The Texas Rangers have completed an investigation into an officer-involved shooting.   On February 27, 2019, the Killeen Police Department served a search warrant at 215 West Hallmark Avenue and during this operation, James Reed was killed in an armed confrontation with Killeen police officers.

Per standard department protocol, the Texas Rangers were requested to conduct a thorough, non-biased investigation of the officer-involved shooting.  The investigation revealed that projectiles were fired into the back of the residence. While these rounds did not result in any injuries, they were not in compliance with the planned operation.

Anthony Custance, who was a member of the Killeen Police Department Tactical Response Unit, was ultimately identified as the responsible party despite deceptive conduct and attempts to interfere with the progress of the investigation, including tampering with his rifle and ammunition. The results of the investigation were forwarded to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution of the former Killeen police officer.

The Killeen Police Department began an internal investigation into Custance’s actions.  Custance resigned during the course of these investigations.

On Wednesday, June 5, 2019, the Texas Rangers presented their entire investigation to the Grand Jury.  No further investigation or action will be made by the Grand Jury in connection with the execution of the search warrant.  The Grand Jury did return an indictment against Anthony Custance for Tampering with Evidence.

On Thursday, June 6, 2019, Anthony Custance turned himself into the Bell County Jail and was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman who set his bond at $100,000.

“Killeen Police Department has a very clear code of ethics, and this officer’s actions during and after the incident were unacceptable,” said Chief Charles Kimble. “Public trust is paramount to law enforcement, and unethical behavior within the department will not be tolerated.”

The Killeen Police Department would like to thank the community for its support and patience while these investigations were completed.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Officers responded to the 1600 block of Becker Drive at approximately 10:55 p.m., on Saturday, June 1, 2019, after receiving a 911 call that a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle.  Upon the officers’ arrival, they located a white male lying in the roadway.  He was immediately airlifted to Baylor Scott and White in Temple with life threatening injuries.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the pedestrian was traveling northbound on Becker Drive with his bicycle and trailer.  An unknown SUV, dark in color, also traveling northbound on Becker Drive, struck the pedestrian.  The suspect vehicle fled the scene.

The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit are asking anyone who may have information about the suspect vehicle involved in this Hit and Run crash to contact Crime Stoppers at 254- 526- TIPS (8477) or go online at www.bellcountycrimestoppers.com.  You can also give an anonymous tip by downloading the P3tips app for IOS and Android.  All information is confidential and if your tip leads to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for this Hit and Run, you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 in cash.

The Killeen Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate this Hit and Run Crash and information will be released as it becomes available.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police received information that a retired kindergarten teacher from Peebles Elementary School allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct with a student during the 2016-17 school year.

Through the investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Special Victims Unit, discovered that a juvenile victim disclosed that Mr. Leonardo Casias, had inappropriate physical contact with the student.

This case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office and on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, a complaint was returned charging Leonardo Casias with Indecency with a Child Sexual Contact.  Justice of the Peace Clifford Coleman issued a warrant for his arrest and on Thursday, May 30, 2019, Casias was arrested by the Poteet Police Department and was transported to the Atascosa County Jail.

We would like to thank the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas, Killeen Independent School District, KISD Police Department, Poteet Police Department and the family involved for assisting with this investigation.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Thursday, April 18, 2019, at approximately 7:23 p.m. officers were dispatched to the CEFCO Convenience Store located at 4011 E. Stan Schlueter Loop in reference to an assault.  Officers’ were told that an unknown female and male were inside the store causing a disturbance.  The victim witnessed the disturbance and exited the store to call 9-1-1 for assistance.  When the suspects exited the store, the male suspect assaulted the victim and both suspects stole his personal property.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division, Violent Crimes Unit, received a crime stoppers tip identifying both suspects.  On Friday, May 24, 2019, this case was reviewed by the Bell County District Attorney’s office and complaints were returned charging 45 year-old Indrel Shawnea Green and 30 year-old Devyone Montrell Green with Robbery.  Warrants were issued by Justice of the Peace Bill Cooke and at approximately 4:00 p.m., both suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Killeen City Jail.  Both suspects were previously charged with Interference with an Emergency Call related to this case.

The Killeen Police Department would like to thank the community for their assistance in this case.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police Department’s K9 Arco, Merlin and Edy will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Arco and Merlin’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Ty, California City Police Department”. K9 Edy’s vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Rocco, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,400 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million dollars.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen Police need your help locating an elderly man with dementia.

64 year-old, Mario Urbina, was last seen in the 900 block of Hall Street around 4:00 p.m. late this afternoon. He left on foot eastbound towards Nolanville where he resides.

He was last seen wearing a brown hat, like the one in the photo, khaki pants and jacket and Nike shoes. Mario is approximately 5’5” tall and weighs approximately 155 pounds.

Mario is fairly new to the area and his family is concerned.

If you have seen or know the whereabouts of Mario, please call the Killeen Police Department at 254-501-8830.

Killeen Police Department’s K9 Jaxx will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Jaxx’s vest is sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 2019 craft fair fundraiser and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Kilo, Seekonk Police Department, MA”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,400 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million dollars.

The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

On Friday, April 26, 2019, Killeen Police received a request from the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division from Fort Hood, for assistance on an active investigation.  Through the investigation, it was revealed that multiple pieces of ordnance were removed from Fort Hood and stored in different residences throughout the city.

The Fort Hood Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit was contacted and asked to assist the Killeen Police Department by assessing and recovering the ordnance.  Four (4) neighborhoods, Splawn Ranch, Hunt Drive, Transit Drive and Carol Way were areas with imminent danger and nearby residents were evacuated for their safety.

At approximately 10:10 p.m., the investigation concluded and all missing pieces of ordnance were safely removed and recovered by the U.S. Army EOD Unit.

All the agencies safely cleared the scenes and residents were able to return to their homes.

The agencies involved in this investigation were the Fort Hood CID, Fort Hood EOD, the Killeen Fire Department and the Killeen Police Department Patrol and Criminal Investigation Divisions.

All further inquiries about this incident should be directed to Fort Hood Criminal Investigation Division.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department

Killeen couple sentenced to 60 years in federal prison for sexually assaulting children and producing child pornography. 

Today, April 24, 2019, in Waco, United States District Judge Alan D. Albright sentenced 27-year-old Christopher Almaguer and his wife, 27-year-old Sarah Almaguer, who both pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of production of child pornography on October 30, 2018.  By pleading guilty, the couple admitted that in December of 2017, they uploaded sexually explicit videos of themselves sexually assaulting children as young as eight months old.

“These kinds of heinous crimes are unimaginable, but happen all too often,” said Chief Kimble.  “In this situation, the suspects in these horrific acts were arrested, convicted and will no longer be predators in our community while they serve their term where they belong – in Federal Prison.”

The Killeen Police Department would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance in this investigation; the U. S. Attorney’s Office, the Texas Office of the Attorney General, Criminal Investigations Division, Child Exploitation Unit, the U.S. Secret Service and the Temple Police Department.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department