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 Search for Missing Elderly Man
Killeen, TX (July 14, 2023): Killeen Police need the community’s assistance in locating a 79-year-old missing elderly man.
The family of Bievenido “Benny” Rios reported him missing on Thursday, July 13, 2023, from his residence located in the 2100 block of Ruger Drive. His spouse last saw him that morning when she left the residence and upon her return around 5:00 p.m., Benny was not home.
Benny is a Hispanic male with brown eyes, 5’7” tall and weighs approximately 120 pounds. He has gray/white hair and mustache with sideburns. He was last seen wearing black or brown pants, black shoes and always wears a cowboy hat. Benny’s family advised that he has been diagnosed with dementia.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a Silver Alert for his absence. Anyone who sees Benny, is asked to contact the Killeen Police Department (254) 501-8830 or call 9-1-1 immediately. Our goal is to get Benny home safely to his family.
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 Respond to Two Dog Attack Incidents
Killeen, TX (July 7, 2023): Killeen Police responded to two dog attack incidents during the Fourth of July week.
On July 4, 2023, at approximately 9:11 a.m., officers responded to the area of Jakespoon Drive and Ida Drive in reference to two aggressive dogs that had been chasing people in the neighborhood. Upon the officer’s arrival, they observed two dogs barking and lunging at two males. It was later determined that one of the dogs had attacked an elderly gentleman, tearing at his pant leg and shoe. One of the officers attempted to lure the dogs away from other potential victims by offering water. The dogs initially walked off but then suddenly turned, charging at the officer. That is when the officer drew his duty weapon and discharged it, killing both dogs. The owner of the dogs was contacted. The Animal Control Unit was contacted and will be handling this investigation.
On July 5, 2023, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Greenwood Avenue in reference to an animal attack call. Upon the officer’s arrival, EMS was on scene treating a male lying on the floor of the residence. Officers were told by a witness, that two dogs pulled the victim off his bicycle onto the ground and were biting him. Other witnesses attempted to assist the victim, but the dogs would turn their aggression towards them and attempt to bite them. Several witnesses reported that the dogs were randomly charging at pedestrians who were walking in the area. The two dogs returned to their residence several times but continued charging at people. Eventually, one male victim was attacked. While officers and EMS personnel were near the ambulance loading the victim for transport, one of the dogs exited the house, charging towards them. Two officers discharged their duty weapons, striking and killing the dog. The victim was transported to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center in critical condition where he was subsequently transported to Baylor Scott & White. The second dog was taken into custody by the Animal Control Unit.
The owner of the dogs was not at the residence at the time of the incident, but contact was made.
The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.
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
Killeen Police Arrest Twelve During Prostitution Operation
Killeen, TX (June 27, 2023): On Thursday, June 15, 2023, and Friday, June 16, 2023, members of the Killeen Police Department Organized Crime Unit conducted an undercover operation directed at prostitution and solicitation of prostitution in Killeen. Due to the increase of complaints about Prostitution throughout the City of Killeen, the operation resulted in twelve arrests.
- Monique Davila, 31 years-old, Prostitution
- Diana Arispe, 34 years-old, Prostitution
- Nadia Browder, 38 years-old, Prostitution
- Heaven Sarmiento, 20 years-old, Prostitution
- Elyshia Bullion, 22 years-old, Prostitution
- Lawrence Daniels, 45 years-old, Prostitution
- Jiaya Hunter, 21 years-old, Prostitution
- Stephany Ann Carver, 40 years-old, Prostitution and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
- Angelo Frazier, 48 years-old, Solicitation of Prostitution
- Jose Luis Facundo, 26 years-old, Solicitation of Prostitution
- Rakeem Jamal Nelson, 31 years-old, Felon in Possession of a Weapon
- Daniel James Estrada, 36 years-old, Solicitation of Prostitution
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 Arrest 29-Year-Old Murder Suspect
Killeen, TX (June 22, 2023): This case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and was subsequently presented to the Bell County Grand Jury. An indictment for Murder was returned on Demetrius Isaiah Patterson of Killeen and an arrest warrant was issued. Patterson was already incarcerated in Rockdale County, GA, on an unrelated Aggravated Assault charge from Killeen. Patterson was extradited to Bell County where he was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Keith Reed on the Murder with a bond of $500,000.
This was the twenty-second Murder victim in the City of Killeen in 2022.
Detectives continue to investigate this Murder and there is no additional information at this time.
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NEWS RELEASE: KILLEEN POLICE ARE ACTIVELY INVESTIGATING THE MURDER OF A 35-YEAR-OLD MALE
Killeen, TX (December 24, 2022): On December 24, 2022, at approximately 2:07 a.m., Killeen Police Officers were dispatched to a 911 call in reference to a shooting victim in the 3300 block of Hereford Lane. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers administered life-saving measures until paramedics arrived on scene to assist.
The victim, Clint Demetri Jones, succumbed to his injuries, and was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman, at 2:44 a.m.
No arrests have been made at this time.
This is the twenty-second Murder victim in the City of Killeen this year.
The department is asking anyone who may have seen anything or has information about this Murder, especially the persons who were on the area when officers arrived, 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.
Detectives are actively investigating this Murder and there is no additional information at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Investigate a Criminal Homicide on Bryce
Killeen, TX (June 13, 2023): Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the death of a 30-year-old male.
On Friday, June 9, 2023, at approximately 11:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of E. Bryce Avenue in reference to a shooting victim. Both officers and Killeen EMS arrived on scene and started to perform life-saving measures on a male suffering from a gunshot wound. He was immediately airlifted to Baylor Scott & White in critical condition.
The victim succumbed to his injuries on Monday, June 12, 2023, and was pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman at 4:12 p.m.
The name of the victim has been withheld per the family’s request.
This is the sixth Murder for the City of Killeen in 2023.
No arrests have been made.
The department is 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 at this time no other information will be released.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
Killeen Police Officer Arrested for Violation of Protective Order
Killeen, TX (June 13, 2023): The Killeen Police Department received notification that a Killeen Police Officer was arrested by the Coryell County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. The arrest was a result of an off-duty incident investigated by the Copperas Cove Police Department.
The Killeen Police Department has initiated an Internal Affairs investigation and the police officer has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
No other information will be released at this time.
Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department
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