Killeen Police Make Multiple Arrests for Aggravated Kidnapping and Aggravated Assault after Men Targeted for Using an Online Dating App.
Killeen, TX (June 5th, 2024): A 17-year-old male is currently in Bell County Jail for Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Kidnapping. Two 16-year-old males and one 15-year-old male were also arrested and transported to the Juvenile Detention Center.
On June 2nd, 2024, around 2:02AM, a Killeen Police Officer was conducting an area check in the area of Hallmark Ave and Wolf St. He observed multiple males in the middle of the street and one male franticly waved the officer down as the other males fled the scene, with three running from the area and the 17-year-old male trying to enter a house before he was stopped by the officer. The 17-year-old male was pulling a mask off of his head as he walked away from the officer.
The victim advised he was using a dating app called Grindr to meet other men and was lured to an address nearby. The victim advised he was confronted by four unknown males with shotguns and handguns who demanded some of his property. The suspects then struck the victim with at least one of the guns and walked him to his own car and said they were going to take him somewhere. The victim advised this is when he observed the officer in the area and waved him down.
Multiple officers responded to the area. A Police K9 and a Drone were utilized, and the three juveniles were located hiding inside a storage shed with a handgun and a bb gun that looked like a shotgun.
The case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was issued charging Dusty Andrew Bailey Jr with Aggravated Kidnapping and Aggravated Robbery. Judge Randy Dale arraigned Bailey and set his bond for each charge at $300,000 for a total of $600,000. The three juveniles were also taken to the Bell County Juvenile Detention Center and charged with Aggravated Kidnapping and Aggravated Robbery. The juveniles’ names will not be released.
The Killeen Police Department Robbery/Homicide Unit is investigating other similar incidents in the same area. We ask anyone who has not reported a similar incident, to please contact the Killeen Police Department and report it.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
Sgt. Neal Holtzlcaw
Robbery/Homicide Unit
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 the Sixth Murder in the City of Killeen
Killeen, TX (May 16th, 2024): On May 15th, 2024, around 10:09 PM, Killeen Police Officers were dispatched to 4305 Hank Dr. in reference to two males needing medical attention. Upon arrival, Officers discovered two males outside the residence with gunshot wounds. Neither of them were conscious or breathing. Killeen EMS arrived and determined both males were deceased. Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced both males dead, one at 10:05 PM and the second at 10:07 PM. The names of the deceased will be released upon notification of next-of-kin.
Through investigation, it was determined the two males were neighbors and engaged in an altercation. One male produced a handgun and shot the other male. The shooter then turned the gun on himself and took his own life.
Detectives have determined this to be an isolated incident between the two deceased persons. There is no danger to the community.
The Killeen Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Unit is investigating the case and asks if anyone has information about this criminal act, to contact the Killeen Police Department.
Alex Gearhart
Assistant Chief of Police
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Fatality on State Highway 195
On Friday, May 10, 2024, at approximately 5:50 a.m., Officers with the Killeen Police Department were dispatched to the 12300 block of State Highway 195, in reference to a traffic accident. Upon the officers arrival, they located a semi-truck with trailer and a black Nissan sedan in the intersection.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the semi-truck with trailer was stationary at the yield sign facing westbound in the intersection between the northbound and southbound lanes preparing to turn left on State Highway 195 with its trailer blocking the northbound turn-lane and inside lanes. When a black Nissan four-door sedan traveling northbound in the inside lane, struck the back-left of the trailer.
The driver of the black Nissan four-door was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the semi truck did not report any injuries.
The driver of the black Nissan, 30-year-old Karelys Almeda Sola, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at 6:49 a.m. by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson.
Next of kin was notified.
The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating and there is no further information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Organized Crime Unit Arrest Two and Seize Narcotics
Killeen, TX (May 9, 2024): On May 8, 2024, detectives with the KPD Organized Crime Unit received information about illegal narcotics being transported from Houston, TX to the Killeen area. Detectives conducted surveillance and observed the suspect vehicle as it traveled through Temple, TX.
With assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, a traffic stop was conducted on the suspect vehicle in the 2000 block of Airport Rd. in Temple. During the traffic stop, K9 Kenzi was deployed and performed an open-air sniff of the vehicle. K9 Kenzi alerted to the presence of drugs and a search of the vehicle resulted in 11 pounds of Methamphetamine. The driver and passenger were arrested and 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 Train-Pedestrian Fatality
Killeen, TX (May 2, 2024): Killeen Police are investigating the death of a pedestrian who was struck by a train.
On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at approximately 7:24 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of 8th Street in reference to a pedestrian being struck by a BSNF train at the railroad crossing. Upon the officers’ arrival they located a deceased female on the tracks.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the train was traveling approximately 25 mph eastbound near the 8th Street railroad crossing when the conductor noticed a person on tracks. The conductor sounded the train’s horn and applied the emergency brakes; however, the individual did not move, and the train struck the victim.
Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson pronounced the victim, 58-year-old Christine Gerlinde Rottmann, deceased at 8:25 p.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 Department Investigates a Robbery of a Business
The Killeen Police Department Robbery-Homicide Unit is asking for your help identifying a suspect in an Aggravated Robbery of a Business.
On April 24th, 2024, around 1:14AM, the Killeen Police Department responded to an Aggravated Robbery at a business in the 2100 block of S WS Young Dr. It was reported a male entered the business, displayed a large knife/machete type weapon, and demanded property and cash. The suspect fled the business on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash and property. No injuries were reported.
The victim described the suspect as a black male, approximately 25 to 30 years old with a skinny build. The suspect had longer hair sticking out of his hood and a purple facemask. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with white stars and stripes on the front and the number 08 with stripes on the back. The suspect was wearing dark shorts and white shoes.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have seen anything or 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 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.
Killeen Police Organized Crime Unit Seize Narcotics at a Local Lounge
Killeen, TX (April 24, 2024): On April 20, 2024, detectives with the Special Investigation Division, conducted a special detail at the LQ Lounge located at 810 N. WS Young Drive due to a citizen’s complaint about an event at this establishment. During the operation, officers arrested one person for Possession of Controlled Substance.
A narcotics search warrant was executed, and detectives seized 26 grams of Marijuana (leaf), 6 grams of THC Wax Substance, 6.55 lbs. of THC liquid, 786 grams of unknown purple substance, vape pen, two cell phones and Drug Paraphernalia.
Public Service Announcement – We would like to remind parents to educate their young teens on the dangers of using vapes and be alert on these types of ads and/or events (see below) shared on social media.
The investigation is ongoing and no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Charges 22-Year-Old Male with Murder
Killeen, TX (April 22, 2024): On Friday, April 19, 2024, the case was presented to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging Xavier Mason Stokes with Murder. Justice of the Peace Larry Wiley arraigned Stokes and set his bond at $500,000. Stokes is currently in the Bell County Jail.
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit continue to investigate this Murder and there is no additional information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE THE FIFTH MURDER IN THE CITY OF KILLEEN
Killeen, TX (April 18, 2024): On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at approximately 10:05 p.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to the 900 block of Southside Drive in reference to a shooting. Upon the officers’ arrival, along with Killeen EMS, they located a 33-year-old male victim inside a residence suffering from gunshot wounds.
Killeen EMS initiated life savings measures and transported the victim to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. The victim, Tres Maurice Carter, was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 10:44 p.m.
A 22-year-old male that was at the residence was placed under arrest and transported to the Killeen City Jail.
This incident is related to domestic/family violence, and there is no threat to the community related to this incident.
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit are actively investigating this Homicide and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Arrest Male for Capital Murder
Killeen, TX (April 22, 2024): A 28-year-old male is currently in Bell County Jail for Capital Murder.
On April 29, 2023, officers were dispatched to McLane’s Children’s Hospital regarding an injured child where abuse was suspected in a residence in Killeen. The 2-year-old child was reported to have a subdural hematoma to the head and multiple rib fractures. The child suffered respiratory failure as a result of her neurologic injury and died as a result of her injuries on May 2, 2023. An autopsy concluded that the victim suffered a skull fracture, and her cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries to the brain.
Through the investigation, it was determined that the victim’s father and mother would strike the victim with a belt and stick. The victim’s father used a closed fist to spank the victim and would push and shake her. The victim’s mother stated that she observed her spouse strike the children with his fists and other objects but focused the abuse primarily at the victim. Approximately one week prior to the victim’s death, the mother observed her spouse strike the victim’s head with a stick.
The case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and on April 15, 2024, a complaint was issued charging Ronald Vernon Legette with Capital Murder and a complaint was issued charging 30-year-old Portia Marquise Waller with Injury to a Child with Intentional Injury.
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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