WALLER COUNTY

Dewberry Farm in Brookshire is asking the public to look out for a miniature Hereford which they said was stolen from the farm this past Thursday night.

A Waller County deputy constable found dead inside his police vehicle in northwest Harris County has been identified.

A Waller County deputy constable was found dead inside his police vehicle in northwest Harris County Thursday evening, Harris County Sheriff’s deputies said.

A renovated 20th-century farmhouse with three bedrooms and four bathrooms, on 221 acres in Waller County

One of two suspects accused of holding two migrants hostage is dead after an agent-involved shooting in the Greenspoint area Thursday, according to the Waller County District Attorney’s Office.

An investigation is underway after at least two deputies were exposed to fentanyl Tuesday at the Waller County Jail, according to the Waller County Sheriff’s Office.

A staff member from Waller Independent School District has been terminated after the district opened an investigation following allegations of an inappropriate relationship involving a student.

Loved.

A 21-year-old woman is dead in Waller County after she was believed to have been murdered by her husband on Wednesday, according to the Waller County Sheriff’s Office.

AAA Texas says more than 8 million Texans are driving to their holiday destinations starting Friday through New Year’s Day.

KPRC2 Investigates has learned the Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing a whistleblower complaint about emissions defeat devices on at least four Waller County EMS ambulances.

The 2022 General Election is being held on November 8. You can find results for Waller County Tuesday night here.

Deputies with the Waller County Sheriff’s Office say two men and two juveniles were arrested following a drug deal at a baseball park on Saturday.

There’s almost nothing scarier than having an open flame next to any form of gasoline.

A Bellaire High School student has been identified as one of three people killed in a two-vehicle crash on FM 2920 near the Harris County-Waller County line on Sunday, according to the Houston Independent School District.

An Emergency Services District that covers 600 square miles in both Harris and Waller County is substantially understaffed and unable to man four of its fire departments with paid firefighters.

The Texas Department of Transportation Houston District is proposing to widen FM 1488 from BU 290 to Joseph Road in Waller and Harris counties.

Two men were critically injured Monday when a small plane crashed in Waller, according to officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The former mayor of Hempstead, Michael Wolfe, is facing new accusations stemming from his time in office. Wolfe was first charged in 2019 with abuse of official capacity.

Choas the K-9 has been to a lot of scenes, but it’s likely neither he nor his handler ever imagined ending a shift at an emergency vet clinic, but when things got a little too heated earlier this month, that’s where he landed, thanks to quick action.

A driver was arrested after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through multiple counties. In the process, multiple law enforcement vehicles were damaged, and one deputy suffered a minor injury.

A school bus was involved in a crash in Waller County Thursday, deputies with Harris County Sheriff’s Office said.

A group of students at Prairie View A&M University sued the county, claiming it set up an election schedule in 2018 that offered students — most of them Black — fewer opportunities to vote early than the county’s white residents.

A skydiving instructor has died due to injuries after a parachute failed to open during a tandem jump with a student in Waller County, representatives from Skydive Houston confirmed on Sunday

A skydiving instructor and female passenger were critically injured Saturday after their parachute failed to open during a tandem jump in Waller County, according to the county’s Sheriff’s Office.

Ryan Mitchell Smith, who is accused of stabbing a K-9 officer with a butcher knife and killing his father with a dumbbell, appeared before a judge Friday.

Here are things to know for Wednesday, Jan. 26

Authorities have arrested a man accused of leading law enforcement officers on two separate chases, stabbing a K-9 police dog and wanted for questioning in the death of his father. Ryan Mitchell Smith, 26, was located about 2 p.m. Tuesday walking along Highway 159 in Waller County. He was arrested without incident by a trooper with the Texas Department Public Safety.

Approximately 53 gallons of liquid meth have been seized from a Waller County home during a drug bust Monday, according to the Waller County Sheriff’s Office.

A La Marque mother, who had her 3-year-old son in the car with her, was murdered as she sat in the driver’s seat Thursday night, according to authorities.

Family and loved ones of Abigail Ragston came together to remember the beloved Hempstead ISD bus aide’s life after a tragic accident on Dec. 17.

A bus aide has died after a school bus carrying four Hempstead ISD students crashed in Waller County on Friday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

KPRC 2 Investigates has obtained exclusive video and photos of the aftermath of an Oct. 19, private jet crash in Brookshire.

The National Transportation Safety Board released details Wednesday into what happened when an MD-87 jetliner overran the runway at Houston Executive Airport following a rejected takeoff.

The 16-year-old driver accused of striking a group of cyclists with his truck in late September has now been charged, the Waller County District Attorney’s Office announced Monday.

NTSB investigators on Thursday afternoon did not speculate on what may have caused Tuesday’s crash on an MD-87 in Waller County.

We are learning more about the 18 passengers and three crew members who were aboard the McDonnell Douglas MD-87 when it ran off a runway in Brookshire.

A miracle aboard the McDonnell Douglass MD-87.

The Waller County District Attorney said the Waller Police Department mishandled its investigation into the teen driver who struck a group of cyclists in late September.

On Wednesday, attorneys Charlie Thomas and Peter Wilborn, Bike Law Director Rachael Maney, and Bike Houston Executive Director Joe Cutrufo held a virtual press conference to discuss the ongoing investigation involving six injured cyclists.

KPRC 2 has learned that a special prosecutor has been named after after six cyclists were struck by a teenager driving pick-up truck in Waller County.

Waller Police are conducting an investigation half a dozen cyclists say they were struck by a 16-year-old driving a pick-up truck.

A man who has dedicated his life to helping his community is receiving some help of his own as he fights for his life.

A former Waller County Sheriff’s Deputy investigator was arrested early Friday morning.

Waller County sheriff’s deputies are searching for a man possibly responsible for two incidents of police impersonation.

Here are things to know for Friday, May 28:

Investigators said Douglas Smith, 18, was shot one time while visiting a home off Bowler Road last Sunday.

At the Igloo headquarters along I-10 in Katy, Wednesday morning was all about vaccinations.

An investigator with the Waller County District Attorney’s Office has been indicted on drug and money laundering charges, acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery announced Tuesday.

Tomball City Manager Rob Hauck died Saturday in a single-vehicle crash in Waller County, according to a release from the Tomball Police Department. The crash occurred around 1:20 p.m. near the intersection of FM 1774 and Riley Road. Hauck had been selected as Tomball’s City Manager in 2018. Prior to that, he served as the Chief of Police for Tomball Police Department from 2008 to 2014 and as Tomball’s Assistant City Manager from 2014 to 2018. Hauck leaves behind his wife, Kathleen Hauck, and their three children: Lauren Hauck Andrade, Madeline Scott, and Conner Scott.

To help alleviate some of that expense for diverse communities, rising PGA Tour star Cameron Champ donated $40,000 to the Prairie View A&M University golf program. Champ played college golf at Texas A&M and is one of the few black golfers on the PGA Tour. He was tasked with bringing the Prairie View A&M golf team back to prominence after a near 40-year conference championship drought. “I want to be the first myself.”COVID-19 holdJennings has a young team, and many of his golfers have yet to see college competition due to COVID-19 cancellations. Jennings said there’s a lot of work to do with his young team, while Latham believes the Panthers have the talent to place well in the SWAC.

Out in a rural stretch of Texas northwest of Houston, Waller County was born of plantations, cotton fields and slavery. More than a century ago, state lawmakers planted there the state's first public college where Black students could pursue higher education. When her grandfather was a student in the 1970s, Waller County systematically prevented Black students from registering to vote. That year, the Justice Department sued Waller County over its rejection of voter registration applications — most from Prairie View A&M students. Barnett, the Precinct 3 commissioner who represented the university and opposed expanded early voting on campus, lost his seat.

HOUSTON – The impact of the Texas winter storm forced several school districts to remain closed at this time. The Houston Independent School District is included on the list. Millions of Texans are still recovering from last week’s winter storm. On Sunday, HISD held a massive food and water distribution site with the Houston Food Bank at NRG Stadium and served around 5,000 families. They will also be assisting our families in distributing food boxes in partnership with the Houston Food Bank.

We remain in the midst of a severe winter weather event. 4: 40 a.m. - Houstonians rush to buy water after boil water advisory issuedHoustonians are rushing to buy water after a boil water advisory was issued. — County Judge KP George (@JudgeKPGeorge) February 17, 20214:20 a.m. - Houston, Harris County face issues from winter weather alertHouston and Harris County are facing issues from winter weather alerts. AdMondayDowntown Houston lit up during major winter power outageDowntown Houston lit up during major power outage due to winter storm on Feb 15, 2021. Officials said if residents lose power, which sporadic power outage is expected, the safest places to remain is at home.

HOUSTON – Prairie View A&M University will host the first COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Waller County. The site is open for those with appointments on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.“I think we are averaging 90 to 100 folks coming through an hour right now,” said Waller County Judge Trey Duhon. He said the drive-thru operation was planned in about a week and is a result of a collaboration between the county and university. “The university is really vested in making sure that we can do what we can to stop the spread of the virus,” said Tondra Moore, the executive director of health services for Prairie View University. So it’s awesome that we get to come here and put our skills into practice,” said PVU nursing student Keara Avie.

HEMPSTEAD, Texas – A Hempstead man was injured Thursday night in a home explosion, officials said. At approximately 10:20 p.m. Thursday, fire crews with the Hempstead Fire Department were dispatched to a residence in the 1300 block of 5th Street on reports of an explosion. When he opened the door, “some type of explosion” occurred, said Dean Hensley, an investigator with Waller County Fire Marshal’s Office. A man at the scene said his uncle was the one injured in the explosion. “My uncle’s pretty burned,” said Saucedo.

BROOKSHIRE, Texas – The streets of Brookshire, a town of just about 5500 people in Waller County, are often slow and sometimes empty. The same can be said for many of their households that are empty of a critical segment of the population: fathers. Ninety percent of the children in Brookshire are being raised without fathers in the home. A Houston-based Christian nonprofit is planting roots in this community, in an attempt to cultivate stability and promising futures. A performance, part of Star Players, is a mentoring program for teenage boys through the hip hop ministry Eyes On Me.

HOUSTON At Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, they say trauma injuries are up. However, according to Memorial Hermann, traumas increased 24% from March July 2019 compared to March July 2020. Dr. Michelle McNutt, Trauma Medical Director for the Memorial Hermann Red Duke Institute, said shes noticed more motorcycle and ATV accidents as well, which could indicate people are just participating more in outdoor activities. Michael Beckman added to that statistic last month while riding his motorcycle through Waller County on his way to League City. Dr. McNutt said accidents like this and trauma, in general, are the leading cause of death for people under 40 and its preventable.

A Houston area constable said he was racially profiled, as part of a recent traffic stop. Waller County Precinct 3 Constable Herschel Smith, who is Black, said he found himself in handcuffs after he was pulled over in Harris County on Tuesday night. Smith said he was driving his unmarked unit on Beltway 8 with exempt plates and wearing his uniform when he was approached by deputies from Harris County Precinct 5. A white man saw me on the road after I flashed my light and passed him, Smith said. It wasnt just a regular stop, it was a felon stop, Smith said.

WALLER, Texas Funeral details have been released for Waller County Sheriff Glenn Smith. Smith, 61, died Saturday from an apparent heart attack, Waller County Judge Trey Duhon announced. Sheriff Smith handled the death of Sandra Bland in a county jail back in 2015. KPRC 2 spoke to Sheriff Smith about recommendations to build a new jail, purchase body cameras, and anger management for deputies. Smith served the Waller County Sheriffs Department for nearly 12 years, including three terms as a sheriff.

HOUSTON Waller County Sheriff Glenn Smith has died Saturday from an apparent heart attack, Waller County Judge Trey Duhon announced. Sheriff Smith will be greatly missed by his family, all of the employees of Waller County and the Sheriffs Office, and the Waller County community, Duhon said. He was a good friend, neighbor, neighbor sheriff, neighbor comrade, colleague, just a good man of work coalition of law enforcement with, Sheriff Sowell said. God Bless him and his family in this difficult time.Saddened to hear of the passing of Waller County Sheriff Glenn Smith. Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) August 1, 2020Were sorry to hear of the passing of our friend and neighbor, Waller County Sheriff Glenn Smith.

Despite criticism from those who said the bill doesnt address systemic racism, the Sandra Bland Act was monumental, Coleman said. You file the bill you want to pass, Coleman said. This time around, activism for police reform is much more sophisticated and focused on city officials, Coleman said. He argued that the process is easier on the local level compared to passing similar standards on the state level. In June, Turner also appointed a 45-member task force for policing reform in Houston.

Waller ISD is working to begin the 2020-2021 school year safely. According to a letter from Superintendent Kevin Moran dated June 24, Waller ISD has received survey feedback from parents who are uncertain about the beginning of the school year. Start dateAugust 24List of measures in placeFlexible learning alternatives: Superintendent Moran says the district will bring both online and in-person instruction to parents and students should they decide. #WISDfamily - Our 2020-2021 School Year Parent & Staff Input Survey ends tomorrow at 10 a.m. https://t.co/YV8wSEWsLq pic.twitter.com/cqnhrr7VM1 — Waller ISD (@WallerISD) July 5, 2020Do you have questions about Waller ISD’s plan?

HOUSTON Its time to start finding ways to beat the summer heat, as 90 degree days become more common in southeast Texas. Here is what you need to know about Houston weather in the days ahead:TodayA ridge of high pressure has begun to build into the region from the west. Wednesday AfternoonThursday through SaturdayHigh pressure will become more centered over Texas and, more broadly, the south-central U.S. through the second half of this week. It will continue to slowly strengthen and move north across the Gulf of Mexico. The 10-day forecast is a reminder that Gulf/tropical moisture that will be something to watch as we get to and through next weekend.

BROOKSHIRE, Texas – One man is dead after a massive house fire in Brookshire. According to authorities, the fire broke out around 7:30 p.m. Friday on North Depot Street near Highway 90 in Waller County. A neighbor saw the blaze and rushed to the home to help get the residents out, authorities said. The neighbor was able to pull one man out through a window, saving his life, but another man became trapped inside the home and he was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. Firefighters said the two men were brothers and the one who was saved is reported to be mentally disabled.

BROOKSHIRE, Texas – The driver of an 18-wheeler was killed Friday when he was ejected during a crash near Brookshire, according to authorities. Officials said the driver struck a barrier on I-10, near Peach Ridge Road, on the passenger side of his truck. The vehicle ended up in a body of water near the freeway. Officials said the crash happened around 3 p.m. The truck was eastbound on the freeway, heading toward Houston, officials said.

WALLER COUNTY, Texas – He was only 20 years old, a junior in college. I'll miss him," Houston's uncle, Nathaniel Dorsey, said. The Prairie View A&M student went missing Wednesday. His body was found in the woods in Waller County, two days after he was reported missing. Another Prairie View A&M student, 19-year-old Ayinde Williams, has been charged with the death of Houston.

WALLER COUNTY, Texas – An investigation into an allegation of sexual assault at the Waller County jail is being handed over to the Texas Rangers, according to the Waller County District Attorney’s Office. Waller County District Attorney Elton Mathis shared this statement with KPRC 2, “The Waller County District Attorney’s Office has been made aware of the recent allegation of Sexual Assault at the Waller County Jail. This is a release from Waller County:"On Friday March 17, 2017 the Waller County Jail Staff received information that a female inmate had been sexually assaulted by a male inmate performing trusty type of duties. An investigation is being conducted by the Waller County Sheriff’s Office. The Waller County District Attorney’s Office and the Texas Rangers are monitoring the investigation.

HOUSTON – A civilian review committee released recommendations for new jail practices for the Waller County Jail in response to the suicide of Sandra Bland, 28. Waller County has acquired land for a new jail building to replace the 30-year-old facility now in use, but Smith says no funds have been appropriated by the county for construction. - Body Cameras: Develop a written policy for the use of video recordings and purchase body cameras to document interactions to protect both the officer and the citizen accused. - New Jail: New jail facilities are necessary as the current facility does not address the safety and security required. Recommendation from Waller Co Jail Commission.

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – A Waller County grand jury decided Friday to indict Prairie View police Officer Michael Kelly for official oppression for the arrest of City Council member Jonathan Miller, according to Waller County Assistant Criminal District Attorney Noah Johnson. According to Prairie View police, officers were questioning four men about recent disturbances or suspicious activity in the area when Miller interrupted the investigation. One of the witnesses recorded the incident with his cellphone. Police said Miller resisted arrest and that is when they deployed a Taser. The officers in October's incident included a female officer who was also involved in the Sandra Bland arrest, the chief said.

HOUSTON – A day after the DPS trooper charged with perjury during Sandra Bland's arrest turned himself in, supporters of Bland and community activists are calling for an investigation into Waller County officials. The protesters are requesting that U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch intercede and investigate Waller County. "We need the Department of Justice to investigate the prosecutor in Waller County. It was a July traffic stop in Prairie View that thrust Bland and Waller County into the national spotlight. After a tense exchange, Bland eventually was arrested and placed in the Waller County Jail, where three days later she hanged herself.

HOUSTON – Supporters of Sandra Bland are scheduled to hold a press conference Tuesday afternoon to protest the grand jury proceedings that culminated Monday night with no indictments in Bland's death. After hearing more than eight hours of evidence in the case, a Waller County Grand Jury declined to indict any county jail employees. Muhammad is leading the protest in Waller County scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Bland was found dead in a Waller County Jail cell on July 13, three days after she was arrested during a traffic stop. Waller County prosecutors said the medical examiner found no injuries consistent with struggle.

HOUSTON – A Waller County Grand Jury declined to indict any county jail employees in the case of Sandra Bland's death, KPRC 2 News has learned. "We are not going to allow what they have done in a limited, secret capacity to prevent us from doing what we need to do to get answers for the family," Bland family attorney Cannon Lambert said Monday night. There are other indictments the grand jury is considering, but the county would not go into detail. Bland was found dead in a Waller County Jail cell on July 13, three days after she was arrested during a traffic stop. Waller County prosecutors said the medical examiner found no injuries consistent with struggle.