Killeen Police Investigate Auto-Pedestrian Fatality
Killeen, TX (August 22, 2023): The Killeen Police Traffic Unit is investigating a pedestrian fatality on Interstate 14.
On August 19, 2023, at approximately 2:09 a.m., Killeen Police Department Officers were dispatched to the area of westbound Interstate-14, near mile marker 285, in reference to an auto-pedestrian traffic crash. The driver that struck the individual called 911 and immediately returned to the scene to locate the subject. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located an unresponsive male lying in the inside lane of westbound I-14.
Preliminary investigation shows the pedestrian was crossing I-14, traveling northbound, when a vehicle traveling westbound in the outside lane subsequently struck the pedestrian. The pedestrian succumbed to his injuries sustained from the crash and was later pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 3:39 a.m.
The deceased is identified as 41-year-old Emiliano Alfredo Marin.
The investigation continues, anyone with information regarding this crash is encouraged to contact Traffic Investigators with the Killeen Police Department at 254-501-8830.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Charges 28-Year-Old Male Driver
UPDATE NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE CHARGE 28-YEAR-OLD MALE DRIVER
Killeen, TX (July 20, 2023): Investigators with the Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit presented this case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office.
On Monday, July 17, 2023, a complaint was issued charging Emil Jon Peters, of Jarrell, Texas, with Criminal Negligent Homicide for his actions leading to this crash. The investigation revealed that Peters had fallen asleep multiple times while driving his vehicle, and that was a direct cause of the crash.
On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, Peters was arrested by the Bell County Sheriff’s Department, and placed in the Bell County Jail. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey, who set his bond at $10,000.
The victim has been identified as 46-year-old Frank Kwaku Addai.
Investigators with the Traffic Unit continue to investigate this fatality and there is no other information at this time.
We would like to remind everyone that fatigue/drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A MORNING FATALITY
Killeen, TX (May 18, 2023): A 46-year-old male is deceased from a two-vehicle collision.
On Thursday, May 18, 2023, at approximately 8:14 a.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of SH-195 and Chaparral Road in reference to a crash. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a silver car and a pickup truck both with major damage.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 4-door silver Toyota car was stopped for the red light in the inside northbound lane on SH-195. When a white Chevy pickup truck with trailer traveling northbound in the inside lane, struck the Toyota in the rear. The driver of the Toyota was transported to AdventHealth Central Texas in critical condition. The driver of the Chevy was transported to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights with minor injuries.
The driver of the Toyota succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson at 9:08 a.m. 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 there is no other information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Arrest Male Suspect for Aggravated Assault
Killeen, TX (July 10, 2023): A 23-year-old male is currently in jail after assaulting a male victim with a vehicle.
On Friday, July 07, 2023, at approximately 2:41 p.m., Killeen Police officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Williamson Avenue in reference to a welfare concern. Upon the officer’s arrival, they made contact with the victim and his mother, who advised them that he had not heard from his 7-year-old son in seven days and believed the child was at this location.
As officers conducted their investigation with the victim and the child’s mother, Gabriel Ayala arrived at the residence in a Ford Expedition and exited the vehicle. During the course of the investigation, Ayala returned to the vehicle and left. When officers heard the sound of an engine revving behind them, they observed Ayala drive the Expedition on the grass towards them and the victim and a female citizen. The vehicle missed the officers and the victim’s mother as they jumped out of the way but struck the victim. The victim was treated and released at the scene with no serious injuries.
The suspect then drove off and officers initiated a short pursuit. The suspect led officers back to the residence, and a felony stop was conducted, where he taken into custody and transported to the Killeen City Jail. A female family member of the suspect was also arrested for misdemeanor charges.
The case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office for review and on Saturday, July 8, 2023, three felony complaints were returned charging Gabriel Nicholas Ayala with Evading Arrest/Detention with a Vehicle, Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly. Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson arraigned Ayala and set his bond at $100,000 for each Aggravated Assault and $20,000 for the Evading charge. Ayala is currently in the Bell County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Identifies Hit and Run Driver
Killeen, TX (June 27, 2023): A 42-year-old male has been charged and arrested in a hit and run fatality.
Through the investigation, investigators with the Traffic Unit identified the driver of the Dodge Journey. The case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging 42-year-old Michael Terrance Sneed with Accident Involving Injury/Death. A warrant was issued by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson and on June 26, 2023, Sneed turned himself in to the Bell County Jail.
This investigation is ongoing and no other information will be released at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATES A FATALITY ON CENTRAL TEXAS EXPRESSWAY
Killeen, TX (May 2, 2023): Investigators with the Killeen Police Traffic Unit are investigating a pedestrian fatality.
On Monday, May 1, 2023, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 4600 Block of E. Central Texas Expressway in reference to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a female lying in the roadway. Paramedics arrived on scene and immediately began life saving procedures. The victim was transported to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights Hospital in critical condition.
The victim, Rasha Kendrick, 48, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at 12:53 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim entered the outside lane of the roadway in the 4600 Block of E Central Texas Expressway when an Infinity Sedan traveling eastbound struck the victim. A second vehicle, also traveling eastbound, subsequently struck the victim. The sedan that struck the victim immediately returned to the scene. The second vehicle left the scene without providing required information or rendering aid.
Video surveillance was obtained, and it shows the second vehicle to be a red or orange color Dodge Journey. The vehicle may have front end or lower front bumper damage along with possible mechanical damage to the underside of the vehicle.
This investigation is active and no other information will be released at this time.
Traffic Investigators are asking anyone who can identify this suspect or has information about this fatality, 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.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Extra Patrols During The Independence Day Holiday
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 Police Investigate a Fatality on Rosewood
Killeen, TX (June 4, 2023): A 23-year-old male is deceased after a multi-vehicle crash.
On Saturday, June 3, 2023, at approximately 4:18 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Rosewood Drive and E. Central Texas Expressway in reference to in reference to a major crash involving a pinned operator. Upon the officers’ arrival, a driver and passenger of a vehicle involved were both transported to the hospital in critical condition.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a gray Dodge Challenger was traveling eastbound on E. Central Texas Expressway at a high rate of speed approaching the intersection of Rosewood Drive on the inside turn-left only lane. Upon entering the intersection, the vehicle disregarded the turn marks at the intersection and struck a red Dodge Durango that was attempting to make a left turn at the intersection. After the impact, the Dodge Challenger struck a traffic light pole and the Dodge Durango continued across the center median, striking a semi-truck trailer, that was attempting to turn onto E. Central Texas Expressway from the turn-around. Both occupants of the Dodge Challenger were found to not be wearing seatbelts and suffered severe injuries. The driver was transported to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights in critical condition and the female passenger was airlifted to Baylor Scott and White also in critical condition.
The driver, Daurick Romel Scott Jr., succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Justice of Peace Gregory Johnson at 4:44 p.m.
No other injuries reported on scene.
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
Killeen Police Investigate a Fatality on Stan Schlueter
Killeen, TX (May 31, 2023): A 41-year-old is deceased after a single car crash.
On Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at approximately 10:14 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 200 block of W. Stan Schlueter Loop in reference to a single vehicle roll-over crash. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located a female lying along the shoulder of the roadway. She was immediately airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a black Lexus NX 350 was traveling westbound on W. Stan Schlueter Loop at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control of the vehicle, off the roadway, striking landscape fixtures causing the vehicle to roll. The driver was found was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.
The victim, Amanda Elizabeth Love, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Justice of Peace Cliff Coleman at the hospital.
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 Police Conducts a Railroad Detail
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 Police Investigate a Pedestrian Fatality
Killeen, TX (May 2, 2023): Investigators with the Killeen Police Traffic Unit are investigating a pedestrian fatality.
On Monday, May 1, 2023, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 4600 Block of E. Central Texas Expressway in reference to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a female lying in the roadway. Paramedics arrived on scene and immediately began life saving procedures. The victim was transported to Seton Medical Center Harker Heights Hospital in critical condition.
The victim, Rasha Kendrick, 48, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at 12:53 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim entered the outside lane of the roadway in the 4600 Block of E Central Texas Expressway when an Infinity Sedan traveling eastbound struck the victim. A second vehicle, also traveling eastbound, subsequently struck the victim. The sedan that struck the victim immediately returned to the scene. The second vehicle left the scene without providing required information or rendering aid.
Video surveillance was obtained, and it shows the second vehicle to be a red or orange color Dodge Journey. The vehicle may have front end or lower front bumper damage along with possible mechanical damage to the underside of the vehicle.
This investigation is active and no other information will be released at this time.
Traffic Investigators are asking anyone who can identify this suspect or has information about this fatality, 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.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Identifies Victim from Fatal Crash
Killeen, TX (April 12, 2023): Investigators with the Traffic Unit have identified the victim as Donald Daniel Eagen of Killeen.
Investigators are actively investigating this crash fatality and there is no additional information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATES A FATALITY ON ROBINETT
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
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