PHOTOS: Drugs, guns, cash: See the massive haul HPD says it seized in joint bust with Texas DPS, other law enforcement
Houston police said Monday that its Narcotics Division “(took) down an accused drug trafficking crew” with other law enforcement, sharing photos of tables filled with drugs, guns and cash.
Alleged serial burglar previously arrested 64 times in Texas charged in connection with several break-ins at downtown-area restaurants
Officers with Houston Police Department will hold a news conference on Friday to discuss safety and burglary prevention tips for area restaurants and businesses following a recent sting of break-ins reported.
2 security guards among 4 shot following concert in SE Houston, police say
Investigators had their hands full early Saturday trying to determine what led to multiple people, including two security guards, being shot following a private concert in the southeast side of town, according to Houston police.
Where is Eduardo Pineda? Police searching for fugitive accused of sexually assaulting a child in 2020
Crime Stoppers and the Houston Police Department’s Special Victims Division are asking for the public’s help in locating a fugitive who is wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 years old.
Who killed LaMichael Busby? Up to $5K reward for arrest in fatal shooting of man in NW Houston, police say
Crime Stoppers and the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for fatally shooting a man in northwest Houston in 2021.
TikTok challenge shows users how to easily steal cars using USB cord; HPD says trend has made its way to the Houston area
TikTok is a popular platform for sharing recipes and showing off dance moves but we want to warn you about a car theft challenge circulating that Houston police say has made its way to our area.
HAVE YOU SEEN HIM? 56-year-old man wanted for child indecency, police say
Crime Stoppers and the Houston Police Department are asking for the public’s help finding a man accused of sexually assaulting a child. Francisco Pineda-Mayorquin, 56, is wanted for indecency with a child (sexual contact) and aggravated assault of a family member.
Man sentenced to 50 years in prison for leading officers on chase, killing 2 women after crashing into Uber in 2020, DA says
A man accused of crashing into an Uber vehicle and killing two women while leading police on a chase in northeast Houston in 2020 was found guilty of murder, Crime Stoppers announced.
Houston, Harris County gets $2 million Department of Justice grant to reduce violent crimes – Houston Public Media
The new initiative will include prosecutors from the Criminal Division’s organized Crime and Gang section, investigative agents, analyst, forensic experts from the FBI, HPD and HCSO.
houstonpublicmedia.orgLeaders continue Harlingen school security talks
But this year, negotiations stalled in the wake of the May 24 Uvalde massacre, the horrific tragedy leading parents across the country to call for heightened school security. Nearly two months after entering into talks, Harlingen city and school officials are now negotiating an agreement much like their previous pact, Mayor Norma Sepulveda said. Amid talks, district officials requested the city assign its five off-duty officers to work full-time on school campuses, Sepulveda said. As talks continued, school leaders requested the city allow its off-duty officers to work school security in exchange for overtime pay, Brianna Vela Garcia, the district’s spokeswoman, said. “On any given day, we have 58 to 66 law enforcement and security officers present on our campuses,” Vela Garcia said.
myrgv.comOfficers in Nicolas Chavez shooting reinstated, the week in politics, and tax prep advice (March 16, 2022) – Houston Public Media
On Wednesday's show: Four HPD officers dismissed in 2020 after shooting and killing Nicolas Chavez have been reinstated, the week in politics, and advice on preparing and filing your taxes.
houstonpublicmedia.orgNew Houston Police Oversight Board Chair Lays Out Vision For The Board’s Future – Houston Public Media
Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a major restructuring of Houston’s Independent Police Oversight Board, including a new chair, Stephen Ives of the Houston YMCA. Ives spoke to Houston Public Media about his role.
houstonpublicmedia.orgNew Houston Police Oversight Chair Outlines Vision For The Board’s Future – Houston Public Media
Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a major restructuring of Houston’s Independent Police Oversight Board, including a new chair, Stephen Ives of the Houston YMCA. Ives spoke to Houston Public Media about his role.
houstonpublicmedia.orgJustice Department Settles Investigation into Language Barriers in the Hazleton Police Department
The Justice Department today announced it has reached a settlement agreement with the Hazleton Police Department (HPD) and the City of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, to help people with limited English proficiency (LEP) communicate with the police. The agreement resolves a Justice Department investigation of the HPD under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Justice Department initiated its review after receiving a complaint from the Community Justice Project on behalf of an LEP Hazleton resident who had been forced to rely on his young son and a co-worker to communicate with the police. Enforcement of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
justice.govTV-radio listings: March 18
HPD ramps up patrols in Asian communities after Atlanta attacks Houston police are now intensifying patrols in Asian communities around Houston in the wake of...No national anthem? No funding. How new bill could affect sports The bill is a direct response to Mark Cuban refusing to play the national anthem at Mavericks...
chron.comHPD Chief Art Acevedo Is Leaving Town To Become Miami’s Top Cop
^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. Support UsAfter four and a half years as Bayou City’s number one cop, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo is heading to sunny Florida to lead the Miami Police Department. Acevedo’s move was made public after an email he sent to HPD officers about his new gig started circulating late Sunday night. Acevedo was born in Havana, Cuba, and immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of four. “I knew him before I hired him to become police chief… I asked him to come to the city of Houston.
houstonpress.comHouston Mayor Turner Looks To Add More Police, Raise Firefighter Pay With Federal Stimulus – Houston Public Media
The move to raise Houston firefighter pay comes after years of political battles between the mayor and the fire union. Houston firefighters have received a pay raise of just 3% since 2011, according to the Houston Chronicle. The Houston Professional Firefighters’ Association told the paper that, rather than insinuating a pay raise without union input, Turner should come to the negotiating table. "https://t.co/9seakcZbXZ — Houston Firefighters (@FirefightersHOU) March 13, 2021Policing, meanwhile, has been a major priority during Turner’s tenure as mayor. In an email sent to officers Sunday night, Acevedo told his staff they would “continue to serve with the strong support of Mayor Turner, and his council colleagues."
houstonpublicmedia.orgHouston Woman Trampled By Mounted Police Officer During Summer Protests Sues HPD, City – Houston Public Media
Now the woman is suing the city and HPD for up to $1 million in damages, according to court documents. According to court documents, Sanchez joined protestors outside of 1300 Travis St. in downtown Houston on May 29 after the death of George Floyd. Floyd was killed four days prior when a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The incident sparked national protests against police violence, with three days of protests taking place in Houston. In a now-viral video, an officer on a horse appears to plow into Sanchez from behind as she stands among other protesters.
houstonpublicmedia.orgFamily Of Harding Street Raid Victims File Lawsuits Against The City – Houston Public Media
Lawyers allege that the 12 officers involved in the raid had violated the civil rights of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas, who were both killed by Houston police officers. Harris County prosecutors have already charged 12 officers in connection with the Jan. 28, 2019 raid, which killed two civilians and injured several officers. TIMELINE | A Botched Houston Police Raid And Its ConsequencesDoyle on Thursday said he has seen no evidence that Tuttle actually shot at the officers. In total, 12 officers have now been indicted, facing a variety of felony charges such as engaging in organized criminal activity and tampering with a governmental record. Harris County DA Kim Ogg said all 12 officers were working together in the alleged overtime scheme.
houstonpublicmedia.orgSix More Officers Indicted For Roles In Botched Harding Street Raid (Jan. 27, 2021) – Houston Public Media
On Wednesday’s show: Inside the latest charges against HPD officers for a deadly 2019 drug raid, lessons from the Holocaust for the present day, our weekly political roundup, and celebrating 50 years of Masterpiece. On Wednesday’s Houston Matters: Six more officers have been indicted — including one for murder — in connection with the botched Harding Street raid in 2019 that led to the deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas. And today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Also this hour: We discuss the first week of the Biden administration, developments at the Texas Legislature and other news in our weekly political roundup. Subscribe to Today in Houston Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom.
houstonpublicmedia.orgAttorney for HPD Cop Charged With Harding Street Murder Says DA Ogg Is Just Playing Politics
^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. Support UsOne day after Houston police officer Felipe Gallegos was charged with committing murder in 2019’s botched Harding Street drug raid, his defense attorney Rusty Hardin accused Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg of pursuing the case for political purposes. “No question about it: They indicted a hero,” Hardin said of Gallegos, who spoke briefly during a Tuesday press conference to declare his innocence. On Monday, Ogg announced that Gallegos had been indicted for murder by a county grand jury for shooting and killing Dennis Tuttle, one of the two Houstonians slain in the Harding Street raid. Tuttle, his wife Rhogena Nicholas and their dog were all shot and killed by HPD narcotics officers during a chaotic raid on the couple’s home.
houstonpress.comOgg Announces New Murder Charge, Other Felonies In Harding Street Raid Case
Support UsAs the two year anniversary of 2019’s fatal Harding Street raid approaches, another Houston cop has been charged with murder for his role in the botched drug bust. Five other Houston police officers from HPD’s narcotics division that carried out the raid were also indicted Monday in an alleged overtime theft scheme. Officers Oscar Pardo, Sedell Lovings, Nadeem Ashraf, Frank Medina and Griff Maxwell were also indicted Monday for engaging in organized criminal activity and tampering with government records. Gallegos is the second officer charged with murder for his role in the raid; Goines was indicted in August 2019 on two counts of felony murder. “Today, I learned that another officer who was involved in the Harding Street officer-involved shooting has been indicted for murder,” Acevedo wrote.
houstonpress.com6 More HPD Officers Indicted In Connection With 2019 Harding Street Raid – Houston Public Media
Twelve HPD officers in total have been indicted. Six more HPD officers were indicted Monday in connection with the 2019 Harding Street raid that led to the deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas. Thomas Wood, Clemente Reyna, Frank Medina, Griff Maxwell, and Hodgie Armstrong were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, aggregate theft by a public servant, and tampering with a governmental record. On Jan. 28, 2019, prosecutors say Goines concocted a tale about a confidential informant purchasing heroin at 7815 Harding St. from an armed drug dealer. In response to Monday’s indictments, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said that he was “disheartened” via a statement on Twitter.
houstonpublicmedia.orgFormer HPD officer, Spring veteran connected to U.S. Capitol riot appear in federal court
A former HPD police officer and a Spring man appeared in federal court Thursday to face charges for their connection to the U.S. Capitol insurrection on Jan. 6. The two defendants in the federal investigation include 18-year veteran HPD officer Tam Pham and Spring military veteran, Joshua Lollar, according to court documents. Both Pham and Lollar were each issued a $50,000 bond for their involvement in the storming of the U.S. Capitol. CAPITOL RIOT CHARGES: HPD officer involved in the U.S. Capitol insurrection slapped with federal chargesAfter HPD Chief Art Acevedo first discovered Pham's involvement in the Capitol takeover, Pham was put on administrative leave and then resigned last week. "I shouldn't have done it," Pham told the Houston Chronicle.
chron.comFormer HPD officer, Spring veteran connected to U.S. Capitol riot appear in federal court
A former HPD police officer and a Spring man appeared in federal court Thursday to face charges for their connection to the U.S. Capitol insurrection on January 6. The two defendants in the federal investigation include 18-year veteran HPD officer Tam Pham and Spring military veteran, Joshua Lollar, according to court documents. Both Pham and Lollar were each issued a $50,000 bond for their involvement in the storming of the U.S. Capitol. CAPITOL RIOT CHARGES: HPD officer involved in the U.S. Capitol insurrection slapped with federal chargesAfter HPD Chief Art Acevedo first discovered Pham's involvement in the Capitol takeover, Pham was put on administrative leave and then resigned last week. "I shouldn't have done it," Pham told the Houston Chronicle.
chron.comHouston police are investigating ranks for extremism
Following the deadly insurrection on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, an investigation into extremists within U.S. police agencies is underway. One of those officers who was involved in the storming of the U.S. Capitol was 18-year HPD veteran Tam Pham. HPD OFFICER CHARGED: Veteran HPD officer involved in U.S. Capitol insurrection faces federal charges"There is no excuse for criminal activity, especially from a police officer," Acevedo said during a press conference last week. Although Acevedo stated that there hasn't been any evidence that other HPD officers were involved, the agency is stepping up awareness about detecting and rooting out extremism on social media. Police Executive Research Forum's Chuck Wexler underscored how critical it was that the officers involved in the U.S. Capitol insurrection be held accountable.
chron.com'Heightened level of alert': HPD Chief Acevedo on effort to identify extremists on the force
Leading the charge to spot and track some of the extremists within policing is HPD Chief Art Acevedo. "I think you're going to see a heightened level of alert to the threat that militia, white supremacists, hate groups pose to our country," HPD Chief Art Acevedo told KHOU's Marcelino Benito. One of those officers who was involved in the storming of the U.S. Capitol was 18-year HPD veteran Tam Pham. HPD OFFICER CHARGED: Veteran HPD officer involved in U.S. Capitol insurrection faces federal charges"There is no excuse for criminal activity, especially from a police officer," Acevedo said during a press conference last week. Police Executive Research Forum's Chuck Wexler underscored how critical it was that the officers involved in the U.S. Capitol insurrection be held accountable.
chron.comFederal Judge Rules Against City of Houston in Harding Street Raid Case
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo's story about what went down in the Harding Street raid still sounds fishy to lawyers for one victim's family. ^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. Support UsOn Friday, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt slapped down the latest delay tactic from the City of Houston’s legal team in a case trying to uncover hidden evidence from 2019’s fatal Harding Street raid. But on the day of the hearing, city attorneys requested that the case be bumped up to federal court, causing a last minute delay. Previous attempts from the city to delay the Nicholas family’s investigation from going forward were knocked down by the Texas Supreme Court last year.
houstonpress.comInflux of murders in the Houston area likely linked to the pandemic, according to mayor
The Houston Police Department's unofficial tally has recorded 339 murders in the Houston area this year — a drastic 44 percent increase from last year's 235 murders. According to KHOU's Jeremy Rogalski and Tina Macias, Houston is on track to record more murders than any year in more than a decade. The news comes just after Houston police Sergeant Sean Rios was shot and killed Monday by an unknown suspect. Harold Preston remembered for devoting career to communityAccording to Mayor Sylvester Turner, the pandemic and high crime rates are likely correlated. Murder isn't the only violent crime to see an increase in numbers—reported assaults in Houston have gone up as well.
chron.comVideo Shows Houston Police Officer Beating Man In Handcuffs – Houston Public Media
Apparent body camera footage from a Houston police officer shows him and another officer chasing and arresting a man, and beating the man over the head while he is already in handcuffs. Howard then took off running, he said, still in handcuffs, before the officers caught up to him. The video, provided by the attorney, shows one officer holding Howard by the arms behind his back while the other officer appears to beat him on the head with another pair of handcuffs. The officer is also heard shouting, "Just [expletive] shoot his ass," as he is running after Howard. "There's something wrong with the Houston Police Department when it comes to shooting people or suggesting to officers to shoot people in the back when they're running away," Kallinen told Houston Public Media.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHPD: Man arrested in second standoff with police in four months
HPD: Man arrested in second standoff with police in four monthsA man believed to be armed on Monday barricaded himself inside a northwest Houston home, according to police. A man believed to be armed on Monday barricaded himself inside a northwest Houston home, according to police. Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close HPD: Man arrested in second standoff with police in four months 1 / 1 Back to GalleryA man was arrested Monday after his second standoff with police in roughly four months at a northwest Houston apartment, according to Houston SWAT Commander Larry Baimbridge. He said the man threatened to shoot himself if police entered, prompting calls for backup from Houston SWAT officers. Eventually SWAT officers pitched a rock through his window, in an attempt to toss him a cellphone, Baimbridge said.
chron.comGroups call for HPD to release body camera footage from recent officer-involved shootings
HOUSTON The death of 27-year old Nicolas Chavez on Houstons east side was the first of six officer-involved shootings in nearly a month. Several civil rights and community organizations came together Monday at the Houston Police Department Headquarters calling for transparency. They requested Chief Art Acevedo to release body cam videos from all the shootings. The public has a right to know how and why it occurred, said Shelby Stewart, a former member of HPD for 28 years. KPRC 2 Investigates spoke briefly with a relative of Chavez and a woman who knew him at his memorial site.
Fallen HPD officer escorted to funeral home
Fallen HPD officer escorted to funeral homeThe body of fallen Houston police officer Jason Knox was escorted to the Pat H. Foley and Company Funeral Home on Monday morning. The body of fallen Houston police officer Jason Knox is escorted to a north Houston funeral home Monday, May 4, 2020. The body of fallen Houston police officer Jason Knox is escorted to a north Houston funeral home Monday, May 4, 2020. Photo: Jay R. Jordan / Houston Chronicle Photo: Jay R. Jordan / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close Fallen HPD officer escorted to funeral home 1 / 17 Back to GalleryThe late officers body was moved from the Harris County Medical Examiners Officer in the Texas Medical Center to the funeral home at 1200 West 34th Street, near Alba Road. Officers and other first responders, including members of the Houston Fire Department, saluted the fallen officer from bridges over Interstate 45 and Texas Highway 288, where the escort proceeded.
chron.comHouston police chief IDs fallen officer in helicopter crash at Greenspoint apartment
Houston police chief IDs fallen officer in helicopter crash at Greenspoint apartmentFallen officer Jason Knox pictured in Nov. 21, 2018 file photo with a restored 1996 Chevrolet Caprice HPD cruiser in Houston. Fallen officer Jason Knox pictured in Nov. 21, 2018 file photo with a restored 1996 Chevrolet Caprice HPD cruiser in Houston. Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Photo: Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 32 Caption Close Houston police chief IDs fallen officer in helicopter crash at Greenspoint apartment 1 / 32 Back to GalleryA Houston police officer was killed and another was critically injured when a helicopter crashed early Saturday morning into a Greenspoint apartment complex in north Houston. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo identified the fallen officer as Jason Knox, 35, the son of retired officer and Houston City Councilman Mike Knox. "Officer Jason Knox is the best of who we are and we will miss him dearly.
chron.comTwo HPD chases end with one car in bayou, another between 2 houses
Two HPD chases end with one car in bayou, another between 2 housesTwo people were taken into custody after a police chase in Houston that ended when a car flipped on its side and came to a rest between two houses on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Photo: On Scene TV Photo: On Scene TV Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close Two HPD chases end with one car in bayou, another between 2 houses 1 / 13 Back to GalleryTwo separate police chases early Thursday ended with one car in the bayou and another flipped on its side between two houses, Houston police said. The driver flipped the car on Live Oak, rolling it in the front yards of two houses, eventually coming to a rest between them. The driver tried to drive under a bridge and instead went into the water. Two people surrendered, said HPD officer Christopher Bruce, and another two tried to swim down the bayou.
chron.comTwo killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 290 near Tidwell
Two killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 290 near TidwellTwo people are dead after a truck driving the wrong way on US-290 slammed into another car, HPD investigators say. Two people are dead after a truck driving the wrong way on US-290 slammed into another car, HPD investigators say. Photo: On Scene Photo: On Scene Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Two killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 290 near Tidwell 1 / 14 Back to GalleryTwo people are dead after a truck driving the wrong way on U.S. 290 slammed into a car, HPD investigators say. HPD officials said that they initially received a call about a truck driving the wrong way. The driver was pronounced dead on the scene, and the truck driver was transported to a hospital where he later died.
chron.com