ART ACEVEDO

A sergeant and three other officers who were fired from the Houston Police Department for their roles in the 2020 deadly shooting of Nicolas Chavez are to be reinstated, according to the Houston Police Officers’ Union.

Local law enforcement held a discussion alongside Platinum Group Metals (PGM) of Texas on Wednesday morning focusing on options and solutions regarding catalytic converter theft in San Marcos.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]

All three officers are in stable condition, police said.

The embattled former police chief of Miami is suing his former employer and city...

Acevedo, who was also Houston’s former chief, is suing his former employer and city commissioners in Miami, saying his public firing three months ago was in retaliation for him speaking out against corruption.

The embattled former police chief of Miami is suing his former employer and city commissioners, saying his public firing three months ago was in retaliation for him speaking out against corruption.

The embattled former police chief of Miami is suing his former employer and city commissioners, saying his public firing three months ago was in retaliation for him speaking out against corruption.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner addressed questions back on June 4, 2021 when asked about the rapidly rising homicide rate in the City of Houston after data revealed an increase in the numbers this year compared to in 2020.

On Friday's show: As case numbers rise, we check in with the City of Houston Health Authority, Dr. David Persse.

Former and brief Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo has landed on his feet.

Here are things to know for Thursday, Dec. 16:

Former Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo announced on Tuesday that he's been tapped by CNN for a role as an analyst for the cable network.

Television

Cuban American city commissioner Joe Carollo says Acevedo isn't 'a real Cuban.'

The man once billed as the Michael Jordan and Tom Brady of policing ended up being “not the right fit” for the city of Miami.

Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo, a star in law enforcement circles, appears to be out of a job after six months. He's had a rocky tenure, clashing with city leaders who he says are meddling.

Former Houston Police Chief and now-Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo has been suspended and faces imminent termination, Miami’s city manager said in a statement Monday evening.

City Manager Art Noriega moved to fire embattled Police Chief Art Acevedo Monday night, ending weeks of speculation and tumult at City Hall and after a pair of circus-like public hearings in which commissioners lashed out at the chief for everything from a misguided statement he made about the “Cuban Mafia,” to the tight jumpsuit he wore during a fundraiser in another city.

HOUSTON (AP) — A grand jury has declined to indict four Houston police officers who fatally shot a man more than 20 times while he was in the midst of a mental health crisis.The grand jury chose not t[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez praised Art Acevedo as “America’s best chief” when he recruited him to lead Miami’s police force just six months ago.

The highly anticipated Miami Commission meeting to address, and dress down, Police Chief Art Acevedo Monday was an unmitigated public embarrassment. It was unworthy of those calling themselves elected officials and an absolute insult to Miamians, on whose behalf this all took place.

Former Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo’s reputation and career were on full display in Miami on Monday during a special meeting focused on his job performance after only five months.

City of Miami commissioners held a special meeting in which they attacked the chief of police less than six months into his post, and voted to further investigate him and his appointment.

The Houston Matters panel of non-experts weighs in on stories from the week’s news and decides if they’re good, bad, or ugly.

The Michael Jordan of police chiefs appears to be in trouble in Miami.

We have seen a series of meltdowns at Florida airports in the past few months, but the latest at Miami International got physical. The confrontation happened Friday night at the American Airlines gate.

Miami’s police union fired back at the city’s police chief Friday, posting a picture of Art Acevedo posing with the same gesture he suspended an officer for using last week — a hand signal often associated with white power extremist groups.

A Miami police officer has been relieved of duty for displaying a hand signal that some interpret as a white power message while posing for a picture.

One headline pretty much sums up how an already divided America has become even more fractured since the Jan. 6 insurrection in the nation’s capitol.

Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo — who prides himself on working the street with beat cops — had recent back-to-back encounters with members of the right-wing extremist group the Proud Boys during the first demonstrations in the city in support of protesters in Cuba.

Joe Biden has a long personal relationship with law enforcement, dating back to his work on the 1990s crime bill. But it's not clear those ties will help him in the current debate over police reform.

Authorities say nearly 100 people are still unaccounted for after part of a 12-story beachfront condo building collapsed in a town outside Miami.

Two of Miami’s top-ranked police officers — a couple with almost a half-century of combined law enforcement experience and personnel jackets brimming with commendations and promotions — were fired Tuesday for not being truthful about an accident involving a city-issued SUV, said Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo.

Three days before Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo was officially sworn in, he drew a line in the sand to the city’s command staff: “You lie, You die,” warned the incoming chief, suggesting changes were coming within the department.

The highly-touted Operation Summer Heat, a crackdown on gun violence by Miami-Dade police, apparently didn’t register with the drive-by shooters. It’s naive to think that it would.

The bill, approved by the GOP-led Texas Legislature, allows people to carry handguns in public without a license, background check or training.

The bill, approved by the GOP-led Texas Legislature, allows people to carry handguns in public without a license, background check or training.

Miami police chief Art Acevedo calls the dual shootings in Miami-Dade ‘an indication of the problem we have with the scourge of gun violence in this country’

The bill, approved by the GOP-led Texas Legislature, allows people to carry handguns in public without a license, background check or training.

The following is a transcript of an interview with Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo that aired Sunday, May 30, 2021, on "Face the Nation."

Former Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo explains why police departments across the country do not support the Texas "constitutional carry" gun bill.

Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo has been on the job for about two months, and he’s already making his mark.

Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo moved a step closer Wednesday to terminating two of the city’s highest ranking officers — husband and wife Ronald and Nerly Papier — six weeks after one of them crashed a patrol vehicle and the proper chain of command was not followed, an internal investigation found.

In recent months, five of the largest cities in Texas have seen their top cop leave. The reasons for their exits are varied. But one thing is known: The average tenure for some big-city chiefs in Texas is in decline.

A City of Miami police officer was arrested and charged Sunday with battery after authorities say he was involved in a domestic violence incident.

The family of a kidnapping victim killed by an agent in a botched 2018 FBI raid is appealing an appeals court decision that the agent who fired the shot will be able to get qualified immunity.

Former Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo admitted he was surprised when he heard the news that his old colleague Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez had been nominated by President Joe Biden to lead U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement. Not that Gonzalez was chosen for the role, but that he accepted the...

New Miami police chief mulls dangerous chase policy

A termination letter obtained Thursday by KPRC 2 Investigates showed that a Houston police officer was fired after running during a shooting that left a sergeant at the scene dead.

Aundre Howard says he was beaten and publicly humiliated by Houston police officers.

KPRC 2 Investigates looked at four different categories of crime reported over a period of five years -- from 2016, before Art Acevedo became Houston’s chief of police, through 2020, his last full year.

A man who has accused Houston police of using excessive force during his arrest nearly two years ago has filed a lawsuit.

Former HPD Executive Assistant Chief Troy Finner will officially take over the department, Earlier in the day, Art Acevedo was sworn in as Miami police chief.

He was sworn in hours after Houston recorded its 100th murder of 2021.

The fallout from Houston Sgt. Harold Preston’s death was handed down earlier this week.

HOUSTON – The rocky tenure of Hubert Arturo Acevedo as HPD chief is over. Acevedo is bolting to Miami to serve as the city’s next top cop. Acevedo making his position clear back to KPRC 2 Investigates Mario Diaz on March 16th: “You know Mario, I’m done with you. Thank God.”Acevedo informed the much smaller Miami Police Department that he will be in the building next week. City officials say his tenure does not qualify for a pension.

(Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) Published: March 30, 2021, 6:00 am Updated: March 30, 2021, 6:26 amPoint of Order: Outgoing Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo talks moving to Miami, George Floyd and ‘defunding the police’Published: March 30, 2021, 6:00 am Updated: March 30, 2021, 6:26 amIf you need help with the Public File, call (713) 778-4745.

HOUSTON – The Houston City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the appointment of Troy Finner as the next police chief. Finner takes over for outgoing Chief Art Acevedo, who is leaving to become the top cop in Miami. Finner is a native of Houston and grew up in the Fifth Ward. He attended James Madison High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University and a master’s degree from the University of Houston. Finner takes the helm at HPD on April 5.

We talk about COVID Relief, efforts to reach bipartisan agreements, the immigration crisis at the border and Republican efforts to revamp voting rights in states across the country, on this week’s Houston Newsmakers and here on Newsmakers EXTRA with Rep. Lizzie Fletcher. They never lost their job.”Congressman Dan Crenshaw, (R) 2nd says the American Rescue Plan is overloaded with spending not needed. “Is this really fair?” he said on this week’s Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall. Also this week, the challenge of working across the aisle on other issues such as infrastructure and his highest priorities local on Newsmakers EXTRA with Rep. Dan Crenshaw. More Information:Chief Art Acevedo, Houston Police Chief· Website: https://www.houstontx.gov/police/chief/· Twitter: @ArtAcevedoU.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D), 7th Congressional DistrictAd· Website: https://fletcher.house.gov/· Twitter: @RepFletcherU.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R), 2nd Congressional· Website: https://crenshaw.house.gov/· Twitter: @RepDanCrenshaw

Troy Finner shared the stage with his wife and 10-year-old son after being named Houston's new chief of police Thursday. ^ Keep Houston Press Free Support Us LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. Support UsJust three days after outgoing Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo’s surprising announcement that he's leaving town to lead the Miami Police Department, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner named HPD Executive Assistant Chief Troy Finner as Bayou City’s new top cop. “I am so humbled, so honored to lead this great department in this great city with so many great citizens,” Finner said. A 31-year department veteran, Finner first joined the HPD force in 1990 and has been executive assistant chief since 2014.

HOUSTON – Troy Finner is set to become the new chief of the Houston Police Department, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Thursday during a press conference. Finner formerly served as executive assistant under current HPD Chief Art Acevedo, who recently said he has taken a job as the top cop in Miami. Finner began working at HPD in 1990 and has served in several capacities over his 31-year-career. Turner said he earned “his stripes in HPD,” which has prepared him to lead from day one. Ad“(Finner) has earned the trust and respect of people in every corner of our community,” Turner said.

Mayor Sylvester Turner announced that Troy Finner, the current executive assistant chief, will be the new head of the Houston Police Department. Chief Art Acevedo is leaving Houston to head to police department in Miami. "Troy Finner is not just from Houston," Turner said. Finner was one of two top contenders for the job, according to St. John Barned-Smith of the Houston Chronicle. "Just as any other city right now: major city, major crime," Finner said during a press conference Thursday.

But some local activists claim that simply changing members on the oversight board won’t be as effective as it may appear. Woods called the current police oversight board "toothless" because it lacked subpoena power. That’s something some Houston City Council members have also pushed for. Other council members say a letter was sent to the mayor several months ago regarding the current Independent Police Oversight Board. But it’s not clear that subpoena power would greatly improve the work of the oversight board.

Houston police are now intensifying patrols in Asian communities around Houston in the wake of Tuesday's Atlanta massage parlor murders. "To our Asian community, @houston police is closely monitoring threat environment, and currently there are no specific threats. Outrage and fear have now spread across the nation after eight people were killed and one was wounded in the Tuesday massage parlor attacks. Since the pandemic began, authorities have seen an uptick in Anti-Asian hate crimes across the country. HPD released this statement on Twitter about the crimes targeting Asian Americans, reassuring Houstonians of increasing patrols.

Houston police are now intensifying patrols in Asian communities around Houston in the wake of Tuesday's Atlanta massage parlor murders. "To our Asian community, @houston police is closely monitoring threat environment, and currently there are no specific threats. Outrage and fear have now spread across the nation after eight people were killed and one was wounded in the Tuesday massage parlor attacks. Since the pandemic began, authorities have seen an uptick in Anti-Asian hate crimes across the country. HPD released this statement on Twitter about the crimes targeting Asian Americans, reassuring Houstonians of increasing patrols.

Here are things to know for Thursday, March 18:1. Now, Pamela Bunkley, Jones’ daughter, and her husband are suing CenterPoint Energy for wrongful death. AdBuzbee filled the second lawsuit early Wednesday but said the third one is the “most egregious” to date. We screen each one, and I personally talk with and screen any individual on whose behalf we file. Lauren Hammelman said a man followed her in a car and then exposed himself and yelled inappropriate things to her before taking off.

Here are things to know for Wednesday, March 17:1. AdSurrounded by several members of the Houston Police Department, Acevedo said he wanted everyone to understand how he came to the decision to leave Houston. “I decided to take the Miami position because Miami is a world-class city like Houston,” Acevedo said. The wholesale electricity retailer, which has recently been forced out of the market, charged a $9.99 monthly fee and, in turn, passed along wholesale prices to customers. When wholesale energy bill prices skyrocketed during the storm as temperatures plunged below freezing, Griddy customers were subject to the same costs with no buffer.

A 1-year-old Houston boy remains in the pediatric intensive care unit and is fighting for his life, his mother said, nearly two weeks after a Houston police officer shot him in the head while firing at a man suspected of robbery. The 19-year-old mother said the man told her to get out, but that she wouldn't because her baby was in the backseat. He also said he and Assistant Chief Troy Finner went to the hospital to check on Smalls and her baby. Crump criticized the officer for shooting while both Smalls and her baby were in the line of fire. Subscribe to Today in Houston Fill out the form below to subscribe our new daily editorial newsletter from the HPM Newsroom.

Dave Ward asks the important questions on new podcast Dave Ward formerly worked for the Houston Oilers radio crew and ABC Houston affiliate KTRK. Spruce up your yard with up to $150 off tree services 2 exclusive offers from a local company that provides free estimates no matter the tree...

HOUSTON, Texas – HPD Chief Art Acevedo made a grim proclamation for the City of Houston on Tuesday, “Get ready for 500 murders,” said Acevedo during an afternoon news conference at HPD headquarters. This said, there are two homicides from Acevedo’s tenure that stand out the most. They are the shooting deaths of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas by HPD in the deadly botched raid on Harding Street. When asked how challenging will it be for Acevedo to leave Houston knowing that Harding Street remains unfinished? Acevedo said, “I’ll be back for Harding Street because it happened on my watch.”AdWatch the video below to hear John Nicholas, brother of Rhogena Nicholas, speak about Acevedo’s departure.

HOUSTON – A man accused of killing a Houston police sergeant during a shootout along the North Freeway on Nov. 9, 2020, has posted bond, according to multiple sources. Robert Soliz, 24, was arrested during a traffic stop along Interstate 10 Katy Freeway a day after the fatal shooting. Sean Rios, 47, a 25-year veteran of the Houston Police Department. The chief said Rios was on his way to work when the shootout happened. AdREAD: Houston police sergeant killed during shootout along North Freeway, chief saysCourt Records show Soliz has been arrested numerous times, dating back to 2014.

Other than the DA, Acevedo did not elaborate on which Harris County leaders he blamed for a steep rise in violent crime. "Miami is a world-class city just like Houston," Acevedo said. "Miami is a city that is an international city like Houston. Miami is the gateway to Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe — Houston is the gateway to the world. Just last year, Houston City Council passed a budget that increased HPD funding by $20 million, to $964 million.

HOUSTON – The family of a man who was killed in an officer-involved on April 21, 2020, has filed a $100 million civil lawsuit Tuesday, according to Sean Roberts, the family’s attorney. AdREAD: Acevedo releases bodycam video of Nicolas Chavez shooting, says he ‘cannot defend that’In September, four Houston police officers were fired in connection with the fatal officer-involved shooting of Chavez nearly four months after the incident. READ: 4 Houston police officers fired in connection with fatal shooting of Nicolas Chavez identifiedAcevedo released the “indefinite suspension” letters of the four officers and identified them as Benjamin LeBlanc, Luis Alvarado, Omar Tapia and Patrick Rubio. He said he believes Chavez no longer posed a threat to officers because he was too weak to stand. “We applaud Houston Police Department’s termination of the officers that unjustifiably executed Mr. Chavez,” said Sean Roberts, the family’s attorney.

HOUSTON – Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tearfully thanked Houston and the department Tuesday after announcing he would be leaving to become the police chief in Miami. Surrounded by several members of the Houston Police Department, Acevedo said he wanted everyone to understand how he came to the decision to leave Houston. RELATED: Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo: The biggest events of his career with HPD“I decided to take the Miami position because Miami is a world-class city like Houston,” Acevedo said. He said when the opportunity to become police chief in Miami was presented, he had been heavily thinking about what was next. The HPD chief also weighed in on who he thought would be a good fit for the next police chief in Houston.

Ex-Houston police chief Art Acevedo is one such example of individual greatness. In this spirit, I've gone ahead and come up with some other superlatives that sum up the exemplary talents Art Acevedo has showcased as the top law enforcement officer in several U.S. cities to date. "The Peyton Manning of not releasing body cam footage"When it comes to performative transparency, Art Acevedo is second to none. Nonetheless, like a true musician, Acevedo never changed tune on the incident. In closing, I wish the chief the best of luck in Miami and hope he finds the adoring crowds he seeks.

Dave Ward asks the important questions on new podcast Dave Ward formerly worked for the Houston Oilers radio crew and ABC Houston affiliate KTRK. Spruce up your yard with up to $150 off tree services 2 exclusive offers from a local company that provides free estimates no matter the tree...

HOUSTON – Art Acevedo was sworn into office as Houston Police Chief on November 30, 2016. Acevedo was at the center of the storm response, dispatching officers to help Houstonians who were trapped in their homes. In the years after the storm, Houston response efforts ramped up with the purchase of more rescue boats and other high-profile vehicles. AdHPD officer deathsSix Houston police officers lost their lives while Acevedo has been in office. AdHouston police officer named in Capitol riotDuring a news conference following the Capitol riot in Washington, D.C., Acevedo disclosed that a Houston officer had taken part in the riot.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo has accepted a position to become the next police chief in Miami, leaving Houston after just over four years in the role. — Houston Mayor's Office (@houmayor) March 15, 2021Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez shared his farewell to Acevedo, writing “Wishing Chief @ArtAcevedo and his family all the best. — SulemaChapa (@Sulema95388285) March 15, 2021Good, maybe we can get someone that can fight crime better — osito (@obdulio32) March 15, 2021Chief Art Acevedo, @ArtAcevedo. — Janet Mayfield, MLA (@theflutelady) March 15, 2021So Chief Acevedo moving to Miami. 🥲 — 🗡Mikasa (@Ohellalison) March 15, 2021Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo is leaving our city for Miami.

^ 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.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo speaks out against bathroom bills at a press conference on the steps of the state capitol on July 25, 2017. Credit: Austin Price/The Texas TribuneHouston Police Chief Art Acevedo is leaving his helm to lead the Miami Police Department after holding the position for five years, he announced in a press conference. AdAcevedo will be the third major police chief in Texas to depart after a year marked by protests against police violence. Last month, Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said he is retiring after 30 years with the department. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told the Miami Herald “this is like getting the Tom Brady or the Michael Jordan of police chiefs.”Acevedo will lead a force of nearly 1,400 officers in Miami compared to Houston’s force of over 5,200 officers. He will replace former Miami police chief Jorge Colina, who retired in February.

Tomball City Manager dies in single-vehicle crash in Waller CountyTomball City Manager Rob Hauck died Saturday in a single-vehicle crash in Waller County, according to a release from the Tomball Police Department. Hauck had been selected as Tomball’s City Manager in 2018. Houston Texans make 2 trades SundayNew Texans General Manager Nick Caserio had a busy Sunday, completing two trades. AdAccording to multiple reports, the Houston Texans traded linebacker Benardrick McKinney to the Miami Dolphins for pass-rusher Shaq Lawson and a swap of late-round picks. Beyoncé, Megan thee Stallion show out for Houston at the GrammysBeyoncé and Megan thee Stallion came to the Grammys to collect.

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said he will announce the future of leadership at the city’s Police Department later this week. Turner spoke at City Hall on Monday morning after news broke Sunday night that Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo is leaving to take the same job in Miami. “I hate to see him leave the city of Houston,” Turner said as he congratulated Acevedo on his next chapter. Turner said Acevedo, who took the job as chief of the Houston Police Department in 2016, is leaving the department in better shape than he found it. Ad“Art was the right person at the right time,” Turner said.

“We went out and got what I feel is America's best chief," said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez standing alongside Acevedo at a news conference Monday after describing him to The Miami Herald as the Tom Brady or Michael Jordan of police chiefs. He is replacing Chief Jorge Colina, who retired in February, becoming Miami’s fifth chief the past decade. Acevedo was born in Cuba but came to the U.S. as a refugee with his family when he was 4 years old. AdOn Monday, Acevedo acknowledged the problem with bad policing and said he thought he brings a new perspective to the Miami police department. In Miami, Colina led the department through federal oversight after a series of police shootings, the pandemic and last summer’s protests.

Speaking to reporters in Miami, Acevedo said his decision was partly based on the fact that Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is currently in his final term. Back in Houston, Mayor Turner congratulated Acevedo and thanked him for more than four years of service. https://t.co/Crce4xqxJF — Chief Samuel Peña (@FireChiefofHFD) March 15, 2021The chief announced his departure in a message to staff late Sunday night. Houston City Council also recently increased the HPD budget to nearly $1 billion, in the face of opposition from some organizers and members of the public. As Austin police chief, Acevedo came under fire after making insensitive comments about sexual assault in response to a jaywalking arrest.

HOUSTON – Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo is leaving the department for a new job, according to the local police union. Houston Police Office Union President Doug Griffith confirmed Acevedo has accepted the position to become the next police chief in Miami. “We appreciate his service to Houston, and wish him the best in Miami,” Griffith said in a statement. RELATED: Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo: The biggest events of his career with HPDHouston’s Mayor, Sylvester Turner, also had kind words for his long time friend and the man he hired in 2016. “The only thing that I ask is that while you are here you do an exceptional job, and he has done just that,” Mayor Turner said.

HOUSTON – Police have identified the man who was arrested Wednesday after a SWAT team entered a southwest Houston apartment and found two bodies inside. Houston police Chief Art Acevedo said when officers arrived and approached the apartment unit, they could hear loud arguing between a man and a woman. Police announced their presence and tried to get the people inside the apartment to come out, Acevedo said. According to Acevedo, another officer was able to see into the apartment and saw that the man was armed. The Houston Police Department SWAT team has been called out to an apartment complex in southwest Houston where police say a man is barricaded inside with four other people.

HOUSTON – Even when the mask mandate is lifted in Texas next week, customers will still need to wear a mask inside Phoenicia Specialty Foods in downtown Houston. He said the grocery store will keep the mask rule and limited capacity in place for now, even after next Wednesday. On social media, some businesses have posted that they plan to take the same route. “We want to remind you that private entities, private businesses, have a legal right to require you to wear a mask,” Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said in a video on Twitter. Attorney Katherine Treistman, a commercial litigator with Arnold & Porter, said private businesses are free to make their own policies.

Greg Abbott says Texas is lifting a mask mandate and lifting business capacity limits next week. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)DALLAS – The end of Texas' mask mandate is giving Lucy Alanis second thoughts about one of her occasional indulgences during the coronavirus pandemic: dining in at restaurants. Businesses in Texas shed rules, city leaders plotted new safeguards and the state's 5 million schoolchildren largely remained under orders to keep wearing masks, at least for now. The mask mandate, which has been in place since July, and occupancy limits on restaurants and retail stores end March 10. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said his officers will continue wearing masks.

HOUSTON – Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo released a sturdy message for those who do not comply with private businesses’ policies on wearing masks after Gov. In the video, Acevedo wanted to remind residents that private entities and private businesses have a legal right to require customers to wear a mask. He said if a person goes to a business that requires you to wear a mask, to please wear the mask or take your business elsewhere. Acevedo said for those who do not comply or leave the business are subjected to arrest for criminal trespass. Just remember that if you remain in the business after being asked to leave, you are subject to arrest for criminal trespass,” Acevedo said.

HOUSTON – Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo and HPD leaders discussed the police department’s annual “March on Crime/Lucha Contra El Crimen” in a news conference Monday. Acevedo highlighted efforts the Houston Police Department plans to employ to help keep Houston safe. “If you need help, help is available. He also mentioned gun violence, including road rage incidents, a lot of which have become deadly. According to Acevedo, road rage incidents typically happen between 3 and 8 p.m. in rush-hour traffic.

HOUSTON – Last year was a bloody one for Houston, and that trend seems to be continuing into 2021. Wednesday night there were two separate homicides in the city, then another one Thursday morning at the Discroll Place apartment complex in northwest Houston. So far in 2021, Houston homicide detectives have investigated 50 cases in just the first 42 days of the year. Homicide detectives have been busy in Harris County, as well. Houston police Chief Art Acevedo acknowledged the homicide rate during a news conference Monday.

HOUSTON – A woman who was seen in a video being trampled by a Houston Police Department horse during the George Floyd protests has sued the department. According to court records, Melissa Sanchez filed her lawsuit on Jan. 15 and she is accusing HPD of negligence. Sanchez said in August that a bystander caught the incident on video. It showed a mounted patrol officer’s horse hit Sanchez, who had her back to the animal, knock her to the ground and walk over her. Note: The video attached to this story was from an earlier report.

HOUSTON – Houston police Chief Art Acevedo spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time since a Harris County grand jury handed up indictments of six more Houston police officers in connection with the deadly Harding Street raid. “The charges, other than the one on Gallegos, has to do with overtime,” Acevedo said. RELATED: Attorney claims murder charge against HPD officer in Harding Street case is politically motivatedA total of 12 officers have been charged in connection with the investigation stemming from the raid. Acevedo said that his internal affairs division is now doing its own investigation into the allegations of an overtime scheme. “Would I be surprised that they charged people with allegedly stealing overtime, per se?” Acevedo said.

HOUSTON – Houston police Chief Art Acevedo said Wednesday that cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public is the key to fighting the city’s rise in violent crime. Less than a month into 2021, Houston homicide detectives are already investigating 30 cases as of Wednesday morning, according to Acevedo. “I was actually on the phone with the San Antonio police chief this morning,” Acevedo said. “It would be very helpful, instead of the rhetoric, that the state patrol all freeways in the state of Texas,” Acevedo said. Acevedo said more funding from the federal government will also aid crime-fighting efforts in cities left cash-strapped by the coronavirus pandemic.

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo held a ceremony Wednesday to dedicate the department’s newest helicopter to fallen officer Jason Knox. Knox was killed when an HPD helicopter(75 Fox) crashed in an apartment complex in north Houston on May 2, 2020. Special section: Jason KnoxKnox was with Senior Police Officer Chase Cormier, who also suffered catastrophic injuries in the crash. The H125 Airbus incorporates Officer Knox’s badge number of 2374 into its registration number, which is N2374F. The H125 Airbus, purchased from Davenport Aviation, Inc., was funded through a $7.5 million Texas Department of Public Safety grant.

HOUSTON – Newly released photographs show now-President Joe Biden quietly visited an injured Houston police officer in the hospital a little more than a year ago. Officer Taylor Roccaforte was shot three times while pursuing a robbery suspect shortly after the Democratic debate in Houston in 2019. “It was very unexpected and it was special to me,” Taylor Roccaforte told KPRC 2 on Wednesday. Samuel Roccaforte, Taylor’s father and a fellow HPD officer, said Biden didn’t want any press at the hospital. “It was really a nice time for us to see him there and was very calming for my son,” Samuel Roccaforte said.

Joe Biden visits HPD Officer Taylor Roccaforte on Sept. 15, 2019 after he was shot by a suspect following the DNC presidential debate at Texas Southern University on Sept. 12, 2019. HOUSTON – Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo recalled a fond memory of now-President Joe Biden on Twitter Wednesday, shortly after Biden was sworn into office. On Thursday Sept 12, 2019, a @houstonpolice officer was shot by a suspect shortly after the end of the @DNC Presidential Debate @TexasSouthern. Acevedo said the officer, family and hospital staff were all lifted by Biden’s visit. Acevedo said the officer, Taylor Roccaforte, shared two photos of Biden’s visit on Sept. 15, 2019.

Authorities gathered photographs from Pham’s cellphone, with his approval, according to the criminal complaint filed today in federal court. All are to be kept in possession of his father, Grover Lollar, who appeared in court. “Yes, ma’am,” Grover Lollar said to the judge’s query about whether the father had the ability to keep the guns out of his son’s possession. “He will have no knowledge of where they are,” Grover Lollar said. Both will have to appear in federal court on Thursday morning to sign the bond agreement.

HOUSTON – Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo announced the department will increase security across the city starting Friday through Jan. 20, the day of the inauguration. Acevedo said this comes as after rioters stormed the Capitol and breached the White House. While Acevedo said there is no specific threat to our community, the department will continue to investigate. “Be the eyes/ears of the police department,” Acevedo said. “If you hear any threat against our city or county or state or nation, please report it right away to your local agency and or the FBI,” Acevedo said.