Killeen, TX (June 23, 2023): The Killeen Police Department will participate in a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) over the Independence Day Holiday.

This Fourth of July, the department will have additional patrol officers whose primary focus will be to locate and arrest impaired drivers. During this time, there is a higher likelihood of impaired drivers on the roadways, causing an increased potential for alcohol-related crashes involving injuries or deaths The enforcement period will occur between Friday, June 23, 2023, and Sunday, July 9, 2023. During this time, the participating officers will concentrate their efforts on Driving While Intoxicated enforcement at times when impaired driving is most likely to occur.

The Department participates in the program by means of a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

• In 2021, 538 people died in motor vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period (6 p.m. July 2 – 5:59 a.m. July 6, 2021). Thirty-nine percent (212) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
• From 2017 to 2021, there were 1,460 drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the 4th of July holiday period. Thirty-eight percent (552) of the drivers killed during those years were alcohol-impaired (with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), and nearly half (44%) of the drivers killed aged 21-34 were drunk.

The Killeen Police Department and TxDOT encourage people to “Plan While You Can” to avoid the consequences of impaired driving. A person’s abilities, decision-making skills, and judgment can diminish while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consider using a taxi or car service, a designated driver, or public transportation as an alternative to driving after drinking.

If you see a suspected drunk driver, and you (or a passenger) can do so safely, please call 9-1-1 with the information.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (May 26, 2023): Killeen Police Traffic Unit partners with BNSF Police Department to enforce and educate the public about safety around the railroad tracks.

On Thursday, May 25, 2023, both agencies conducted a train detail at SH-195 and the railroad tracks to bring awareness to the community about railroad crossing safety and to enforce the Texas Transportation Code laws near this intersection. Vehicles frequently stop on the tracks or too close to them when the red light at SH-195 and Veterans Memorial Blvd. is activated. Upon illumination of the crossing signal, vehicles are required by law to stop immediately at the designated point.

Between 9:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., the following violations occurred in the officer’s presence at this location.

• 19 citations were issued for Stopping, Standing, or Parking Prohibited in Certain Places.
• 1 arrest was made for an outstanding warrant

A total of 19 citations were issued, a significant decrease from previous details showing a much better compliance rate with the state law.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (April 8, 2023): A 45-year-old is deceased from a multiple-vehicle collision.

On Friday, April 7, 2023, at approximately 8:58 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Robinett Road and Gus Drive in reference to a 911 call about crash involving multiple vehicles. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located an unconscious male passenger in a red sedan. Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced him deceased at 10:06 p.m. at the scene.

The preliminary investigation revealed that four vehicles were involved in a collision while traveling southbound on Robinett Road and one vehicle of those vehicles came to rest after it struck a nearby residence. Speed and weather are potential contributing factors for this crash.

Four victims were transported to Baylor Scott & White in Temple, one victim was transported to Advent Health and one to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights all in stable condition.

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

This fatality investigation is active and at this time no other information will be released.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (March 23, 2023): Killeen Police are investigating the death of a 46-year-old male.

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, at approximately 2:08 a.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of North Twin Creek Drive and East Rancier Avenue in reference to a 911 call about a crash.  Upon the officer’s arrival, they located a male and a motorcycle lying in the roadway.  Officers immediately started to perform life-saving measures.  The male was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition.  The operator, Shondalero Basken, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the operator of the motorcycle was traveling northbound on Twin Creek Drive when he attempted to navigate a right-hand turn to begin traveling eastbound Rancier Avenue.  The operator failed to control his speed and struck a concrete median, causing him to be ejected.

Investigators with the Traffic Unit continue to investigate this fatality and there is no additional information at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen, TX (February 19, 2023): Killeen police are investigating the death of a 28-year-old male dirt bike operator.

On Saturday, February 18, 2023, at approximately 6:46 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Westcliff Road and Moonlight Drive in reference to a 911 call about a crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle. Upon the officers’ arrival, they locate an unconscious male lying in the roadway. Emergency personnel immediately began life saving measures. The male was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. Lamar Lavance Lilly was pronounced deceased at 8:59 p.m. by medical staff.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the operator of the dirt bike was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed on Westcliff Road when a Mercedes traveling westbound on Westcliff Road began to turn southbound onto Moonlight Drive, the dirt bike struck the passenger side of the car. The impact caused the dirt bike operator to be ejected, coming to a rest in the roadway. The driver of the car remained on scene. The dirt bike operator was not wearing a helmet and was on the street illegally with no lights.

The dirt bike was reportedly stolen out of Nolanville.

Investigators with the Traffic Unit continue to investigate this fatality and there is no other information at this time.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department