March 28, 2024, at approximately 9:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of E. Rancier Avenue and N. 10th Street in reference to a motorcycle crash involving the Texas Department of Public Safety. Upon the officers’ arrival, the operator of a motorcycle was in transport to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a State Trooper was attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed near the intersection of S. Fort Hood Street and W. Veterans Memorial Blvd. The trooper was able to catch up to the motorcycle and initiate a traffic stop when the operator fled the area eastbound on W. Rancier Avenue at a high rate of speed. The trooper continued to follow and catch up to the motorcycle when the motorcyclist reached the intersection of E. Rancier Avenue and N. 10th Street. The motorcyclist disregarded the red light and struck a blue Lexus ES350 that was traveling northbound across the intersection. The operator of the Lexus was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
The motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 10:50 a.m.
The name of the motorcyclist will not be released until next of kin is notified.
Traffic Investigators continue to investigate this fatal crash and there is no other information to be released at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Crash on Stagecoach Road
Killeen, TX (February 29, 2024): A 57-year-old female is in critical condition after a collision with a pole.
On Thursday, February 29, 2024, at approximately 8:17 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 2700 block of Stagecoach Road in reference to a single car crash. Upon the officers’ arrival, the located the driver and began to perform life-saving measurers until paramedics arrived.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a red 2016 Mitsubishi SUV was traveling westbound on Stagecoach Road when the driver experienced a medical issue. Control of the vehicle was lost, and it struck a utility pole. The driver was transported to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights in critical condition.
Investigators with the Traffic Unit continue to investigate this crash and there is no other information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate Train-Pedestrian Fatality
Killeen, TX (February 29, 2024): Killeen Police are investigating the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a train.
Killeen Police responded to a 911 call on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at approximately 7:55 a.m., telling them that a person had just been hit by a BSNF train at the Twin Creek Road railroad crossing. Upon the officers’ arrival they located a deceased male on the tracks.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the train was traveling eastbound when the conductor noticed a person near the tracks. The conductor sounded the train’s horn; however, the individual did not move, and the train struck the victim.
Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced the victim, 27-year-old Robert Quintin Derego, deceased at 8:37 a.m. and ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensics Sciences of Dallas.
The investigation is ongoing and there is no other information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Fatality Crash on Rancier
Killeen, TX (February 23, 2024): Investigators with the Killeen Police Traffic Unit are investigating a vehicle crash involving two fatalities.
On February 23, 2024 at approximately 12:11 a.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to vehicle crash in the 2800 block of E. Rancier Ave. Upon arrival, Officers found a Maroon Kia Telluride on fire with a deceased female driver pinned inside. The second vehicle involved was a white Cadillac. The female driver of that vehicle was extricated by the Killeen Fire Department and airlifted to Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple. She succumbed to her injuries there.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the White Cadillac was travelling westbound on Rancier and crossed over the center line into the eastbound inside lane, striking the Kia head-on. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this crash.
The 33-year-old female driver of the Kia, identified as Diane Cintron, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 12:33 a.m. The 20-year-old female driver of the Cadillac, identified as Taeler Greenleaf, was pronounced deceased at Baylor Scott and White Hospital by Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey at 2:20 a.m.
This fatality crash continues to be investigated and no other information will be released at this time. Anyone with information on this crash is asked to contact Traffic Investigators at 254-501-8830.
Alex Gearhart
Assistant Chief of Police
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police and Texas Rangers Investigate an Officer Involved Shooting on Harbour Avenue
Killeen, TX (January 31, 2024): On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at approximately 9:58 a.m. officers conducted a traffic stop on a maroon sedan, occupied by four, for a traffic violation at the intersection of Atkinson Avenue and 12th Street.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the officers were conducting their investigation when the driver fled on foot. A foot chase ensued by two officers and a K9 officer. The suspect ran east on Atkinson Avenue, then north on 14th Street and then east on Harbour Avenue, when he pulled out a weapon, the K9 officer discharged their duty weapon. Striking the suspect in the upper right thigh. The officers immediately started to render aid until paramedics arrived. He was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The three occupants of the vehicle were arrested for outstanding warrants. They were transported to the Killeen City Jail.
The K9 officer, a 6-year veteran, has been placed on administrative leave as per protocol.
The Texas Rangers responded to the scene and are the lead investigating agency. The Killeen Police Department Internal Affairs Unit will conduct an internal investigation.
Any further requests for information surrounding the officer involved shooting incident can be directed to Sgt. Bryan Washko with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
This investigation is active and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Organized Crime Unit Arrest Multiple Persons and Seize Narcotics
Killeen, TX (January 29, 2024): On Friday, January 26, 2024, detectives with the Organized Crime Unit with the assistance of VCAT (Violent Crime Action Team), Patrol Officers and a K9 Officer, conducted a special detail in the Cantabrian area.
After numerous complaints about crime and narcotics in the Cantabrian area, detectives and officers conducted several traffic stops after probable cause was established. Numerous arrests were made, and narcotics were seized. Approximately forty (40) traffic stops were conducted, seven arrests were made, seven arrest warrants were served (4 felonies and 3 misdemeanors) during the 4-hour detail. Two firearms were located, 13 grams of Methamphetamine, 70 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 7.9 grams of marijuana, and 1.7 grams of fentanyl.
The arrested individuals were transported to the Killeen City Jail.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Late Night Crash
Killeen, TX (January 6, 2024): One male is in custody after leaving the scene of a crash.
On January 5, 2024 at approximately 10:57 p.m. a red Dodge SUV struck a marked Killeen Police patrol vehicle at the intersection of N. 10th Street and Santa Fe Drive. The driver of the SUV failed to stop and render aid and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. The KPD unit did not pursue the suspect vehicle due to damage from the crash. The officer was not seriously injured.
At approximately 11:03 p.m., a second patrol officer traveling northbound on WS Young Drive, observed the red Dodge SUV traveling southbound on WS Young Drive approaching Central Texas Expressway at a high rate of speed. The suspect vehicle entered the intersection and struck a silver Honda sedan that was traveling northbound on WS Young Drive attempting to turn westbound onto Central Texas Expressway.
The Honda had 2 occupants, who were transported by ambulance to Baylor Scott and White Hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the Dodge was arrested at the scene, and taken to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights for treatment of minor injuries, and then subsequently transported to the Killeen City Jail.
The 27-year-old driver of the red Dodge SUV was charged with the Driving while Intoxicated, Duty to Give Information and Render Aid and Reckless Driving. He is currently in the Bell County Jail.
The intersection at Central Texas Expressway and WS Young Drive was closed for several hours as Traffic Investigators conducted their investigation.
The Traffic Unit continues to investigate this crash and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Arrest Suspect After Fleeing in Vehicle
Killeen, TX (December 22, 2023): On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, officers conducted a traffic stop on a Blue Nissan Sedan for a traffic violation in the area of Rancier Avenue and 10th Street. When officers approached the vehicle, the driver sped off and a pursuit ensued.
The suspect driver continued to travel towards Hallmark Avenue at a high rate of speed, disregarding stops signs and other vehicles in the roadway. When the driver came to a stop in the 200 block of Bryce Avenue, he exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers gave chase and were able to apprehend and arrest the suspect.
Officers located a handgun in a nearby shed and $1106.00 on the suspect. The suspect driver was transported to the Killeen City.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
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