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San Marcos Police Press Releases 2006
Citizen Police Academy Class Starts in February
San Marcos residents are invited to sign up for the Citizens Police Academy, a free 13-week course exploring the responsibilities and operations of the San Marcos Police Department.
The San Marcos Police Department will start Class # 19 on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. More than 270 residents have taken the course since the program began in 1998.
Interested citizens may request an application from the Police Department, 2300 I-35 South. For more information, contact the Crime Prevention Office at 754-2270.
“The San Marcos Citizen Police Academy was created to bring a closer working relationship between the San Marcos Police Department and the citizens of San Marcos,” said Police Chief Howard Williams. “The program allows residents to learn about the inner workings of the department, while officers discover more about San Marcos, our citizens and what the community expects of law enforcement.”
CPA lasts for 13 weeks and is held for three and a half hours on Tuesdays, with two optional “hands on” Saturday events. Classes are held at the San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I 35 South.
Participants will learn about the duties and skills police officers must master to perform their jobs. Topics include patrol tactics, criminal and narcotics investigations, use of force, communications, officer training, DWI procedures, family violence and juvenile law.
The academy allows citizens served by the department to explore the values, philosophy, and operations of the San Marcos Police Department. In turn, the Police Department’s employees become more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community through input from the students.
The course is free to anyone who lives or works in the City of San Marcos. Participants must also be at least 18 years of age and not have any pending charges in any criminal court.
Following graduation, participants are invited to join the CPA Alumni Association, a volunteer organization that continues to support and assist the San Marcos Police Department with a variety of special projects.
1-11-06
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Ron James Guzman
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Police Charge Man
with Aggravated
Sexual Assault of Child
After a joint investigation with the Texas Attorney General’s office and other agencies, San Marcos Police arrested a San Marcos man and charged him with three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child. |
Ron James Guzman (DOB: 03/05/1967) was arrested by San Marcos Police Department detectives on January 11, 2006. An arrest warrant from the Attorney General’s Office was also served at that time for possession of child pornography.
Guzman had no prior criminal history. He was jailed at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center where he remains incarcerated under $630,000 bond.
The agencies that worked on the investigation include the Internet Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General, San Marcos Police Department, Texas Child Protective Services, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Anyone with information related to this investigation should contact the San Marcos Police Department Criminal Investigation Division (at 512) 753-2300.
1-31-06
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SMPD Issues Racial Profiling Report
2005 Racial Profiling Report
San Marcos Police did not use racial profiling when they made traffic stops in 2005, but they did search Hispanics more often than whites or blacks, the annual Racial Profiling Report says.
Ethnic minorities were stopped disproportionately less than the white population in 2005, the report showed.
Police Chief Howard Williams issued the report this week as required by state law to evaluate whether race, ethnicity or national origin play a role in police law enforcement actions.
“We will continue to monitor closely our procedures, the actions of our officers and the numbers,” Chief Williams said. “While we have had no complaints about racial profiling, we want to make sure this is not occurring in the searches conducted by our department.”
Williams said he has assigned a commander to meet with all patrol officers to review their procedures during traffic stops and searches.
The report evaluated the total number of traffic citations San Marcos Police Department officers issued during 2005, the number of searches officers made, the number of searches conducted with the drivers’ consent, and the number of arrests that officers made after the searches.
According to the report, 4,360 whites were stopped last year followed by 132 searches and two arrests. Police stopped 2,318 Hispanics, with 104 searches and three arrests. They stopped 321 African Americans, made 11 searches and two arrests. Twenty six Asian Americans were stopped with one search and no arrests. One American Indian was stopped with no search or arrest.
All police vehicles regularly used by officers to make traffic and pedestrian stops are equipped with video camera and transmitter-activated equipment to record each stop.
The numbers were evaluated by Dr. Hassan Tajalli, a statistician and assistant professor of Political Science at Texas State University.
“Results indicate that there is no racial profiling by the SMPD in stopping minorities (African-Americans, Hispanics, and others),” Dr. Tajalli said in the report. “In fact, ethnic minorities were stopped disproportionately less than White population.”
Dr. Tajalli did conclude that the number of Hispanics searched was statistically significant.
“In the absence of racial profiling we would have expected to see about 81 Hispanic being searched but the actual searches by the SMPD is 104,” he commented. “This difference, while not very large, is statistically significant.”
San Marcos Police Department policies require supervisors once each quarter to review for signs of racial profiling the video tapes from each officer’s vehicle. The supervisors reported that they saw no indications of racial profiling on the tapes that they reviewed for 2005, and the Department received no citizen complaints regarding racial profiling.
The report is posted on the City web site at www.sanmarcostx.gov .
March 1, 2006
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Chief Issues ‘Use of Force’ Report
2005 Use of Force Report
San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams issued a “use of force” report this week in conjunction with the release of the annual Racial Profiling Report.
“Unlike the racial profiling report, there is no statutory or regulatory requirement to present a report on the use of force.” Chief Williams said. “However, I believe that we best serve the public interest when this information is readily available.”
During 2005, police used force during 188 encounters involving 471 citizens, including 380 men, 88 women, three of unknown gender, and 302 officer involvements.
Officers reported 115 incidents when force was actually applied. In the rest of the incidents, officers threatened the use of force, but did not apply it.
In 69 incidents, the officers used empty hand techniques, such as grabbing a suspect, twisting an arm, or wrestling a subject to the ground. Officers used the TASER 38 times, and they used OC spray and a baton one time each. Additionally, officers used the pursuit intervention technique (PIT) once to terminate a pursuit.
Of the citizens against whom officers used force, 13 reported injuries, and five required treatment at a medical facility. All five were treated and released. Nine officers received injuries during the year. All those injuries were minor, and no officer required hospitalization for injuries received.
San Marcos Police policies require an officer to complete a Use of Force Report in situations when a firearm is discharged, when use of force results in or is alleged to have caused death or injury, when a less-lethal weapon is used (TASER, baton, OC spray), if a canine causes injury or death, or when force is required beyond putting on handcuffs.
The report is posted on the City of San Marcos web site at www.sanmarcostx.gov .
March 1, 2006
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Man In Critical Condition After Stabbing
San Marcos Police are investigating a stabbing that left a 25-year-old San Marcos man critically injured early Sunday morning.
Mark Anthony Tovar, age 25, was stabbed multiple times at his apartment in the 1700 block of River Road between 3 and 3:15 a.m. Sunday. He was airlifted to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio where he remained in critical condition Sunday afternoon.
Witnesses reported that three Hispanic males fled the scene in a white Ford truck, said Sgt. Penny Dunn of the Criminal Investigations Division.
Police urge anyone with information about this incident to call the Criminal Investigations Division at 512-753-2300 or Crime Stoppers at 353-TIPS (8477).
March 6, 2006
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Public Invited to Police Department Briefing
2005 Year in Review (pdf file)
San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams invites the public to attend a “Year in Review” briefing on local crime trends and other police-related issues at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2006, at City Hall, 630 E. Hopkins.
The presentation will be broadcast live on the City’s cable television channels, Time Warner, Channel 10 and Grande Communications, Channel 16.
The session is the third annual briefing by the Police Department to inform the public about department accomplishments, goals, crime statistics, police activity, and more.
The public will hear from Chief Williams as well as from Police Department command staff members.
“We believe that the police department should be accountable, publicly, to the community we serve. We will brief citizens on our programs and give them an opportunity to ask us questions about the police services we deliver,” said Chief Williams.
The briefing will cover crime trends, patrol activity, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, sex offenders, parking enforcement, recruitment and hiring, training, use of less-lethal weapons, crime prevention, Citizens Police Academy, school resource officers, victims services, bicycle and foot patrols, loud party enforcement, and narcotics. Chief Williams will also discuss the annual racial profiling report and use of force statistics.
March 13, 2006
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City to Air Police Department Broadcast
The City of San Marcos will rebroadcast the San Marcos Police Department’s “Year in Review” public briefing six times in the next two weeks.
The live March 15 program featured Police Chief Howard Williams and his command staff and offered a detailed report to the community about Police Department activities during 2005. About 20 citizens attended the briefing, which lasted a little more than an hour.
The program will be aired at the following times:
Monday, March 20: 7 p.m.
Wednesday, March 22: 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Tuesday, March 28: 10 a.m.
Wednesday, March 29: 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 30: 3 p.m.
The television program will be rebroadcast on the City’s cable television channels (Time Warner Channel 10 and Grande Channel 16). The presentation is posted on the City’s web page at www.sanmarcostx.gov/departments/police/PDNews06.htm
The briefing covered crime trends, patrol activity, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, sex offenders, parking enforcement, recruitment and hiring, training, use of less-lethal weapons, crime prevention, Citizens Police Academy, school resource officers, victims services, bicycle and foot patrols, loud party enforcement, and narcotics. Chief Williams also discussed the annual racial profiling report and use of force statistics.
In addition to Chief Williams, the program featured Assistant Chiefs Johnny James and Lisa Dvorak, Commanders Mark Minnick, Bill Glasgow, Warren Zerr, and Terry Nichols, Records/ Communications Manager Rosanna Wisener, and Sgt. Chase Stapp.
March 17, 2006
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Cipriano Gonzales IV |
Esther Marie Gonzales
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Police Charge Parents
with Capital Murder in Baby’s Death
San Marcos and Michigan police Friday night arrested the parents of a two-month old girl and charged them with capital murder in her death on March 11.
Cipriano Gonzales, IV, (DOB 5-04-1982) and Esther Marie Gonzales (DOB 5-30-1982) were arrested at 9:25 p.m. Friday, March 17 in Holland, Michigan by San Marcos police and local police.
The infant, Cynthea Gonzales, was pronounced dead around 6 p.m. Saturday, March 11 at Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos. Justice of the Peace Margie Hernandez ordered an autopsy and San Marcos detectives began investigating the death.
Autopsy results received Thursday found that the infant died of severe head trauma, including a fractured skull, according to Sgt. Penny Dunn, investigator with the San Marcos Police Department. The baby also showed evidence of multiple, healed rib fractures.
San Marcos police detectives Scott Johnson and Brandon Winkenwerder traveled to Holland, Michigan on Friday, March 17 to continue the investigation.
Cynthea was born January 4, 2006 in Michigan, Dunn said. On March 3, the parents moved with the baby and a three year old daughter to the 600 block of River Road in San Marcos.
Following the baby’s death last week, Cipriano and Ester Marie Gonzales returned to Michigan.
Based on the investigation and autopsy results, the San Marcos Police Department prepared affidavits for arrest warrants for Cipriano Gonzales, IV, and Esther Marie Gonzales for capital murder of a person under six years of age.
Judge Hernandez issued the capital murder warrants for the parents at 8 p.m. Friday.
San Marcos and Holland police took the parents into custody at 9:25 p.m. They are currently being held in the Holland Police Department Jail in Holland, Michigan.
The three-year-old daughter is now in the custody of relatives in Holland, Michigan.
March 18, 2006
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Two killed in Highway 123 crash
Two Seguin residents were killed Monday and their two children and the driver of a second vehicle seriously injured when a car swerving to avoid a turning vehicle crashed into an oncoming car on Highway 123 in San Marcos.
Ricardo Garcia, age 26, the driver of a 1996 Ford Taurus, and Jo Ann Martinez, age 30, a front seat passenger, died at the scene, according to San Marcos Police Commander Bill Glasgow.
Two children identified as Amanda Martinez, age 8, and Savannah Martinez, age 9, who were in the back seat, were transported to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin with serious injuries. Martinez was their mother and Garcia their step father.
Manuel Lujan, age 39, of San Marcos, identified as the driver of a 2004 Honda Accord struck by Garcia’s Taurus, was also transported to Brackenridge with serious injuries.
The wreck occurred at 4:39 p.m. Monday near the construction site of the new Bowie Elementary School on Highway 123. All the victims were wearing seat belts and the air bags deployed. The victims were transported by ambulance and life flight to Austin.
Glasgow said Garcia’s vehicle was traveling southbound on 123 when he swerved to avoid a turning vehicle. His car traveled into northbound oncoming traffic and crashed into Lujan’s Honda. Lujan was alone in his car.
San Marcos police are continuing their investigation of the wreck. They were the second and third traffic deaths in the San Marcos in 2006.
March 28, 2006
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Police Warn of Mail Scam
San Marcos Police are warning the public not to become victims of a new postal mail scam that promises their targets they have won money from the “North American Unclaimed Funds Random Drawing.”
A City of San Marcos employee alerted Police Commander Bill Glasgow that she received a four page letter from the OLGC Distribution Center state she had won $107,000 from the drawing—but had to send in $978.78 as a “tax withholding.”
“Like other scams of this type that asks the ‘winner’ to send in money, it is fraudulent,” Glasgow said. “The letter looks legitimate and the OLGC Distribution Center is a real company in Canada. However, there is no such drawing and this is a swindle.”
Glasgow looked into the complaint and found that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC) is a legitimate business involved in the gaming industry in Canada.
He contacted the company and was told that in some variations of the scam, the winner receives a check to cover the taxes. They are asked to send in a personal check and then deposit the check from OLGC.
“Of course the OLGC check bounces and the victim has lost the money he sent,” Glasgow said.
OLGC officials told Glasgow that the scam is spreading through the United States.
San Marcos police are not investigating the case, but are warning the public to beware of this and similar scams that may appear in their mailbox.
April 10 , 2006
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Sgt. Dunn Honored as ‘Officer of Year’
San Marcos Police Sergeant Penny Dunn was honored recently as “Officer of the Year” by the 100 Club of Central Texas at the group’s annual award banquet.
Sgt. Dunn was selected among finalists in the “Excellence in Police Work” category to receive the distinguished top honor.
She was nominated for her passionate commitment for the creation of a Victims Services program at SMPD, a long road that began in 1997.
“Sgt. Dunn is a woman of vision, dedication and commitment,” said Police Chief Howard Williams. “We are proud of her achievements and this well-deserved honor.”
Dunn spent years documenting the need, working with other agencies, and writing grants. In 2004, the program won funding from the Office of the Attorney General and the City of San Marcos. Eugenia Rinaldi was hired to be the Victims Services Coordinator.
Dunn didn’t stop there. Believing in the mission of service to crime victims, Sergeant Dunn attended the International Conference on Domestic Violence, Stalking, and Sexual Assault in San Diego in 2004.
From that training, Sergeant Dunn became the driving force to establish a Domestic Violence Intervention Team (DVIT) and create a Family Justice Center to serve victims of family violence on a county-wide basis.
The purpose of DVIT is to specially train patrol officers to respond to domestic violence related incidents to conduct the initial investigations with the responding patrol officer. Sergeant Dunn spearheaded the grant quest and in June 2005 the City received $17,642 to obtain the training and equipment associated with the program.
Dunn also vigorously has pursued creation of the Family Justice Center, a centralized location for victims of domestic violence to receive legal and social services, including protective orders, counseling, assistance with food, shelter and transportation, and legal aid.
Phase I of the Family Justice Center began in 2005 with the City of San Marcos approving $66,200 CDBG funds for the master plan, engineering of the building site, design of the center and initial site development. The project received a $5,000 grant from the Shield-Ayres Foundation in December 2005. A local realtor donated 19 acres of land for the combined project of the Family Justice Center and The Village that will incorporated a mixture of partners for this service.
Partners to date include the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, the Hays County District Attorney’s Office, the San Marcos Police Department, Hays County Area Food Bank, Community Action Inc., Early Childhood Intervention – Homespun, Christian Federation of Police Officers – Police Athletic League, and the San Marcos Lions Club.
The 100 Club of Central Texas is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance and other support to the law enforcement community, especially to the families of law enforcement officers who are killed or critically injured in the line of duty.
The organization promotes recognition and educational opportunities and life saving equipment to peace officers. Funds are raised through sponsored events to purchase protective vests for every peace officer in the area of coverage that includes Hays, Caldwell, Bastrop, Williamson and Travis counties.
June 28, 2006
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Police Seek Suspects in Shooting Spree
San Marcos police are searching for two men who fired a shotgun at least 10 times between 10 and 11 p.m. Saturday night, injuring one woman and damaging several vehicles and homes.
The men, described as white or Hispanic, fired at people, homes, and vehicles within an hour on the east side of San Marcos, according to Assistant Chief of Police Lisa Dvorak. One woman suffered minor injuries.
“The shootings may have started near WalMart and continued on River Road at C.M. Allen Homes, Smith Lane, Juarez Street and then the Hills of Hays Subdivision,” Chief Dvorak said. “We believe the same two men fired all the shots due to the short time frame and the locations of the crimes.”
The victims in the crimes appear to be unrelated and were random targets.
Police said the two men were riding in a black vehicle. They face charges that include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, deadly conduct, and criminal mischief.
Police are investigating one suspect so far in the case. Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to contact Detective Scott Johnson at 753-2300.
In the first reported incident, a 68-year old woman living in the 800 block of River Road was struck in the hand around 10:12 p.m. either by flying glass or a shotgun pellet. Family members took her to Central Texas Medical Center where she was treated and released.
Four minutes later at 10:16 p.m., police received a report that a shotgun blast shattered a storm window and interior window of a home in the 100 block of Smith Lane There were no witnesses.
At 10:20 p.m., a man driving on Staples Road heard a loud noise that he thought was fireworks. He pulled into a driveway on Hilltop Drive in the Hills of Hays Subdivision, got out of his car and saw a black vehicle moving down the street. As he watched, a male front seat passenger leaned out of the car window, pointed a shotgun at him and fired.
The witness got back in his car and chased the suspect vehicle through the Hills of Hays neighborhood and back to Staples Road (FM 621). As he chased the car, five more shots were fired.
On FM 621, the suspect vehicle passed cars in a no passing zone and shot at another vehicle as they drove by. The Hays County Sheriff’s office is investigating the reported shotgun shooting on Staples Road.
The suspect vehicle was last seen headed towards Staples, Dvorak said.
During the chase through the Hills of Hays, a man walking his dog heard shots fired from the direction of Lago Vista and Hilltop and heard pellets striking vehicles near him. He felt a sting on his shoulder, but suffered no visible injury.
Around the same time, a man inside his garage on Lago Vista reported gun shots and heard pellets striking his car. He was not injured.
At 10:33 p.m. police received a report that a Suburban in the WalMart parking lot had been shot through the windshield.
At 10:56 police received a report that a woman standing on a porch in the 100 block of Juarez Street saw a dark colored vehicle pull up next to a parked car. The driver pointed a shotgun at the car. The woman called out and asked what they were doing and the driver fired once into the parked car.
The woman was uninjured, although she was standing in the line of fire 15 feet behind the vehicle when the shot was fired.
Police received other reports at 10:57 p.m. and 11:05 p.m. in the 800 block of River road where two vehicles and the door of a residence were damaged by shotgun fire.
July 10, 2006
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Carlos Joseph Smithwick |
Jose Leonel
Gonzales III |
Mario Enrique
Cadena, Jr.
At large
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Police Arrest Two Suspects
in Shooting Spree, Seek Third
San Marcos Police arrested two men early this morning and are seeking a third on charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Organized Criminal Activity in one of several shooting incidents Saturday night.
Police arrested Jose Leonel Gonzales III, H/M, (DOB: 2-25-87) of Kyle and Carlos Joseph Smithwick, H/M, (DOB:1-29-87), of San Marcos.
Still wanted is Mario Enrique Cadena, Jr., H/M, (DOB) 1-01-86 of San Marcos. He is described as being 5’9”, 190 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.
All three are charged with engaging in Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Organized Criminal Activity for firing multiple times at a citizen in the Hills of Hays subdivision.
San Marcos Police and the San Marcos/Hays County SWAT team were assisted by the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Department in executing the arrest warrants at a residence in Redwood at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday. The residence is located in the 5100 block of Rose Trail located off FM1978 in Guadalupe County.
Additional charges will be filed for each reported incident. Saturday night the men are believed to have fired a shotgun multiple times at people, homes and vehicles in several neighborhoods on the east side of San Marcos.
One woman suffered minor injuries and several homes and vehicles were damaged in the shooting spree that took place between 10 and 11 p.m. Saturday.
July 11, 2006
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Third Suspect in Shooting Spree Surrenders
The third suspect wanted in a shooting spree Saturday turned himself in at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center in San Marcos Wednesday afternoon.
Mario Enrique Cadena, Jr., H/M, (DOB 1-01-86) of San Marcos surrendered to authorities at 2 p.m. Bond was set at $150,000, said Assistant Police Chief Johnny James.
Early Tuesday, police arrested Jose Leonel Gonzales III, H/M, (DOB: 2-25-87) of Kyle and Carlos Joseph Smithwick, H/M, (DOB:1-29-87), of San Marcos for the hour-long shooting spree in several neighborhoods on the east side of San Marcos.
They are charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity in one of several shooting incidents Saturday night.
One woman suffered minor injuries and several homes and vehicles were damaged in the shooting spree that took place between 10 and 11 p.m. Saturday.
July 12, 2006
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Police Investigate Burglaries
San Marcos Police are investigating 23 burglaries at local businesses that have occurred since March. Some businesses have been hit more than once.
“This number is unusually high for this time frame,” said Assistant Chief of Police Lisa Dvorak. “We have stepped up patrols of local businesses and encourage business owners to increase their security.”
The burglars have taken a variety of items, ranging from petty cash to food to computer equipment. The incidents have occurred in widely scattered areas throughout the city.
San Marcos Police encourage business owners to increase their security and citizens to report suspicious activity.
They advise managers to properly secure their business, increase lighting and leave no cash on the premises. Businesses can contact SMPD’s Crime Prevention Unit at 754-2270 for more information about ways to increase security.
Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call Detective Stuart Ellis at 753-2300 or Crime Stoppers at 353-8477 or 1-800-324-8477.
July 13, 2006
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Another Business Burglarized
San Marcos Police are investigating another burglary of a business that occurred in the 700 block of E. Hopkins between 11 p.m. Friday and 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
The back door was pried open and an undisclosed amount of cash stolen from the business.
San Marcos Police are continuing their investigation into a series of burglaries that have occurred in recent months. Twenty-seven burglaries have occurred at 23 locations, as well as two attempted break-ins since March.
Anyone with information about this burglary or others should contact Detective Stuart Ellis at 512-753-2300 or Crime Stoppers at 353-TIPS (8477).
“We have beefed up patrols of businesses and ask citizens to report any suspicious or unusual activity in a business area by calling the San Marcos Police at 512-753-2108 or in an emergency, 911,” said Assistant Chief of Police Lisa Dvorak.
“Officers and investigators are diligent in their efforts to solve these crimes,” she added. “We need business owners to be vigilant and citizens to help us with any information they may have.”
Business owners are encouraged to secure their businesses with good locking devices, improve lighting, and ensure established alarms are working properly.
Citizens can contact the San Marcos Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at 754-2270 for information on how to better secure a business or residence.
July 16, 2006
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Gabriel Vega
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Jose Eliseo Paez
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Police Arrest Burglary Suspects
San Marcos Police arrested two men Thursday and charged them with burglary of a building following an early morning break-in at a local restaurant where one of the men was caught at the scene.
As many as 20 additional charges may be filed as police link the men to numerous other burglaries in San Marcos since March.
Gabriel Vega, age 18, (DOB/02/01/88) was arrested by Officer Gene Tucker at Grin’s Restaurant around 5:30 a.m. Thursday after San Marcos and Texas State University police responded to a break-in at the restaurant.
Vega is jailed at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center under $30,000 bond.
A second suspect, Jose Eliseo Paez, age 27 (DOB/03/07/79), ran from the business when officers arrived. Later he was detained for questioning and brought to the San Marcos Police Department. There a warrant was obtained and served at 2 p.m. Bond has been set at $30,000 on Paez.
San Marcos police patrols have been on high alert following some 30 burglaries at businesses since March.
Early Thursday morning, Sgt. Jehu Derrickson checked Kentucky Fried Chicken at 913 IH 35 North around 4:30 a.m. and discovered the business had been burglarized. Not knowing if the suspects were still inside, Derrickson radioed for back up and a Police K-9 unit.
A few minutes later they received an alarm at Montana Mike’s, a restaurant at Highway 80 and I-35. Police investigated both scenes for an hour. They found evidence of a break-in at KFC. The second alarm proved to be false.
At 5:29 a.m. dispatch received a report of a burglary in progress at Grin’s restaurant across town. An employee entering the business for work saw two men attempting to break into a safe. He ran across the street to a convenience store and called 911.
Officer Tucker arrived at Grin’s, saw Vega inside the restaurant and made the arrest. The second suspect fled on foot, taking an undisclosed amount of cash.
Detective Stuart Ellis tracked leads to identify Paez as the second suspect.
Police have developed information and recovered evidence linking the pair to many other burglaries that have occurred since March. Detectives are continuing the investigation and expect to file additional charges in as many as 20 or more cases.
July 21, 2006
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Sgt. Rickey Steinke
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Recruiter Charged with Official Oppression
San Marcos police are seeking additional possible victims of an Army recruiter who was arrested and charged with official oppression in July after allegedly making sexual advances towards a 17-year old female recruit. |
Sgt. Rickey Steinke, age 30, (DOB 07/09/1976) of San Marcos, a recruiter with the U.S. Army, was arrested on July 12 by San Marcos police and charged with official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor. He was released from the Hays County Law Enforcement Center on July 15 on a $10,000 bond.
He is accused of taking a 17-year old female from the Gary Job Corps campus on June 7, 2006 under the ruse that he needed to measure her for uniforms, according to Police Sgt. Penny Dunn. The teenager was told they needed to go to the Army recruiting office off campus to get a measuring tape.
Police say Steinke took the teen to his apartment, telling her that it was his office. He then made sexual advances toward the victim.
He was charged with official oppression since he was acting as a public servant under the color of his office or employment at the time of the offense. He was stationed at the Army recruiting office at Gary Job Corps Center. The Army removed him removed from recruiting on June 9.
Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at San Marcos Police Department at 512-753-2300.
Official oppression is a Class A misdemeanor with penalties of a $4,000 fine and up to a year in county jail.
August 8, 2006
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Woman Seriously Injured in Assault
A 22-year-old San Marcos woman suffered serious injuries after she was attacked outside her apartment at Village on the River on Aquarena Springs Drive around 6:10 a.m. Monday.
San Marcos Police are seeking a suspect described as a black male, about six feet tall, 180 to 200 pounds, with short hair and a slim build.
He attacked the woman with a knife and inflicted serious injuries, according to Sgt. Penny Dunn. The victim was not identified.
The woman suffered serious, but not life-threatening injuries and is being treated at Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos.
Anyone with information about this aggravated assault is asked to call the San Marcos Police Department Criminal Investigations division at 512-753-2300.
August 14, 2006
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Police Release Sketch of Assault Suspect
San Marcos Police released a composite sketch of a suspect who attacked a 22-year-old woman early Monday, Aug. 14, outside her apartment.
Sgt. Penny Dunn said the victim met with a police artist and provided details of his appearance for the sketch. |
The suspect is described as a black male, about six feet tall, 180 to 200 pounds, with short hair and a slim build.
The 22-year-old woman suffered serious injuries after she was attacked outside her apartment by a knife-wielding man at Village on the River on Aquarena Springs Drive around 6:10 a.m. Monday.
Anyone with information about this investigation or this suspect, please call the San Marcos Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 512-753-2300.
August 17, 2006
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Citizen Police Academy Class to Start Aug. 24
San Marcos residents are invited to sign up for the Citizens Police Academy, a free 13-week course exploring the responsibilities and operations of the San Marcos Police Department.
The San Marcos Police Department will start Class # 20 on Thursday, August 24 at 5:30 p.m. More than 270 residents have taken the course since the program began in 1998.
Interested citizens may request an application from the Police Department, 2300 I-35 South. For more information, contact the Officer Danny Arredondo at the Crime Prevention Office at 754-2270. Applications are also available on the City’s web site at http://www.sanmarcostx.gov/departments/police/cpa.htm
CPA lasts for 13 weeks and is held for three and a half hours on Thursdays, with two optional “hands on” Saturday events. Classes are held at the San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I 35 South.
Participants will learn about the duties and skills police officers must master to perform their jobs. Topics include patrol tactics, criminal and narcotics investigations, use of force, communications, officer training, DWI procedures, family violence and juvenile law.
The academy allows citizens served by the department to explore the values, philosophy, and operations of the San Marcos Police Department. In turn, the Police Department’s employees become more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community through input from the students.
The course is free to anyone who lives or works in the City of San Marcos. Participants must also be at least 18 years of age and not have any pending charges in any criminal court.
Following graduation, participants are invited to join the CPA Alumni Association, a volunteer organization that continues to support and assist the San Marcos Police Department with a variety of special projects.
August 17, 2006
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Man Dies in Officer-Involved Shooting
A 19-year-old San Marcos man died Wednesday, Aug. 30, after he was shot by a police officer as the suspect stabbed his mother in the street near their home on Gravel Street.
Christopher Jonathan Gonzales (DOB 08-17-1987) was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Joanne Prado at 12 noon Wednesday at Central Texas Medical Center.
The incident happened about 10:48 a.m. Wednesday in the 900 block of Gravel Street.
9-1-1 dispatchers received an emergency call from the home in which Gonzales’ mother, identified as Rosita Pineda, said her son, possibly armed with a knife, was threatening family members. Dispatchers heard screaming and the line was disconnected.
San Marcos police officer Tracy Frans, a 13-year veteran of the department, responded to the call at the family’s home on Gravel Street.
Officer Frans found Gonzales in the street near their home holding his mother and threatening to stab her. Officer Frans drew his weapon and told the suspect to stop. Gonzales then stabbed his mother and Officer Frans fired one round striking Gonzales in the chest.
Frans and Sgt. Randy Holmes immediately began first aid on the victim. Gonzales was transported to Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators said that two other family members were slightly injured by Gonzales before the police arrived. They and the mother refused medical treatment. Police found that Gonzales had stabbed his mother with a fork which was found at the scene.
San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams has placed Officer Frans on administrative duty as the incident is investigated, the normal procedure in officer-involved shootings. The department is continuing its investigation into the case.
The department has also called Texas Ranger Tommy Ratliff to conduct an independent review of the incident.
The incident will also be taken to the Hays County Grand Jury for its review.
August 30, 2006
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Grand Jury Indicts Couple in Baby Death
The Hays County District Attorney’s office Thursday announced the Grand Jury indictment of Cipriano Gonzales IV and Esther Gonzales for injury to a child, a first degree felony, in the March 11, 2006 death of their two-month old daughter, Cynthea.
An autopsy by the Tarrant County medical examiner determined that the cause of death was “blunt force traumatic head injury” and the manner of death was ruled a homicide, according to Police Chief Howard Williams.
“The indictment in this case does not close the investigation,” said Chief Williams. “We believe there are more witnesses to this case. We urge anyone with information to contact Sgt. Penny Dunn, with the Criminal Investigation Division of the San Marcos Police at 512-753-2300.”
Because the case is still under investigation, San Marcos Police are not releasing the medical examiner’s report or any further information on the case.
Questions may be directed to the Hays County District Attorney’s office.
September 7 , 2006
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Grand Jury Indicts Former
Officer for Sexual Assault
A Hays County grand jury has indicted a former San Marcos police officer for sexual assault after a woman accused him of assaulting her while on duty in September.
Craig Allen Hoskins, age 35, who worked for the San Marcos Police Department for a year, was indicted late Wednesday by the grand jury. He lives in Caldwell County.
The alleged incident occurred on September 11, 2006. The woman reported to a police supervisor that Hoskins had assaulted her.
The San Marcos police immediately began an internal investigation followed by a criminal investigation as more details of the incident became known.
Hoskins was placed on paid administrative leave for several weeks pending the result of the investigation. He subsequently resigned on October 31, effective November 3.
San Marcos police turned the evidence over to the Hays County Criminal District Attorney who took the case to the grand jury.
“As with any allegation of misconduct, we will thoroughly investigate it,” said Police Chief Howard Williams. “When appropriate, we will discipline an officer or refer the case for prosecution.”
Hoskins was hired by the San Marcos Police Department in August, 2005. He previously has been a deputy sheriff in Caldwell County, Tyler County, the Southeast Texas Narcotics and Intelligence Task Force in Silsbee and Hays County.
November 9, 2006
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Man Wanted for Aggravated Assault
San Marcos Police are seeking Kilis Gene Franks, age 34, for aggravated assault with serious bodily injury for allegedly breaking his girlfriend’s jaw on November 29.
Police said that Franks (DOB 05/28/1972) is considered to be dangerous and believed to be hiding from the law. He is described as a black male, 5’8” tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds.
Anyone with information of his whereabouts can call the San Marcos Police Department 24-hours a day at 753-2108, Hays County Crimestoppers 800-324-8477, or 353-TIPS (353-8477).
The incident occurred at the Villas at Willow Springs apartments at 1506 IH 35 south on November 29. According to police, the suspect struck the 19-year old victim with his fist, breaking her jaw.
She was treated at Central Texas Medical Center and then transferred to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin for emergency surgery. She has since been released from the hospital.
Justice of the Peace Joanne Prado issued an arrest warrant for Franks for aggravated assault with serious bodily injury—family violence on December 1. The offense is a second degree felony punishable by two to twenty years in prison.
For more information, contact Sgt. Penny Dunn with the Criminal Investigations Division at 512-754-2204.
December 5, 2006
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Assault Suspect Surrenders
Kilis Gene Franks, age 34, surrendered at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center Tuesday after a warrant for his arrest was issued for aggravated assault with serious bodily injury-family violence.
He is accused of breaking his girlfriend’s jaw in an altercation on November 29. The incident occurred at the Villas at Willow Springs apartments at 1506 IH 35 south on November 29.
According to police, Franks struck the 19-year old victim with his fist, breaking her jaw. She was treated at Central Texas Medical Center and then transferred to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin for emergency surgery. She has since been released from the hospital.
Franks surrendered Tuesday and is awaiting magistration. Justice of the Peace Joanne Prado issued an arrest warrant for Franks for aggravated assault with serious bodily injury—family violence on December 1. The offense is a second degree felony punishable by two to twenty years in prison.
For more information, contact Sgt. Penny Dunn with the Criminal Investigations Division at 512-753-2300.
December 6, 2006
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Police Investigate Home Invasion
Armed Robberies: Seek 3 Suspects
The San Marcos Police Department and Texas State University Police Department are investigating four home invasion armed robberies that have occurred at San Marcos apartments since July, including two in the past two days.
Three suspects are thought to be linked to all the robberies in which both male and female victims between 19 and 22 have been robbed of cash, credit cards, identification cards, narcotics, and small electronics. Some of the victims are Texas State University students.
The suspects are described as black males wearing dark clothes and masks (ski mask, bandana or pantyhose), who were armed with two semi-automatic handguns, one revolver, a baseball bat, a crow bar, and a knife. They are thought to be driving a dark colored SUV.
The most recent robberies occurred on December 10 and 11. Two others happened in early July. No one has been injured in the robberies.
The first incident occurred on July 4, 2006 at the Audrey Oaks Apartments located at 1111 N. LBJ around midnight. Officers responded to a burglary in progress call when a neighbor observed two black males kick in the front door of an apartment and enter.
The resident said that he was threatened with a knife and baseball bat by the two men, who then robbed him of cash and other property in the apartment.
The second incident happened on July 10, 2006 at the University Springs Apartments located at 109 West Ave. around midnight. Four men were robbed of cash and other property during a weekly poker game after two suspects entered the residence through an unlocked sliding glass door. The two let a third suspect in through the front door of the apartment. At least one was armed with a handgun.
The victims delayed calling police for about 30 minutes after the robbers threatened to harm them if they did so.
The third incident occurred on December 10, 2006 at the Campus Colony Apartments located at 600 N. Comanche around 9:51 p.m. Texas State University Police responded to a reported burglary of a residence in which four victims were robbed of cash and property at gunpoint by three black males.
The suspects entered through an unlocked front door. All three suspects were armed with handguns and threatened the victims with harm if they called the police.
The fourth incident happened on December 11, 2006 at the Exchange 2 Apartments located at 1101 River Ridge Parkway around 11 p.m. Three black suspects armed with handguns forced their way into the apartment when one of the two victims opened the front door robbing the victims of cash and property.
The suspects again threatened several times to kill the victims during the robbery, delaying a call to police by about 30 minutes.
The suspects are described as:
- Suspect #1 – Black male, 6’ to 6’ 5”, medium to muscular build, wearing a bandana or ski mask, with dark clothing.
- Suspect #2 – Black male, 5’7” to 5’8”, muscular build, closely cut hair, wearing a ski mask
- Suspect #3 – Black male, 6’, medium to stock build, dark bandana, dark clothing, athletic shoes
One suspect has been called “T” by the other suspects during the robberies. There is no information on which suspect was called “T”.
Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call the San Marcos Police Criminal Investigations Division at 512-753-2300 or Texas State University Police at 512-245-2805.
Those with information may also call the San Marcos Police Department 24-hours a day at 753-2108, Hays County Crimestoppers 800-324-8477, or 353-TIPS (353-8477).
December 12, 2006
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Wrong Way Collision Kills Driver
A man driving the wrong way on I-35 in San Marcos was killed Monday night when his van collided head on with another vehicle.
William Duffie Obrien, age 43, (DOB 03-31-1963) of Kyle was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Joanne Prado.
The driver of the second vehicle, David Cruz Sanchez, Jr., age 20, of New Braunfels, was airlifted to Brook Army Medical Center with life threatening injuries. His condition was unknown Tuesday morning.
Police dispatchers received a report of a white van northbound in the southbound lane near mile marker 202 at 10:19 p.m. Monday.
As officers rushed to shut down the interstate, a call came in advising of a head-on collision in the center lane near the 2300 block of south I-35 involving a white 1994 Dodge van and a 1998 gray Ford Explorer.
Traffic was shut down on the interstate until 1 a.m. Tuesday. Obrien’s body was transported to the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office for autopsy.
The two drivers were the only occupants of the vehicles.
San Marcos police are continuing their investigation of the crash.
December 19, 2006
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Miguel Vela |
Amanda Bermea |
Jose Garcia |
30 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA were found hidden
in a speaker box in the truck of a car.
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Narcotics Task Force, SMPD Arrest
Three with 30 Lbs of Marijuana
Members of the Hays County Narcotics Task Force and the San Marcos Police Department Patrol Division arrested three people and seized 30 pounds of marijuana Thursday, Dec. 21, after being tipped off about a drug delivery.
Arrested were Miguel Angel Vela, age 37, (DOB 03-02-69) of Alamo, Tx; Jose Garcia, age 18, (DOB 04-25-88) and Amanda Bermea, age 18, (DOB 05-08-88) both of Sullivan City, Tx. in the Rio Grande Valley.
They were charged with possession of marijuana over five pounds but less than 50 pounds, a third degree felony punishable by a term of imprisonment from 2 to 10 years and a fine up to $10,000.
The three remain in jail at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center under bond set at $30,000 each.
The investigation began when SMPD Patrol Officer Daniel Castillo received a tip early Thursday morning about a load of marijuana expected to arrive in San Marcos early that same day.
HCNTF detectives established surveillance on two vehicles believed to be involved in the marijuana delivery at a San Marcos motel in the 1000 block of I-35 north. The surveillance began at approximately 2:30 a.m. Thursday morning and continued until both involved vehicles left the motel at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Police stopped Vela as he turned from the I-35 frontage road to Guadalupe Street in San Marcos. The investigating officers were assisted by Texas Department of Public Safety K9 Handler Josh Ray and his K9 partner “Jake.”
The drug dog alerted to a speaker box where police discovered approximately 30 pounds of marijuana. Vela was placed under arrest.
Surveillance units followed the second vehicle and stopped it at Highway 621 and 123 where the other two suspects were arrested.
December 27, 2006
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Police Arrest 4 for Water Filter Scam
San Marcos police arrested four people Friday night and charged them with deceptive business practices for allegedly trying to scare residents into buying water purification devices by telling them their water had been contaminated.
Arrested were Christina Saldivar Banda, (DOB 7/25/85) age 21, of Martindale; Stephanie Eloise McBath (DOB 06/23/89) age 17, of New Braunfels ; Julio Menchaca (DOB 5/20/85) age 21 of Manor, and Jeffrey Bowman (DOB 8/20/86) age 20 of Lockhart.
They were charged with deceptive business practices, a Class A misdemeanor, and booked into the Hays County Law Enforcement Center . The suspects were expected to appear before a judge for the setting of a bond Saturday morning.
According to Commander Terry Nichols, on Friday, December 29, 2006 at approximately 7:30 pm., officers responded to the area of West Sierra Circle to investigate suspicious persons who were going door to door claiming to work for the water department.
The suspects told residents that there had been a chemical spill and their water may not be safe to drink. They were urging residents to schedule a time for someone to come to their residence and test their water.
Responding officers located the suspects and learned that they worked for Aquativa, a company that sells water filtration systems. After speaking with numerous residents in the Sierra Circle area, police determined that the four suspects were telling residents numerous stories including one that there had been a chemical spill involving a semi truck in the area of Ranch Road 12 and their water may be contaminated and unsafe to drink.
In the Castle Forest neighborhood on Ridge View, one of the suspects told a resident that he worked for a local builder that constructed homes in the neighborhood and the company was scheduling appointments to check water for contaminants.
All four subjects were arrested for Deceptive Business Practices, a class A Misdemeanor.
Texas Penal Code defines the offense as “making a materially false or misleading statement…in an advertisement for the purchase or sale or service; or otherwise in connection with the purchase or sale of property or service.”
Menchaca was also charged with driving while license suspended.
“These suspects were captured and this scam stopped due to a suspicious citizen who knew something was wrong with the story he was being told,” Nichols said. “Residents are reminded to be very careful when allowing strangers into their homes. There are many instances where criminals use these types of scams and scenarios to gain entry into a residence so that they can return later when people are not at home to burglarize and steal. Residents are encouraged to call the Police Department to report any suspicious activity.”
City of San Marcos water utility workers wear uniforms, carry identification and drive clearly marked city vehicles.
December 27, 2006
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