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Pay Up—Or Face Arrest!
Law Enforcement Agencies Set Arrest Warrant Roundup
San Marcos Police will join law enforcement agencies from across Central Texas in an arrest warrant roundup aimed at 100,000 scofflaws who have ignored court appearances and failed to pay fines for a wide variety of Class C misdemeanors, tickets, and other crimes.
Police agencies announced this morning (February 18) in Austin that they will join forces for an arrest warrant roundup throughout Central Texas.
Participating agencies include Austin, Bastrop, Bee Cave, Bellmead, Brenham, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Lacy Lakeview, Leander, Lockhart, Marble Falls, McGregor, New Braunfels, Pflugerville, Rollingwood, Round Rock, San Marcos, Temple, and Waco along with the University of Texas Police Department, Burnet County, the Comal County Sheriff’s Office, the Williamson County Constable’s Office of Precinct 4, and the Travis County Constables’ Offices.
Officials will begin arresting persons with outstanding arrest warrants on Saturday, March 5, and continue for several days.
In San Marcos, letters are being sent to some 6,000 people with outstanding warrants. If the fines are not paid by March 5, people face being arrested at home or at their places of employment.
“This is the first time that we have participated in such a massive warrant roundup,” said Commander Mark Minnick of the San Marcos Police Department. “We urge people who receive these letters to take care of the warrants immediately so they can avoid being arrested.”
On March 5, San Marcos police will begin serving the arrest warrants and take people to Municipal Court for magistration.
More than 100,000 notices are being mailed February 18 to persons with warrants active against them in the jurisdictions. Although the concentration is on Class C charges, which include traffic, criminal parking, penal code and City ordinance violations, higher charge warrants will also be served.
San Marcos Municipal Court, located in the Municipal Building at 630 E. Hopkins, will operate Saturday, March 5 from 7 a.m. to noon using the entire court staff and Municipal Judge Ross Allegro.
“Court staff will be here to magistrate the people who are rounded up,” said Rodney Gonzales, Director of Finance who oversees court collections. “We will have uniformed police officers rounding up people and bringing them to court.”
San Marcos Municipal Court participates in a program in which people who fail to appear in court or satisfy a court judgment will have their driver’s licenses flagged by DPS—and they will be unable to renew their license until the warrants are resolved.
“In the near future, we'll be looking at hiring a collection agency to collect outstanding fine amounts,” Gonzales added. “We are also preparing to add Internet features that provide defendants the opportunity to pay fines via the Internet.
People with outstanding warrants are urged to dispose of their cases voluntarily to avoid the inconvenience and embarrassment of arrest at home or at work.
Fines may be paid voluntarily at San Marcos Municipal Court, 630 E. Hopkins, San Marcos.
In person at Municipal Court, 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos, TX 78666.
Special Round-Up hours only: 7 a.m. – 12 noon, Saturday, March 5.
Mail payment to the City of San Marcos Municipal Court, 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos TX 78666. Include driver license number and ticket or case number on check to ensure proper application.
Paying by credit card over the phone (512) 393-8190, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover accepted.
For more information, contact Commander Minnick at 512- 753-2103 or Municipal Court at 512-393-8190.
San Marcos Police and the Municipal Court will begin their Warrant Roundup on Saturday, March 5, as part of a regional effort to persuade people to pay outstanding citations and court judgments.
Since letters were mailed out on February 15, more than 100 residents have paid an estimated $55,000 in outstanding fines to the San Marcos Municipal Court, said Sylvia Quintero, Municipal Court Supervisor.
On Saturday, San Marcos police will begin arresting people and bringing them to Municipal Court at 630 E. Hopkins to take care of long-ignored tickets or arrest warrants.
Municipal Court Judge Ross Allegro and court staff will be available from 7 a.m. to 12 noon to handle payments and pleas. Residents are urged not to wait for a police officer to knock on the door at their home or workplace.
“The Police Department would like for people with outstanding arrests warrants to contact the Municipal Court immediately and make arrangements for dealing with their citations,” said Commander Mark Minnick of the San Marcos Police Department. “We will be very happy if we don’t have to make any arrests.”
For those who ignore the advice, San Marcos Police will start arresting people Saturday and continue the roundup next week. San Marcos Municipal Court sent out notices to 3,400 people two weeks ago alerting them to the outstanding warrants. Half of the letters came back as undeliverable.
Wednesday night the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association made scores of telephone calls to people with warrants issued in 2004.
“We are swamped with calls,” Quintero said Thursday morning. “We are glad that people are responding and appreciate the help from the CPAAA.”
People who continue to ignore the warrants also face losing their drivers’ licenses. San Marcos Municipal Court participates in a program in which people who fail to appear in court or satisfy a court judgment will have their driver’s licenses flagged by DPS—and they will be unable to renew their license until the warrants are resolved.
Fines may be paid voluntarily at San Marcos Municipal Court, 630 E. Hopkins, San Marcos.
In person at Municipal Court, 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos, TX 78666.
Special Round-Up hours only: 7 a.m. – 12 noon, Saturday, March 5.
Mail payment to the City of San Marcos Municipal Court, 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos TX 78666. Include driver license number and ticket or case number on check to ensure proper application.
Paying by credit card over the phone (512) 393-8190, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover accepted.
Law enforcement agencies from across Central Texas announced the arrest warrant roundup February 18 aimed at 100,000 people who have ignored court appearances and failed to pay fines for a wide variety of Class C misdemeanors, tickets, and other crimes.
Participating agencies include Austin, Bastrop, Bee Cave, Bellmead, Brenham, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Lacy Lakeview, Leander, Lockhart, Marble Falls, McGregor, New Braunfels, Pflugerville, Rollingwood, Round Rock, San Marcos, Temple, and Waco along with the University of Texas Police Department, Burnet County, the Comal County Sheriff’s Office, the Williamson County Constable’s Office of Precinct 4, and the Travis County Constables’ Offices.
For more information, contact Commander Minnick at 512- 753-2103 or Municipal Court at 512-393-8190.
The San Marcos Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association will present its third comedy play, “Where's Ralph - The Search Continues,” on February 19 at 7 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center.
“Where’s Ralph” is a funny play about a search for Ralph, the swimming pig, of Aquarena fame. This is a G-rated community theater event with community players - your friends and neighbors.
See Dr. Richard Cheatham as an eccentric millionaire who is looking for Ralph the swimming pig of Aquarena fame, and willing to pay one million dollars for him! See the City Manager, Dan O'Leary and Police Chief, Howard Williams, (played by themselves) as they encourage their detectives to "find that pig" and interview the suspects.
Wonder World's Buddy Mostyn (always jealous of that pig), Mike Villain (the Dillon's Crystal River Inn is known for their pork tenderloin), the university's Agriculture Department chair, Dr. Hardin Rahe (there's room for a lot of pigs at the Freeman Ranch), and Rodney Van Oudekerke (the Cattle Baron's Ball Pig Race Chair) are the prime suspects questioned by the illustrious detectives Johnny James, Bob Klett, and Dan and Kathy Misiaszek.
But there are other suspects. Even Coach David Bailiff is questioned. All of the news is anchored by Troy Kimmel (no weather here) and reported by Dan Rivers (Ruben Becerra).
"This play is written by the actors and other community members and will really be all about San Marcos," said Jane Hughson, director. "Our audiences enjoyed our last two comedy plays, 'Where's Ralph' and 'Culinary Crimes' and we are sure they will enjoy this one. If you enjoy comedy and community theater, come see 'Where's Ralph, The Search Continues' and see friends in roles you will never see again."
Included in the ticket price of $12.50 are desserts, coffee, and tea. Funds raised will purchase bikes for the Bike Patrol and new audio-visual equipment for the Police Department auditorium.
The San Marcos Police Department will start the next Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) Class #17 on Tuesday, February 22 at 6 p.m. at the San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I-35 South.
San Marcos residents are invited to enroll now by filling out an application available from the Police Department, 2300 I-35 South. The deadline is Friday, February 18. For more information, contact Officer Pete Weaver, at 754-2270.
Classes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday for 12 weeks, with two optional “hands on” Saturday events.
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.
Classes include an overview of the department structure and detailed discussions about police operations, ranging from 9-1-1 dispatching, patrol, criminal investigations, narcotics, canine unit demonstrations, victims services, the ALERRT program, and more.
Participants are given the opportunity to ride along with police officers and observe emergency communications operators at work.
“We have had dozens of citizens complete the Citizen Police Academy in the last eight years,” said Police Chief Howard Williams. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our department to strengthen our ties with our citizens and to learn from our community as well.”
The course is free to anyone who lives or works in the City of San Marcos. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and not have any pending charges in any criminal court.
San Marcos police arrested a San Antonio husband and wife for aggravated robbery, theft, and evading arrest Wednesday after they were caught with stolen goods at Prime Outlet Mall in San Marcos.
Ernest Vidales (DOB: 10/20/1965) and Irma Vidales (DOB: 5/9/1961) of San Antonio are jailed at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center under $15,000 and $4,000 bond respectively.
At about 11:20 a.m. Wednesday, San Marcos police responded to a theft in progress at the Cosmetic Company. Officer Daniel Arredondo arrived first on the scene and was told that a man and woman were suspected of shoplifting. The store manager said they were across the courtyard at another store and pointed them out as they left the shop.
When Arredondo approached the couple, they split up and ran through the parking lot. The officer pursued the male suspect on foot. As he ran, the man threw away cosmetics and perfumes, later identified as stolen property.
Arredondo pepper-sprayed the suspect as he entered his vehicle. The man slammed the door on Arredondo’s hand. Arredondo freed his hand, then pursued and caught the female suspect.
Vidales’ vehicle was later spotted parked near the Sunglass Outlet store. Police conducted surveillance on the vehicle and arrested Vidales as he returned to the car. Police seized numerous items from the car identified as stolen property.
The couple is married and resides in San Antonio. Irma Vidales was charged with theft under $1,500 and evading arrest. Her bond has been set at $4,000. Ernest Vidales was charged with aggravated robbery, theft under $1,500 and evading arrest. His bond has been set at $15,000. Officer Arredondo suffered minor injuries to his hand. He did not require medical treatment. Ernest and Irma Vidales were transported to the Hays County Law Enforcement Center.
For more information, contact Sgt. Penny Dunn at the San Marcos Police Department at 512-754-2204.
Three charged in attempted capital murder conspiracy
Three people have been charged with criminal conspiracy or criminal solicitation to commit capital murder Monday after San Marcos Police uncovered a plot to murder two witnesses in a 2004 home invasion case. The targets of the plot were not harmed.
After a month-long investigation that involved numerous local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, San Marcos Police Monday charged Manuel Caudillo Ramirez, age 20 (DOB 4/9/1984) with criminal solicitation to commit capital murder. Jerry Juarez, 39, DOB 6/26/1965) and Julia Euresti, 18, (DOB 3/18/1986) were charged with criminal conspiracy to commit capital murder.
"When conducting an investigation of this gravity and complexity, teamwork is critical,” said Police Chief Howard Williams. “We sincerely appreciate the cooperation and assistance of all the agencies involved. The investigators in this case represent the epitome of professionalism and dedication."
The San Marcos Police Department was assisted during the investigation by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Hays County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Houston, San Antonio and Austin offices), Federal Bureau of Investigation (Austin), Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the Texas Department of Public Safety – Narcotics Technical Unit (Austin).
The three suspects are accused of plotting the murders of a mother and daughter who were assaulted in their home on April 14, 2004 in the 1200 block of W. Hopkins Street in San Marcos.
Five suspects in that case were charged with aggravated robbery, engaging in organized criminal activity and attempted sexual assault.
Two juveniles pleaded guilty and are currently incarcerated with the Texas Youth Commission. One adult suspect, Agustine Villarreal, pleaded guilty and is currently serving a 25 year sentence in a state prison. A female suspect, Julia Euresti, is awaiting sentencing and a male suspect, Manuel Caudillo Ramirez, is awaiting trial.
In early February 2005, San Marcos Police investigators received information about a plan to murder the two victims of the April 2004 robbery to prevent their appearance at Ramirez’s trial.
“The three suspects worked in concert to arrange the murders of this mother and daughter,” said Sgt. Penny Dunn, an investigator with the Criminal Investigation Division. San Marcos Police were able to gather evidence of the murder plot and arrange a face-to-face meeting between Ramirez and an undercover federal agent, posing as a “hit man.”
On February 28, 2005, San Marcos Police arrested the three suspects for plotting the murder of this mother and daughter.
The investigation took nearly a month of following up on this information, conducting interviews and using a variety of surveillance techniques to capture evidence of the plot, Dunn said. “In the end, Ramirez made it clear that he wanted these witnesses killed to prevent their appearance at his trial for the earlier offense,” she added.
Ramirez and Juarez, both from San Marcos, are members of the prison gang known as the Mexican Mafia, Dunn said. This organization is known for its violent acts in and outside of prison.
Hays County Justice of the Peace Beth Smith issued the first degree felony arrest warrants for the three suspects and set their bond at $750,000 each. If convicted, the suspects face sentences of five years to life in prison.
The San Marcos Police Department released its 2004 Racial Profiling Report today indicating that the department issues citations to whites more frequently than minorities, but searches minorities more often than whites during traffic stops.
“As a result of this report, our department is taking a hard look at our statistics and our practices on searches,” said Police Chief Howard Williams. “Although the numbers are quite small, the differences are statistically significant. The data indicate that we are doing far too many unproductive consent searches. This leads me to believe that we need to examine our training and policies.”
State law requires law enforcement agencies to collect and report data concerning racial profiling for traffic stops in which officers issue citations, conduct searches and make arrests. The 2004 report covers the calendar year from January 1 to December 31, 2004.
Dr. Hassan Tajalli, a statistician and political scientist at Texas State University, conducted an independent analysis of SMPD traffic stop and search data. His analysis concluded that:
There is no racial profiling by SMPD in stopping minorities (African Americans, Hispanics and others) compared to whites. “In fact, ethnic minorities were stopped disproportionately less than the white population,” Tajalli said.
There is a statistically significant difference between ethnic groups in the number of searches conducted by SMPD. “Fewer white citizens were searched than other ethnic groups. In the absence of racial profiling we would have expected to see about 113 Hispanics and 17 African Americans being search but the actual searches by SMPD are 139 and 20 respectively. These differences, while not large, are statistically significant.”
The number of arrests among the various ethnic groups totaled eight out of 6,809 traffic citations. “Since the number of arrests among the various ethnic groups is very small (total of 8) we cannot reliably draw any statistical conclusion from the available data,” Tajalli said.
The numbers of citations, searches, consent to search and subsequent charges in 2004 were:
Whites: 4,030 citations, 169 searches, 95 consent to search, and 2 arrests.
Hispanics: 2,391 citations, 139 searches, 76 consent to search, and 3 arrests.
African American: 348 citations, 20 searches, 11 consent to search and 2 arrests.
Asian American: 40 citations, 1 search, 0 consent to search, and 1 arrest.
American Indian: none
“My greatest concern is that we are doing too many searches, given the small number of actual arrests that result from those searches,” Chief Williams said.
The department will analyze thousands of records to gather information on the searches.
“The bottom line is that we want to make sure that our officers are conducting searches appropriately when they make traffic stops. We want to ensure that all searches are justified,” he said.
The report is posted on the City’s web site on the Police Department page at www.sanmarcostx.gov/departments/police/Police_News_Releases_2005.htm
San Marcos area law enforcement agencies are on the look out for 27-year old Ascary Roano, (DOB 6-16-1977) who is wanted for kidnapping and two counts of aggravated assault.
Roano is considered to be armed and dangerous, said San Marcos Police Sgt. Penny Dunn. Citizens should call 9-1-1 if they encounter him. They may also call Crime Stoppers at 353-TIPS (long distance 800-324-8477) or the San Marcos Police at 512-753-2108 if they have information as to his whereabouts.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Roano in the February 27 kidnapping and assault of his girlfriend in the 500 block of Lindsay.
According to Detective Mike Wellman, Roano beat up the 18-year old woman. When she attempted to flee by jumping through an open window, he chased her and dragged her back to the residence and did not permit her to leave. He further assaulted her with a hammer and threatened her with a screw driver.
The woman was treated and released at Central Texas Medical Center.
Roano is also accused of beating a 20-year old woman with his fist and threatening her with a gun on March 9 at the Lindsay street home. She did not require medical treatment.
Friday morning, the Hays County and San Marcos Police SWAT team executed a search warrant at the Lindsay Street home shortly after 5 a.m. The suspect was not in the residence.
Police ask anyone with information about Roano’s location to contact the San Marcos Police. Other agencies working on the case are the Hays and Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Departments.
San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams invites the public to attend an open meeting on local crime trends and other police-related issues on Tuesday, March 29 at City Hall at 7 p.m.
The presentation will also be broadcast on the City’s cable television channels (Time Warner, Channel 10 and Grande, Channel 16)
The session is the second briefing by the Police Department to inform the public about department accomplishments, goals, crime statistics, police activity, and more. The first one was held last September.
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.
The City of San Marcos will rebroadcast the San Marcos Police Department’s Public Briefing ten times in the next two weeks.
The one-hour March 29 program, featuring Police Chief Howard Williams and his command staff, offered a detailed report to the community about Police Department activities the past six months.
The program will be aired at the following times:
April 1: 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
April 4: 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
April 6: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
April 8: 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
April 11: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The presentation will be broadcast on the City’s cable television channels (Time Warner, Channel 10 and Grande, Channel 16). The presentation is also posted on the City’s web page at http://www.sanmarcostx.gov/departments/police/
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.
San Marcos Police are investigating a fatal wreck that claimed the life of a Maxwell man and a second, unrelated three-vehicle crash that left a Canyon Lake man in critical condition Thursday night.
Sonny Lopez, age 33, of Maxwell died Thursday after his motorcycle crashed into a pickup truck towing a trailer in the 1000 block of Highway 80 in San Marcos around 6:35 p.m.
Lopez, an employee of Butler Manufacturing Company, was later pronounced dead after he was transported by ambulance to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin.
According to Sgt. Dan Misiaszek, Lopez was driving a 2005 Harley east on Highway 80. A west-bound 2000 Ford F-350 driven by John Morton, 68, of Marshall, Texas, and towing a gooseneck box trailer turned left into the path of the motorcycle.
The motorcycle skidded and went down to the pavement on the right side, sliding under the box trailer. Lopez was run over by the box trailer and sustained crushing injuries. Paramedics performed CPR on Lopez as they transported him to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin. Lopez was pronounced dead at Brackenridge hospital at 7:18 pm.
The Police Department Collision Investigation team is continuing its investigation into the fatal wreck. No charges have yet been filed. The completed investigation will be presented to the District Attorney's Office for possible presentation to the grand jury, standard procedure in fatality crashes.
Anyone who may have witnessed or has first hand knowledge of this collision is asked to contact Sgt. Misiaszek or Detective Bandon Winkenwerder at the San Marcos Police Department at 512-754-2212.
Police are also investigating a second serious collision that occurred Thursday on I-35 at 10:34 p.m., leaving a Canyon Lake man in critical condition.
According to Misiaszek, Bobby Boyd Sharpe, 46, of Canyon Lake, crashed his 1993 GMC pickup into the back of a parked 18-wheeler in the 2400 block of the northbound lane of IH-35 in San Marcos.
After crashing into the semi-tractor trailer, the GMC traveled across two lanes of traffic and struck a northbound 1998 Ford Winstar van with five occupants. Neither the semi driver nor the van occupants was injured.
The 18-wheeler was parked off the roadway, out of the lane of traffic on the northbound side, with reflective triangles placed behind the disabled vehicle. Misiaszek said no skid marks were found at the scene, indicating that Sharpe may have fallen asleep at the wheel.
Sharpe was transported with critical injuries to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin.
HONORING 911 OPERATORS—San Marcos Emergency Communications Operators were honored the week of April 10-16 during National Telecommunicators Week. Mayor Susan Narvaiz presents ECOs with a proclamation recognizing their life-saving service: Bottom row, left-right: ECOs Freddy Marmolejo, Christy Johnston, Senior ECO Jessica Robison, Mayor Susan Narvaiz, ECOs Cate McAllister, Stephanie San Miguel, & Krissi Zion. Top Row left-right: Assistant Chief Johnny James, Senior ECO Tonya Sperry, ECO Cat McDonald, Chief Howard Williams, ECOs Jenny Inman, Mary Rodemyer, Records/ Communications Manager Rosanna Wisener & ECO Audry Hammons. Senior ECO Jessica Robison also received the “Silent Hero” award for her professionalism and contributions to the 9-1-1 team.
National Telecommunicator Week, April 10-16
City Honor 9-1-1 Dispatchers
San Marcos 9-1-1 operators were honored April 10-16 during National Public Safety Telecommunications Week recently proclaimed in Texas by Governor Rick Perry.
Mayor Susan Narvaiz presented a City proclamation on Monday, April 11 at 4 p.m. at the San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I-35 South, recognizing the hard work and dedication of the City’s emergency call takers.
“Every day, the citizens of San Marcos and Hays County depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of public safety telecommunicators who help save countless lives by responding to emergency calls, dispatching emergency professionals and equipment, and providing moral support to distressed people,” said Mayor Narvaiz.
“These critical services are difficult and stressful,” she added. “By recognizing their first response and assistance, we can honor the vital link these professionals provide to the public in times of crisis.”
By officially recognizing the public safety telecommunications professionals, the City of San Marcos Police Department hopes to awaken public awareness and promote much-needed education regarding important public safety issues.
The San Marcos Police Department honored 14 individuals who work in the 9-1-1 Center for their tireless dedication by distributing gifts and planned activities throughout the week. Emergency Communications operations are overseen by Assistant Chief Johnny James and Records/ Communication Manager Rosanna Wisener.
ECOs who were recognized include Senior Emergency Communications Operator Tonya Sperry, Senior ECO Jessica Robison, and full time ECOs Mary Rodemyer, Freddy Marmolejo, Krissi Zion, Christy Johnston, Cate McAllister, Audry Hammons, Jenny Inman, Stephanie San Miguel, and Cate McDonald. Part time ECOs Scott Grant, Brenda Limon and Margie Esparza Glass were also honored.
“The term ‘9-1-1’ is often associated with rapid emergency response, poise under pressure, aid and compassion in times of critical decision-making within seconds,” said Police Chief Howard Williams. “Many people do not stop to think about the seemingly nameless, faceless individuals who answer 9-1-1 calls until they experience actual emergencies themselves.”
A Public Service Announcement was aired by Time Warner Cable and gifts include meal donations from the following merchants: Bennigan’s, Chili’s, Logan’s, Jason’s Deli, Cracker Barrel, Johnny Carinos, Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, Montana Mikes, Fazoli’s, Applebee’s, Rose Garden, Imperial Garden, Outback, Hong Kong, Spud Ranch, Salt Lick, Southwest Market & Sausage and Margot Montemayor, RMT (donated massage).
Planned activities included a skating party at, The Zone, bowling party at Sunset Bowling, movie outing at Texas Cinema- Starplex and a BB Que hosted by immediate supervisors at a local park.
For more information regarding National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, please contact Rosanna Wisener, SMPD Records/Communications Manager at 512-753-2107 or wisener_rosanna@sanmarcostx.gov.
The San Marcos Police Department will honor outstanding members of the department and civilians at the 10th annual awards ceremony Wednesday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Activity Center. The public is invited to attend.
The awards ceremony will recognize police officers, civilians and citizens for their commitment to public safety and the community of San Marcos.
The award recipients include:
POLICE PURPLE HEART
Officer Todd Harrison
MEDAL OF HONOR
Officer Kye Kennedy and Officer Daniel Royston
POLICE COMMENDATION
Officer Robert Elrod
LIFE SAVING AWARD
ECO Jessica Robison
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
Sergeant Penny Dunn ; Corporal Stuart Ellis (3 awards); Department Secretary Tracy Engler; Linda Hunter, Women’s Center; Ann Hutchison; Officer Loy Locke; ECO Freddy Marmolejo; Officer Adrian Marin; Officer Richard Prado; ECO Mary Rodemyer; SR. ECO Tonya Sperry; Officer Carl Spriegel; Corporal Chris Tureaud; Julie Veidt, CTMC; and Corporal Brandon Winkenwerder
The event will be held at the San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins.
Police Seek Sex Offender for Violation of Registration
The San Marcos Police Department is asking for assistance from the public to locate Brent Franklin, age 25, a registered sex offender who failed to comply with state registration laws.
A felony warrant has been issued for Franklin (B/M, DOB: 01/23/1980, 5'11" / 250#, BLK hair/BRN eyes) following a compliance check of 48 registered sex offenders in San Marcos.
Franklin was convicted of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child in 1994 and one count of Indecency with a Child/Sexual Contact. His victims were boys ages 7, 9, and 13 years old.
Franklin formerly lived at 1310 River Road #6 in San Marcos. However, officers found that he has moved from this residence and failed to report his new address for registration, said Sgt. Penny Dunn of the San Marcos Criminal Investigations Division.
“Police do not know where he is currently living and request assistance in locating this fugitive,” Sgt. Dunn said.
San Marcos police completed a registered sex offender compliance check on May 4 to verify information of 48 registered sex offenders in the city. According to Dunn, 44 of the 48 were convicted of sexual offenses against children.
All of the offenders except Franklin were found to be in compliance with their registrations.
The compliance check by police requires close teamwork by the Records, Patrol and Criminal Investigations divisions of the Police Department.
“We started this program in 2003,” Dunn said. “Each registered sex offender is required to register at the Police Department and renew his/ her registration either annually or every 90 days for high risk offenders.”
Patrol officers and detectives verify the registration information given by the offenders to the Records Division. The officers and detectives visit each offender’s home to personally verify the information as well as employment and vehicle information.
If an offender has moved, changed jobs or changed vehicles without notifying the department, police initiate an investigation. If they have violated registration laws, they can be charged with felony failure to comply with sex offender registration, a state jail felony.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a public database for all registered sex offenders in the State of Texas, which can be accessed at http://records.txdps.state.tx.us for further information on registered sex offenders.
Officer John Curnutt, Commander Terry Nichols and Sgt. David Burns receive the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association “Excellence Award” for their leadership in teaching SWAT tactics to more than 2,500 officers through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training program in San Marcos.
State Organization Honors Three San Marcos Officers
Three San Marcos law enforcement officers who teach SWAT tactics to front line officers around the state and nation have won the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association “Excellence Award.”
Commander Terry Nichols and Officer John Curnutt of the San Marcos Police Department and Sgt. David Burns of the Hays County Sheriff’s Department received the honor for their outstanding work with the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training program.
They were honored April 3-6 at the state conference in San Antonio. TTPOA has 2,400 members who serve law enforcement agencies across the state.
The San Marcos officers were nominated by Sgt. Tim Williams of the Amarillo Police Department SWAT unit.
“They not only started the ALERRT program but also have trained thousands of officers on how to respond to the active shooter,” Williams said in his nomination. “I believe the State of Texas is far above and beyond any other state in the percentage of officers trained and the quality of training.”
Commander Nichols, now the Patrol Commander for SMPD, has worked for the City of San Marcos for 17 years. He was the original Program Director for ALERRT and serves on the Hays County SWAT team.
Sgt. Burns, ALERRT Training Director, has worked for the Hays County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years and is a senior member of the Hays County SWAT Team.
Officer Curnutt, Senior Instructor and Range Coordinator, joined the San Marcos Police Department in 1995 and has been a member of the Hays County SWAT Team for a decade.
The ALERRT program, established in 2003 by Texas State University, the City of San Marcos, and the Hays County Sheriff’s Department, has become a nationally recognized training program for front line officers who are the first responders to scenes of active violence.
Former San Marcos Police Chief Steve Griffith is the program’s Executive Director and Diana Hendricks is the ALERRT Scheduling and Marketing Director.
The ALERRT program has trained more than 2,500 front line law enforcement officers from nearly 300 agencies in 46 geographical regions of the United States.
The program was developed in response to violent attacks in schools, businesses and public places across the United States. ALERRT is funded by the Department of Homeland Security through the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor’s Office.
Administered by Texas State University, the ALERRT program also works in association with Texas A&M University Engineering Extension Service, and in cooperation with Gary Job Corps Center.
Brent A. Franklin, a registered sex offender, was arrested on May 5, 2005 at 5:10 p.m. on a felony warrant for failing to comply with state registration laws.
Police received a tip that Franklin could be found working at a local restaurant. He was taken into custody without incident at work.
Franklin was arrested on a warrant for Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration Requirements following a random compliance check of all registered sex offenders in San Marcos that concluded Wednesday.
Brent Franklin
The compliance checks are conducted randomly to verify information given by sex offenders at the time they register with the San Marcos Police Department.
Investigators found that Franklin moved from his registered address and did not notify the police department of his new address. A witness stated that Franklin moved two to three months prior to the compliance check.
San Marcos police completed a registered sex offender compliance check May 4 to verify information of 48 registered sex offenders in the city. Some 44 of the 48 were convicted of sexual offenses against children. All except Franklin were found to be in compliance with the registration law.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a public database for all registered sex offenders in the State of Texas, which can be accessed at http://records.txdps.state.tx.us for further information on registered sex offenders.
Two alleged members of the Mexican Mafia were arrested in San Marcos early Friday when San Marcos and Hays County SWAT team members executed search and arrest warrants in connection with a home invasion-style robbery in March
A warrant was served on a third suspect already in jail. A fourth suspect was arrested April 28 in the case, and a fifth suspect is still being sought.
The early morning SWAT team raids led to the arrest of Jerry Villarreal, 32, (w/m 11/18/71) and Nathan Medrano, 28, (w/m 04/28/77).
The SWAT team arrested Villarreal at his home at 1011 Uhland Road # 26 at 4:45 a.m. and Medrano at 220 Ebony Street at 5:15 a.m. Friday. Both were taken to the Hays County Law Enforcement Center where they were awaiting magistration.
They are charged in connection with a home invasion-style aggravated robbery that occurred March 29 on Wall Street in San Marcos. The robbers stole money, firearms and other property.
Also charged in connection with the case are Vicente Pineda, Jr., 29, (w/m 02/18/76) and David Guia, 34, (w/m 12/09/70), both reputed to be members of the Mexican Mafia. Both were arrested earlier. Pineda was served in jail on other charges while Guia was arrested April 28.
Police are still seeking Juan Urrutia, age 32, (w/m 05/04/73) in connection with the robbery.
The suspects were identified following an intensive investigation led by Detective Mike Wellman of the San Marcos Police Department.
The Mexican Mafia is a prison gang known for violent criminal behavior in prison and outside of prison. They have been known to traffic in weapons and illegal drugs.
San Marcos Police Department has made other arrests of gang members for aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and murder for hire earlier this year.
For more information, contact Sgt. Penny Dunn of the San Marcos Police Criminal Investigation Division at 512-754-2204.
The San Marcos Police Department has donated $500 to the San Marcos Housing Authority to support its Kids Against Drugs (KAD) Program.
KAD is an after school program that provides a safe and productive place for youth to increase their academic skills, learn to budget their resources and increase their awareness of the destructiveness of drugs.
The $500 is part of the Department's share of the funds raised at the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD) event sponsored by Sac-n-Pac stores.
All proceeds from the event are distributed to area law enforcement agencies to be used for youth programs.
SMPD Donates to ‘Kids Against Drugs’
DONATION—Police Chief Howard Williams presents a $500 check to Gene Martin to support the Housing Authority’s “Kids Against Drugs” program.
America’s Night Out Against Crime
‘National Night Out’ Slated August 2
Neighborhoods throughout San Marcos are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide on Tuesday, August 2 for the 22nd Annual National Night Out Against Crime.
Neighborhoods and individuals interested in having a party may contact Crime Prevention Officer Pete Weaver at 754-2270. A planning meeting is scheduled for Friday, July 8 at 12 noon at the San Marcos Police Department. Lunch will be provided. Interested participants are asked to RSVP for the meeting by July 6 by calling Weaver.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support and participation for local anti-crime efforts. NNO also seeks to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
From 6 to 10 p.m. on August 2, residents in neighborhoods throughout San Marcos and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police.
San Marcos police will visit with neighborhoods and discuss Neighborhood Crime Watch programs, traffic enforcement, and the Citizens Police Academy session starting August 18. City Council members, City staff, the San Marcos fire department, EMS and 911 Operators will visit gatherings throughout the City.
Many neighborhoods throughout San Marcos will host a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, and visits from police, flashlight walks, contests, youth activities and anti-crime rallies. San Marcos NNO parties have drawn enthusiastic participation in recent years.
The San Marcos Police Department focused on saving lives during its recent Memorial Day highway safety enforcement program.
The department participated in a holiday enforcement program that targeted speeding, seat belt and child safety seat violations. Over the holiday weekend, SMPD officers issued 181 citations over 59 hours and made nine arrests, according to Commander Warren Zerr.
An $11,560 grant from the Texas Department of Transportation provides overtime pay for officers to spend additional hours focused on highway safety during busy holiday weekends.
“We hope that ticketing offenders will serve as wake up calls to those who are careless on our highways,” Zerr said. “The goal of this program is to save lives.”
The STEP-WAVE program will also provide additional enforcement on city streets and highways during the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Thanksgiving holidays.
The San Marcos Police Department will put extra officers on duty patrolling highways over the Fourth of July weekend to increase traffic enforcement.
The department will increase patrols from Friday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 6 in a state-funded grant program to target traffic violations including speeding, and violations of seat belt and child safety seat rules.
Targeted roadways will include I-35, Loop 82 (Aquarena Springs, University Drive and Guadalupe Street), Highway 80 (Hopkins Street), Highway 123 (Seguin Highway) and Highway 21.
Over the Memorial Day weekend, SMPD officers issued 181 citations over 59 hours and made nine arrests, according to Commander Warren Zerr.
An $11,560 grant from the Texas Department of Transportation provides overtime pay for officers to spend additional hours focused on highway safety during busy holiday weekends.
“We hope that ticketing offenders will serve as wake up calls to those who are careless on our highways,” Zerr said. “The goal of this program is to save lives.”
The STEP-WAVE program will also provide additional enforcement on city streets and highways during the Labor Day and Thanksgiving holidays.
Police Arrest Suspects in Rash
Of Car Burglaries, Thefts
Police teamwork led to the arrest Tuesday of three Austin juveniles and one adult suspected of burglarizing more than 30 cars and stealing at least eight vehicles in the San Marcos and Austin area.
San Marcos police arrested two juveniles and one adult in the early morning hours Tuesday. They are believed to be responsible for multiple car break-ins and the thefts of two Honda Accords that occurred that night.
Later Tuesday, San Marcos police, assisted by the Austin Police Department’s auto theft division, arrested a fourth suspect and recovered six stolen vehicles, including two from San Marcos. One stolen car was recovered before the victim even knew it was missing.
“This case shows the value of teamwork where the police and the community work together and police departments work together,” said San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams.
The adult arrested is Juan Carlos Rodriguez, age 23, (DOB 5-18-82). He is being held at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center. The juveniles, two ages 14 and one 15, are being held at the Hays County Juvenile Detention Center.
Officers received several reports for burglary of vehicles Monday night and early Tuesday morning. They began checking apartment complexes along IH-35, said Sgt. Penny Dunn of the Criminal Investigations Division.
Around 12:10 a.m., a witness at Ye Olde Colony Apartments reported that he had seen male subjects entering a vehicle in the parking lot. He was able to describe the vehicle and give a partial license plate. Officers started checking apartment complexes along the interstate highway.
About 37 minutes later, Officer Daniel Castillo spotted a car at the Exchange Apartments, 1610 IH 35 north, with three men inside. The car matched the description and the partial license plate given by the witness. Two other men standing next to a Jeep fled on foot as Castillo arrived.
With assistance from other officers, Castillo arrested the three suspects. Initially they were charged with four counts of burglary of a motor vehicle and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. More charges are expected.
Later Tuesday, San Marcos Detectives Stuart Ellis and Adrian Marin developed new leads in the case that took them to Austin, where they worked with Detective Robert Andrews of the Austin Police Department’s auto theft division.
While waiting at an apartment complex on Lakeshore Blvd., Detective Ellis spotted a vehicle driving into a nearby complex that matched the description of a car reported stolen in San Marcos in the early morning hours of June 28.
Three suspects fled from the vehicle to a wooded area. One suspect was later apprehended by Detectives Ellis and Marin and officers with APD. The suspect arrested in Austin was a 15-year-old Hispanic male, also now in custody at the Juvenile Detention Center in San Marcos.
During the investigation at the apartment complex in Austin, Detectives Ellis, Marin, and Andrews identified and recovered a total of five stolen vehicles. Two of the vehicles recovered had been stolen in San Marcos, including one that had yet to be reported missing by its owner.
A sixth stolen vehicle had been towed for illegal parking at the Austin complex and was linked to the theft ring. In addition to the six vehicles recovered Tuesday, police linked two other previously stolen vehicles with the suspects.
At this time Detectives Ellis and Marin are reviewing burglary and vehicle theft reports that may be linked to these offenders and coordinating efforts with investigators from Austin, Hays County, and the Texas Department of Public Safety Auto Theft Division.
"There are numerous reports that have to be reviewed, multiple agencies involved, and a lot of work yet to be done,” said Sgt. Dunn.
This ring of suspects is believed to be involved in hundreds of cases in the Central Texas area that targeted vehicles for burglary, and the theft of Honda model-vehicles. Police also have recovered numerous pieces of property stolen from vehicles. Five of the stolen vehicles were either Honda Accords or Civics.
All four suspects are described as Hispanic males and citizens of Mexico.
Other San Marcos officers working the case included Daniel Castillo, Dave Campbell, and Kathy Anderson.
For more information, contact Commander Bill Glasgow, San Marcos Criminal Investigation Division, 512-753-2300 or Sgt. Penny Dunn, 512-754-2204.
A 15-year old youth was treated and released from Brackenridge Hospital Wednesday night after he was struck by a police car in San Marcos about 11:30 p.m.
Officer Kye Kennedy was driving the police car that struck the boy as the youth attempted to cross Hopkins Street about 200 feet east of the railroad tracks near the Riverside Drive intersection.
The boy suffered bumps and bruises and was taken to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin as a precaution, said Assistant Police Chief Lisa Dvorak. He was treated and released.
Officer Kennedy had stopped several youths skateboarding in the downtown area around 11 p.m. About 30 minutes later as he drove inbound on Hopkins, he saw two of the same boys in the roadway on the left.
As he looked at the two boys, a third youth crossed the road in front Kennedy’s vehicle and was struck.
SMPD is continuing its investigation of the incident.
San Marcos police are investigating the death
of a 28-year old man Sunday after he was taken by friends
to Central Texas Medical Center and died shortly afterward.
An autopsy has been ordered in the death of Brent
Neil Davis of Houston. Friends told San Marcos police that
a group of people celebrating the holiday weekend floated
the Comal River and returned to a residence on Nichols Street
Saturday.
The victim passed out early Sunday morning. When
friends were unable to rouse him at noon, they took him to
CTMC. He died 30 minutes later.
The case was investigated by Officer Rich Mizanin,
who responded to the call from the hospital, and continues
under investigation by Detective Wade Parham of the Criminal
Investigation Division.
Police are awaiting autopsy and toxicology
results for a determination of the cause of death.
San Marcos police are seeking information from
the public in the case of two former furniture company employees
who are charged with stealing an estimated $100,000 in furniture,
accessories and money from North Carolina Furniture Direct
in San Marcos.
Police are asking customers who purchased furniture
from the company in the last five years to help in accounting
for missing merchandise, said Detective Sandra Tovar of SMPD.
Tiffany Mulder, 33, (DOB 10-14-71), former office
manager, surrendered to police June 30 and Travis Pyterek,
36, (DOB 11-02-68), former warehouse manager, was arrested
July 6.
Both are charged with theft under $100,000 and
have been released on bond. Mulder’s bond was set at
$4,000 and Pyterek’s at $5,000. The total losses exceeded
$100,000, according to police.
Mulder was employed by the company since 1999,
serving as office manager most of that time. Pyterek was hired
in October, 1998 and was the manager of the warehouse.
Police say the two employees carried out multiple
thefts by stealing furniture and accessories from the store
and warehouse. Other items were stolen through the misappropriation
of payments by customers for purchases. In addition, receipts
and records were altered or destroyed over the last several
years.
The business owner and San Marcos police are
asking previous customers to help account for missing merchandise,
Det. Tovar said.
Police and store management are interested in
talking with customers who paid in cash or suspect fraud because
the receipt did not reflect the correct purchase or price,
Tovar said. “If they still have their receipts, they
may be able to help the store complete its audit and assessment
of losses,” she said.
For more information, contact Commander Bill
Glasgow, San Marcos Criminal Investigation Division, 512-753-2300,
Sgt. Byron Mobley, 512-754-2207, or Det Sandra Tovar 512-753-2369.
San Marcos police have identified a man found
dead in an apartment pool as Eddie Gene Cater, age 47, (DOB
6/15/1958) of San Marcos. He was a resident at the complex.
Police are continuing their investigation after
Cater’s body was found floating in a pool at Palm Square
Apartments, 1360 Thorpe Lane, at 2:30 a.m. Monday, July 11.
Sgt. Penny Dunn said that no signs of trauma
were found. Justice of the Peace Margie Hernandez has ordered
an autopsy.
A resident of the complex called police after
discovering Cater floating face down in the pool.
Police are continuing their investigation
of the death.
An eight-day-old healthy baby girl was abandoned at Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos around 3 p.m. Monday, July 11, when a young woman left her in the back of a small truck in the parking lot.
The baby, named “Destiny Faith” by caretakers, was found by a couple from Nuevo Laredo in the back of a small truck that was parked under a tree in the parking lot.
The couple saw the young woman leave the infant in the truck along with a note saying that she was abandoning the baby and did not intend to return. The note said the baby was born July 3, according to Det. Scott Johnson who is conducting the investigation.
The infant was examined by physicians who found her to be in good health. Hospital officials contacted Child Protective Services. The agency took custody and placed Destiny Faith in the temporary care of a Central Texas family.
“It appears the baby was abandoned at a health care facility under the Texas ‘Moses’ law,” said Sgt. Penny Dunn, an investigator with the San Marcos Police Department.
The law requires police to determine whether the child was abandoned under the Moses law or is a missing child. If police determine the child was abandoned, there will be no criminal charges, she said.
“The police, hospital and CPS staff would like to stress that a parent wishing to leave a child under the provisions of the Family Code Section 262.302, commonly known as ‘Moses’ Law,’ should take the child into the facility and not leave the child exposed to the elements,” she said.
Under the law, emergency care providers are required to accept the child, provide care, and notify CPS. They are not permitted to detain or pursue the parent unless there is evidence of abuse or neglect. They have no legal duty to ascertain the parent’s identity and the parent may remain anonymous, Dunn said.
San Marcos police will not pursue any charges in the case of a baby abandoned in the parking lot at Central Texas Medical Center on Monday.
“As required by the Texas Family Code, we have investigated whether the child was a missing person,” said Sgt. Penny Dunn of SMPD. “We have found no child missing that fits the description of the baby left at the hospital.”
Investigators checked with the Texas Department of Public Safety Missing Person Clearinghouse and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to determine that no missing child fits the age and description of the baby girl. The child was healthy, appeared well cared for and had no signs of abuse.
The eight-day-old baby girl was abandoned by a young woman in the back of a small truck at CTMC around 3 p.m. Monday, July 11. A couple visiting the hospital saw her leave the infant in the truck along with a note saying that she was abandoning the baby and did not intend to return. The note said the baby was born July 3.
The infant was examined by doctors at CTMC and pronounced to be in good health. Child Protective Services took custody of the baby and placed her in a foster home in Central Texas. Caretakers have called the baby “Destiny Faith.”
Under the Texas “Baby Moses” law, parents may take infants under 60 days of age to a hospital, fire station or EMS station and safely leave them in the care of medical personnel.
San Marcos Fire Department Chief Mike Baker said his department will post signs at city fire stations indicating that the stations are Designated Emergency Infant Care Provider locations.
Under the law, emergency care providers are required to accept the child, provide care, and notify CPS. They are not permitted to detain or pursue the parent unless there is evidence of abuse or neglect. They have no legal duty to ascertain the parent’s identity and the parent may remain anonymous, Dunn said.
Dunn again reminded the public that if a parent wishes to give up a newborn, the baby should not be left exposed to the elements but taken inside a hospital or fire station and left with qualified medical personnel.
Some 15 San Marcos neighborhoods are planning neighborhood gatherings on Tuesday, August 2 for the 22nd Annual National Night Out Against Crime.
The annual event will feature visits among residents and City officials, including Mayor Susan Narvaiz and members of the City Council, along with police officers, firefighters and other City staff.
The City Council changed its regular meeting date from Tuesday to Monday, August 1 so that members could participate in National Night Out.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and generate support and participation for local anti-crime efforts. NNO also seeks to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
From 6 to 10 p.m. on August 2, residents in neighborhoods throughout San Marcos and across the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and City officials.
Many neighborhoods throughout San Marcos will host a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, and visits from police, flashlight walks, contests, youth activities and anti-crime rallies. San Marcos NNO parties have drawn enthusiastic participation in recent years.
Participating neighborhoods include senior housing units Merrill Gardens, the Wellington, Stonebrook and Springtown Villa, and public housing neighborhoods, including Allen Wood Homes, C.M. Allen Homes, and Chapultepec Homes. Other residential neighborhoods planning parties include Mockingbird Hills; Castle Forest/ Franklin Drive; the Hills of Hays; Heritage; Chaparral/ Oak Heights; Sierra Circle/ Tanglewood at the First Lutheran Church; Highcrest Apartments, and San Marcos Mobile Home Park.
San Marcos City officials will visit with neighborhoods and discuss Neighborhood Crime Watch programs, traffic enforcement, and the Citizens Police Academy session starting August 18. City planners will meet with Sierra Circle residents to discuss the citywide rezoning process.
For more information about National Night Out events in San Marcos, contact Officer Pete Weaver at 512-754-2270.
San Marcos residents are invited to sign up for the Citizens Police Academy, a free 12-week course exploring the responsibilities and operations of the San Marcos Police Department.
The San Marcos Police Department will start Class # 18 on Thursday, August 18 at 6 p.m. The class has room for additional participants.
Interested citizens may request an application from the Police Department, 2300 I-35 South. For more information, contact Crime Prevention Officer Pete Weaver at 754-2270.
CPA lasts for 12 weeks and is held for three hours on Thursdays with two optional “hands on” Saturday events. Classes are held at the San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I 35 South.
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.
“We have had more than 250 residents complete the Citizen Police Academy in the last eight years,” said Police Chief Howard Williams. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our department to strengthen our ties with our citizens and to learn from our community as well.”
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.
A 26-year-old San Marcos man was killed and a passenger was critically injured following a single vehicle motorcycle crash on I-35 in San Marcos just before 7 p.m. Sunday.
Richard Dean Peerson, age 26, was driving northbound on I-35 when he lost control and struck a guard rail south of the Highway 80 exit. Peerson was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Margie Hernandez.
A passenger on the motorcycle, Lori Ann Oncken, age 27, was seriously injured. She was taken by helicopter to Brackenridge Hospital in Austin where she remained in critical condition Monday.
Neither was wearing a helmet, according to Detective Wade Parham of the San Marcos Police Department. Police are continuing their investigation of the incident.
San Marcos police are awaiting autopsy results in the death of a 22-year-old San Marcos man who was found dead in his home Saturday morning, August 13, 2005.
Adam Joseph Trowbridge, age 22, (DOB 07-26-1983) was unresponsive and not breathing when he was discovered around 9:30 a.m. by a friend at his home at 304 Craddock Avenue.
EMS medics were unable to revive Trowbridge and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Justice of the Peace Margie Hernandez has ordered an autopsy in the death. The body was taken to the Travis County Medical Examiner. Results are expected in one to two weeks.
No foul play is suspected, according to Cpl. Wade Parham of the San Marcos Police Department.
A 41-year old woman en route to Dallas with two small children was found dead on an Amtrak passenger train just south of San Marcos Tuesday morning, (August 16, 2005).
The woman, identified as Rhonda Burnett, age 41, (DOB 6/15/1964) from Salinas, California, was traveling to Dallas with her two children, ages six and eight, according to Sgt. Penny Dunn of the San Marcos Police Department.
Her body was found by another Amtrak passenger, a nurse, around 9:30 a.m. in the seat the mother shared with her two children. The train’s engineer pulled into the closest train station at San Marcos and summoned police.
The children were placed in the care of Child Protective Services after assistance from Eugenia Rinaldi, Victims Services Coordinator with the Police Department. CPS was awaiting the arrival of family members to take custody of the children.
“There were no signs of traumatic injury,” Sgt. Dunn said. Justice of the Peace Joanne Prado has ordered an autopsy in the mysterious death. Police estimated that she may have been dead for several hours.
The family left on the Amtrak train from Salinas, California on Sunday, August 14 at 2:30 p.m. and arrived in San Antonio around 11:30 p.m. Monday, August 15. The train stayed overnight in San Antonio at the station and left around 8 a.m. Tuesday heading north toward San Marcos.
The train continued to Dallas after remaining two and a half hours in San Marcos.
A 14-year-old San Marcos girl was found dead of apparent stab wounds in her apartment at Allenwood Homes on Thorpe Lane in San Marcos Thursday morning.
The body of Rosalia Arias, age 14, (DOB 04-06-91) was found after police responded to a telephone call at 8:06 a.m. alerting them to a possible death at the home.
Investigation by San Marcos Police Department revealed the girl’s half-brother, Rigoberto Cordova-Torres, age 19, (DOB 11-23-1985) was the prime suspect in this homicide, said Assistant Police Chief Johnny James.
Justice of the Peace Margie Hernandez issued a murder warrant for his arrest. Judge Hernandez also has ordered an autopsy. The body has been taken to the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office for a determination of the cause of death.
San Marcos Police learned that Cordova-Torres sought medical assistance at Brackenridge Hospital around 8:15 a.m. this morning for an exisiting medical condition.
Police officials at Brackenridge Hospital detained the suspect. San Marcos Police served the arrest warrant early this afternoon.
The City of San Marcos and San Marcos CISD administrators are working together to provide counseling for students at San Marcos High School where she was a freshman and Miller Junior High where the girl was a student last year. Crisis counseling centers are being set up at both schools.
Police are continuing their investigation of the slaying, the first in San Marcos since 2003.
“This is an ongoing investigation,” said James. “We are still gathering details of the crime and trying to determine a specific motive.”
Rigoberto Cordova-Torres, 19, has admitted to police that he killed his half-sister, Rosalia Arias, age 14, on November 10, San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams said today.
Cordova-Torres remains in the Hays County Law Enforcement Center under $750,000 bond.
Justice of the Peace Margie Hernandez raised his bond from $250,000 to $750,000 Sunday after he was transferred to the jail from Brackenridge Hospital by San Marcos Police. The suspect sought treatment for an undisclosed condition at the Austin hospital shortly after the slaying last Thursday.
Preliminary autopsy results from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office indicate that Arias, a freshman at San Marcos High School, died of multiple stab wounds, according to Sgt. Penny Dunn, an investigator with the San Marcos Police.
“Cordova-Torres has met with detectives from the San Marcos Police Department and has admitted that he killed his half-sister,” Dunn said.
She said no further details, including a possible motive for the murder, could be released as the investigation continues.
The girl’s body was found after a caller tipped police officers shortly after 8 a.m. November 10 that there might be a body at the Allenwood Homes Apartment on Thorpe Lane shared by Arias, her half-brother and her mother.
Police responding to the call discovered Arias’ body. Cordova-Torres was identified as a suspect early in the investigation. He was located when Brackenridge Hospital officials called to notify the family that he had sought medical treatment.
San Marcos police obtained an arrest warrant from Judge Hernandez and held Cordova-Torres under guard over the weekend while he was hospitalized.
He is charged with murder, an offense that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Many San Marcos families who plan to travel will have a safer holiday season with the help of the Holiday House Watch program offered by the San Marcos Police Department and the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association since 2000.
Residents interested in the free service must fill out an application available online at www.sanmarcostx.gov or at the front counter of the San Marcos Police Department, 2300 IH 35 South. The deadline is Monday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. The special watch will be provided on Thursday November 24, Thanksgiving Day.
“The Holiday House Watch helps our department be proactive in deterring crime by using trained volunteers to check houses where people are absent,” said Police Chief Howard Williams. “The use of the volunteers also has the benefit of freeing up our officers to answer other calls for service in the community.”
Volunteers who have graduated from the 36 hours of training at the Citizens Police Academy have taken additional instruction for the Holiday House Watch program. They will provide special patrols at the request of residents who will be out of town at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The volunteers have been trained in the purpose of the Holiday Watch program, crime prevention observation techniques, program rules, reporting procedures, and radio operations.
Working in three shifts, they will drive by residences to make sure no crime has occurred. If the volunteers discover anything suspicious, they will radio to the San Marcos Police Department and officers will be dispatched to the scene.
The department is providing the selected volunteers with a vehicle and radios for the watch program. The volunteers will not place themselves in situations where their personal safety is jeopardized.
The department plans to use the Holiday Home Watch program during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years and other official city holidays during the year. Christmas sign up will be held from December 8 until December 19.
For more information, contact Sergeant Bob Klett at the San Marcos Police Department, 512-754-2209.
The San Marcos Police Department is conducting the annual Blue Santa toy drive to collect Christmas gifts for needy children in the San Marcos area.
“Our goal is to assist 150 needy families this Christmas,” said Pete Weaver, Crime Prevention Officer. This year the Police Department is again joined by the Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association in the toy drive.
Monetary donations may be mailed to “Operation Blue Santa” C/O San Marcos Police Department, 630 E. Hopkins, San Marcos, Texas 78666. The Sheriff’s Department is also sponsoring the annual Brown Santa gift drive to aid Hays County children outside the City of San Marcos.
Unwrapped toys may be dropped off at the front counter of the San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I-35 South. Groups needing assistance with donations should contact the Crime Prevention Office at 754-2270.
Special collection drives and toy wrapping events will be held at the following times:
December 10th (Saturday)-KB Toys ToyDrive 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
December 13th (Tuesday)-Wal-Mart Fundraiser 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
December 15th (Thursday)- Distribution pickup/and Toy Deliveries 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Businesses, civic groups, scout troops, fraternities and sororities, school classes, and individuals are encouraged to donate to the program. Police officers will make presentations to groups to invite their participation.
“Toys for girls and boys of all ages are needed,” said Weaver. For more information, contact the Crime Prevention Office at 754-2270.
The officers and CPA alumni will make the deliveries on December 15th. The list of families is being verified through the Christmas Bureau.
Families who need assistance from the Blue Santa Program are asked to complete an application and return it to The Christmas Bureau at Southside Community Center, 518 S. Guadalupe. All applications are confidential.
Forms may be obtained from Officer Pete Weaver at the San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I-35 South and the Christmas Bureau at Southside Community Center. Forms are also available on line on the City’s website, www.sanmarcostx.gov .
Sex Offender Wanted in San Marcos Arrested in Chile
A convicted sex offender wanted in San Marcos for violation of the state registration law has been arrested in Santiago, Chile and deported to the United States.
Dwight Mason West, 49, (DOB 11/26/1955) was taken into local custody in Dallas on Sunday, Nov. 20, after he was deported from Chile and escorted back to the U.S. by a U.S. State Department diplomatic security service agent and a Chilean national police inspector.
He is being held under $250,000 bond in the Tarrant County jail pending his transfer to the Hays County Law Enforcement Center.
Dwight Mason West
San Marcos Detective Stuart Ellis has spent two and a half years trying to track down West after he failed to register as a sex offender in 2003. West was originally convicted in Colorado of sexual assault of a child in 1996. He relocated to Texas and began registering with SMPD in 1999.
“Detective Ellis’ persistence in tracking down this fugitive resulted in this arrest,” said Commander Bill Glasgow.
In April 2003, the San Marcos Police Department conducted a Registered Sex Offender Compliance Check. West was one of five registered sex offenders sought for violations following the compliance check operation. Ellis was assigned to the investigation.
In August, 2005 a tip was received that West was in Chile. Det. Ellis contacted the U. S. Marshal Service about serving a warrant out of the country.
Over the next several months, Det. Ellis worked with the following agencies in reference to West and possible federal violations: U. S. Marshals Service, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service, U. S. Embassy in Chile, U. S. Department of Human Services, National Police of Chile, Hays County District Attorney’s Office, and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.
West continued to elude police until Sunday, November 20, 2005, when he was deported from Santiago, Chile and accompanied by U.S. and Chilean police back to Dallas.
West is currently held in the Tarrant County jail pending transfer to the Hays County Law Enforcement Center on a $250,000 bond set by a Hays County Grand Jury earlier this month.
The investigation of West is continuing in Santiago, Chile into possible violations of other U.S. laws.
San Marcos Police arrested a 33-year-old convicted sex offender Tuesday and charged him with the sexual assault of a 23-year-old woman.
Matthew Todd Ferguson, 33, (DOB 5/06/1972) was arrested around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday at his residence in the 1200 block of North LBJ as investigators executed search and arrest warrants. Ferguson is a student at Texas State University.
Matthew Todd Ferguson
Ferguson was charged with sexually assaulting a San Marcos woman over the weekend and was jailed at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center under a $100,000 bond.
Ferguson has been a registered sex offender since his release from a Michigan prison in 2000, said Sgt. Penny Dunn of SMPD. He served a five year sentence following his conviction for sexual assault in Michigan.
He registered with the San Marcos Police Department in August 2005. Police are continuing their investigation of the recent sexual assault, a second degree felony.
Police in San Marcos and Waco are interested in locating women who may have been videotaped by a convicted sex offender who was arrested for sexual assault in San Marcos on Dec. 6.
Matthew Todd Ferguson, 33, (DOB 5/06/1972) a registered sex offender, was arrested on Dec. 6, 2005 by San Marcos Police and charged with sexual assault, a second degree felony.
On Dec. 15, San Marcos police filed additional charges for improper photography/ visual recording, a state jail felony. He is currently being held at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center under $150,000 bond.
Ferguson is a student at Texas State University and a former student at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Ferguson previously resided in Waco.
During the execution of search warrants at the San Marcos residence of Ferguson, investigators seized multiple videotapes with recordings of women, leading to the additional charges filed on Dec. 15.
“Detectives in San Marcos and Waco are interested in identifying the women for interviews to confirm if they had knowledge of the taping or were unaware of the recordings,” said Sgt. Penny Dunn.
It is a state jail felony to produce videotapes or photographs of individuals without their consent and with intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of another person.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to call the San Marcos Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at (512) 753-2300 or the Waco Police Department Special Crimes Unit at 254-750-7612.
Ferguson has been a registered sex offender since his release from a Michigan prison in 2000, said Sgt. Dunn. He served a five year sentence following his conviction for sexual assault in Michigan.
He registered with the San Marcos Police Department in August 2005. Police are continuing their investigation.
