Killeen Police Department Transitions to Encrypted Radio Transmissions
Killeen, TX (April 10, 2024): Effective, Thursday, April 11, 2024, as part of the Bell County Communication Center initiative, the Killeen Police Department will switch to encrypted radio transmissions.
This change is designed to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the confidentiality of our operational information, while still maintaining a level of transparency with the public. While the content of our communications will be encrypted, the fact that communication is taking place will still be accessible to the public through Freedom of Information Act requests. This upgrade in our communication infrastructure aligns with modern security standards and is essential for maintaining a strategic advantage in our efforts to combat crime and protect our citizens. As we continue to prioritize the safety and security of our community, we must adopt measures to enhance the confidentiality and integrity of our communications systems.
Encrypted radio communication provides several key benefits:
Enhanced Security: Encrypted communication protects against unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and secure.
Privacy Protection: By encrypting our transmissions, we safeguard the privacy rights of individuals involved in law enforcement activities and protect them from potential interception or monitoring.
Improved Efficiency: Encrypted communication systems offer streamlined and reliable information transmission, enabling quicker response times and more effective coordination among our teams. In emergency situations, our encrypted communication system is designed to prioritize and expedite critical information, ensuring that there are no delays in our response times.
Adaptation to Modern Threats: In an era of increasing cyber threats and technological sophistication, encrypted communication is vital for staying ahead of potential adversaries and safeguarding critical infrastructure. This is not a new concept, and many other jurisdictions have successfully implemented encrypted communication systems, leading to significant improvements in their law enforcement activities and public safety.
We understand that this transition may raise questions. We are committed to providing transparent and informative updates through our social media feeds and verbally during live critical incidents that may alarm or concern the community. Your understanding and support are not just crucial, but integral, as we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community. Encrypted communication is an essential component of our strategy to fulfill this responsibility, and we want you to be fully informed about this important change.
“I want to express my deep appreciation to the media for their continued partnership in keeping the public informed and engaged. Your role in promoting transparency and accountability is invaluable,” said Chief Pedro Lopez Jr.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
The Killeen Police Department General Investigations Unit is asking for your help identifying multiple suspects in a Robbery Attempt.
Killeen, TX (April 4th, 2024): On April 2nd, 2024, around 6:34PM, the Killeen Police Department responded to a shooting at a residence in the 1300 block of Dugger Cir. It was reported two (2) males knocked on the victim’s door and demanded property. The victim refused to allow the suspects in and closed the door. One of the suspects fired a gun into the door and both suspects fled the scene on foot. No injuries were reported.
Suspect 1: Black Male, heavy-set, darker skin complexion, wearing a gray in color hooded sweatshirt. Gray, black, and white camouflage pants, white Crocs with no socks, and a black face mask over lower portion of face. Suspect 1 appeared to be holding a black in color semi-automatic handgun.
Suspect 2: B/M, slender build, wearing black sweatpants, light colored (white or pink) hooded sweatshirt, black shoes.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this shooting, 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.
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 the Third Murder for 2024
Killeen, TX (March 26, 2024): A 53-year-old male is currently in jail charged with Murder.
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit presented this case to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and a complaint was returned charging Larry Lamont Hawkins with Murder. Associate Judge Randy Dale arraigned Hawkins and set his bond at $150,000. Hawkins is currently in the Bell County Jail.
The victim has been identified as Deante Treshawn Hawkins.
Detectives with the Robbery-Homicide Unit continue to investigate this Homicide and there is no additional information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE INVESTIGATE A HOMICIDE ON RUSACK DRIVE
Killeen, TX (March 24, 2023): Killeen Police are investigating the death of a 26-year-old male.
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, at approximately 7:53 p.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to the 3500 block of Rusack Drive in reference to a shooting. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male in a residence suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers performed life-saving measures until Killeen EMS arrived to continue life savings measures; however, the male succumbed to his injuries. The victim was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace James at 8:38 p.m.
An adult 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 Investigate a Homicide on Rusack Drive
Killeen, TX (March 24, 2024): Killeen Police are investigating the death of a 26-year-old male.
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, at approximately 7:53 p.m., Killeen Police Officers responded to the 3500 block of Rusack Drive in reference to a shooting. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a male in a residence suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers performed life-saving measures until Killeen EMS arrived to continue life savings measures; however, the male succumbed to his injuries. The victim was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace James at 8:38 p.m.
An adult 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 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 are Conducting a Death Investigation on York Avenue
Killeen, TX (February 29, 2024): On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at approximately 12:41 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 800 block of York Avenue in reference to a 911 call about a male needing EMS. A City of Killeen Solid Waste employee was in the area and observed multiple individuals attempting to assist a 20-year-old male who was lying on the sidewalk. Upon the officers’ arrival, they located the unresponsive victim and paramedics advised he was deceased.
The Office of the Justice of the Peace Nicola James pronounced the victim deceased and ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science.
We would like to let the community know that there is no foul play suspected and no threat to the public.
This investigation is ongoing and there is no additional 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 PD Arrests Three from an Aggravated Robbery of a Business
Killeen PD Arrests Three from an Aggravated Robbery of a Business
Killeen, TX (February 21, 2024):Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division Robbery-Homicide Unit identified three suspects in the Aggravated Robbery of a Business from January 16th, 2024 in the 5800 block of S. WS Young Dr. Detectives reviewed the case with the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and three complaints for Aggravated Robbery were issued for the following:
Dezmond Anderson (24 Years Old)
Jaquention Simmons Powell (34 Years Old)
Christopher Simpson (21 Years Old)
Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Aggravated Robbery on all three subjects, which were issued by Justice of the Peace Gregory Johnson.
On January 31st, 2024, Dezmond Anderson was already in the Bell County Jail on unrelated charges and his warrant was served. Justice of the Peace Keith Reid set Andersons bond at $100,000.
On February 20th, 2024, Jaquention Simmons Powell and Christoper Simpson were arrested without incident at their residence. Both were taken to the Bell County Jail and arraigned by Justice of the Peace Keith Ried. Simmons Powell’s bond was set at $150, 000. Simpson’s bond was set at $150, 000.
KPD Robbery-Homicide Unit would like to thank the public for their assistance. We would also like to thank the KPD Organized Crime Unit, KPD General Investigations Unit, The KPD SWAT Team, and the United States Marshals Service Lonestar Fugitive Task Force.
The investigation is ongoing and at this time no other information will be released.
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