BRAZORIA COUNTY

A woman severely injured during a car crash is suing the Ford Motor Company and a Brazoria County dealership over a recalled airbag she said should have been replaced long before the accident. According to the lawsuit, Sara Morgan suffered “life-scarring personal injuries” when a Takata airbag exploded during a June 2020 crash.

A man who may have been suffering mental health issues died after jumping off the Highway 288 ramp following a police chase, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office.

Severe weather threat tonight

Houston police announced on Friday that they have arrested two men in connection to a fatal shooting of a 20-year-old man outside a southeast Houston apartment complex in February.

A dolphin stranded on a Brazoria County beach was harassed by beachgoers and died before it could be rescued, according to the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

A mother is taking legal action after her son was hit by an administrator at Sweeny Junior High School.

It comes after a Harris County grand jury declined to indict Watson on nine other criminal complaints two weeks ago.

A grand jury in Brazoria County is considering the 10th accusation of sexual misconduct against former Houston Texans star player Deshaun Watson this week, the New York Times reported Thursday.

Authorities in Brazoria County arrested a man who attempted to hit officers with a vehicle during a police chase in a neighborhood in Manvel Monday evening.

Brazoria County is diversifying fast, but its top elected officials are all white. Brazoria County is diversifying fast, but its top elected officials are all white.

On Friday, the Brazoria County NAACP submitted an eight-page letter to the U.S. Department of Justice, asking for an independent investigation into allegations that former district clerk Rhonda Barchak altered the jury pool by race for more than a decade.

Manvel city council member and current candidate for the Brazoria County Precinct 2 Commissioner seat Dan Davis has filed a police report after he claims someone tried to harm him and his family by cutting the brake line to his Toyota Tacoma pickup earlier this week.

See where to find the nearest warming centers in your area.

Devarjaye Daniel was sworn into 11 law enforcement agencies today, which brings him closer to his goal of 100.

A grand jury investigation into whether a former Brazoria County clerk illegally stacked juries has concluded with no charges being filed, the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Monday.

A Pearland attorney and candidate for judge of Brazoria County Court at Law is facing a legal case of his own.

A Houston area driver said he got quite the scare on Monday afternoon.

There has been an ongoing investigation by the Texas Rangers into a former district clerk accused of excluding people of color from being selected on juries.

Houston-area activists are calling for the federal government to take over the investigation of a former district clerk accused of excluding people of color from being selected on juries.

Quanell X and pastor civic leaders are holding a press conference demanding that Brazoria County DA Tom Selleck indict former Rhonda Barchak on jury tampering and official oppression.

Making Highway 35 from the Gulf Freeway to Alvin a major highway has been in TxDOT plans for many years.

The first defendant to request a new trial because of Rhonda Barchak’s system had a hearing last week.

As the investigation into allegations of jury tampering continues in Brazoria County, there are growing concerns among members of the county’s Republican party that county leaders are not being forward about how jury panels are assembled.

An attorney representing the now-former Brazoria County district clerk at the center of an investigation into jury selection said his client did her best to make sure juries were properly representative of Brazoria County.

Brazoria County district clerk Rhonda Barchak sorted jurors by race and geography. Her attorney says the method was harmless, but the Texas Rangers are investigating.

On Wednesday's show: Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta on the post-Nicholas cleanup, the week in politics, and Houston researchers launch their experiments with the first-ever all-civilian space crew.

LIVE BLOG: Houston area assesses wind, flooding damage from Nicholas

There is a call for an independent federal investigation of the former Brazoria County District Clerk Rhonda Barchak, who is accused of corrupting the jury process in the county for 11 years.

An Oklahoma judge affirmed a jury’s death sentence for a man accused of a string of murders in 1997.

Foodies, get ready. A large-scale food truck park will make a pit stop to Pearland soon.

A Lake Jackson man is in the hospital recovering from a flesh-eating bacteria he said he contracted Wednesday.

The water at some Houston area beaches is contaminated with fecal matter more often than not, according to a new report published by Environment America.

The Brazoria County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will begin taking applications Monday at 10:00 a.m.

At least one person is dead Saturday following a plane crash at the Pearland Regional Airport, according to a Department of Public Safety officer.

A Brazoria County woman charged with hiring a man to kill her husband nearly 14 years ago is now listed as one of Texas’ 10 most wanted fugitives.

Over a dozen horses are now in the care of the Houston Humane Society after they were rescued from an abandoned property in Brazoria County.

Brazoria County sheriff’s deputies believe a man was followed for about 45 miles from a high-end jewelry store near the Galleria to his home near Alvin before he was robbed in his driveway.

A 12-foot alligator was found in a creek near a Clear Lake elementary school.

As with virtually every other endeavor of that era, women and minorities had to fight their way into the workforce.

HOUSTON – One master-planned community after another, it’s what you’ll see when you head south from Pearland into Iowa Colony in Brazoria County. All of that new-built construction means more roads are needed to move folks around the area, which is booming right now. The latest roadway expansion: Meridiana Parkway, located just minutes south of Highway 6, in the new Meridiana master-planned community which opened in 2015. This road is now a big player in connecting traffic from SH-288 all the way to Highway 6. AdIt’s also worth noting, this new expansion is a game-changer for Brazoria County traffic, imagine a serious incident happening on either SH-288 or Highway 6, Meridiana Parkway will now also serve as an alternate route for folks stuck in a serious backup.

CLUTE, Texas – A Brazoria County church is in ashes after a large fire tore through the building, authorities said. The blaze broke out around 10 a.m. Monday at the Evergreen Baptist Church in Clute near Highland Park Drive and Highland Park Avenue, officials said. According to the Brazoria County fire marshal, the fire sparked as a worker was doing plumbing work. Church pastor Anthony Bonner told KPRC 2 repairs were being made to pipes that burst during the February freeze. AdLunford and her sister Dorothy Bryant are among the oldest members of the Evergreen Baptist Church and the family that founded it.

Josiah died Sept. 8, 2020, just days after encountering a deadly brain eating amoeba found in Lake Jackson’s water supply. That’s how the vision for a blue, white and orange, Astros-themed playground came about. With the approval of their education foundation, the educators created an online fundraiser with the hopes of raising $65,000 for the playground. That was until Twila Carter, CEO of The Astros Foundation, walked into the elementary school with a giant check for $65,000. Mohrman said the school will continue to raise money on the online fundraiser to get a plaque and other add-ons for the playground.

DAMON, Texas – At least 10 people ran from the scene Wednesday where a stolen truck got stuck in the mud during a chase in Brazoria County. The chase ended in a field near a river off County Road 4 and County Road 522. According to Rosenberg police, the vehicle was reported stolen from Beeville. The vehicle traveled into Brazoria County before crashing through a fence and get stuck in the mud. According to police, 10 to 15 people jumped from the truck and ran into the brush.

ALVIN, Texas – In Brazoria County, many residents are still dealing with the aftermath of the winter storm and its unwelcomed consequences: Broken pipes and a lack of water. This comes after last week’s winter storm left many without power. While most of the county has its power restored, residents said many neighborhoods are in need of help and resources. Mueller is like many residents in Alvin who are struggling after her pipes burst after the winter storm, despite covering them up the best she could. For the latest updates in Brazoria County, click here.

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)As the Houston-area braces for another round of wintry precipitation, drivers are continuing to be warned to stay off the road as much as possible. Houston TranStar lists more than 190 icy spots and the city of Katy Office of Emergency Management warns Interstate 10 is currently experiencing ‘very icy’ conditions. Use extreme caution if traveling on I-10 due to very icy road conditions. Harris County’s OEM is warning about the hazards of black ice which is very hard to see when you’re driving. pic.twitter.com/ni7lcuufQB — Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (@ReadyHarris) February 17, 2021Click here for the latest weather updates.

HOUSTON – The Texas Department of Transportation says they will start pre-treating roads, highways, and overpasses across the Houston area in the next 24 hours. They are waiting for roads to dry before starting the treatment process. “The more prepared our citizens can be the better off we are going to be,” said Meghan Arthur, a public information officer for Montgomery County. “We are expecting to see ice on ground level roadways as well,” said Emily Black, who is with the Texas Department of Transportation. The weather has already caused problems in Montgomery County.

PEARLAND, Texas – Medical staff started vaccinations in Pearland and Brazoria County on Thursday. Pearland officials said the demand was so high in the area, the 2,000 appointments filled up in 10 minutes. The City of Pearland worked with Brazoria County to put on a drive-thru vaccination clinic Thursday and Friday. It requires about 200 people, city employees, volunteers, things like that to make this happen,” said Josh Lee with the City of Pearland. Officials plan to do a thousand vaccinations Thursday and another thousand Friday.

ANGLETON, Texas – The Brazoria County Health Department has opened coronavirus vaccine appointments at four clinic locations. The clinics are located at Angleton, Alvin, Lake Jackson and Pearland. Health officials said the Angleton and Alvin health clinics are still administering second dose vaccines but are now beginning to take appointments for those needing the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Officials said people who are eligible to receive the vaccine under the current phases can make an appointment online by clicking here. Appointments are required to receive the vaccine.

MISSOURI CITY, Texas – Deputies are searching for a suspect who has a felony warrant out of Brazoria County, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday. Deputies said an FBCSO deputy was serving the suspect the warrant from another agency when he took off on foot in the 3300 block of Ivy Mill Lane. The incident happened between 10:30-11:30 a.m.He’s wearing red shorts, no shoes and a black t-shirt, according to law enforcement. He's wearing red shorts, no shoes & black t-shirt. Call Dispatch 281-341-4665 pic.twitter.com/ar58XVmgVv — FBCSO Texas (@FBCSO) January 13, 2021This is a developing story.

HOUSTON – Cold air has settled into Southeast Texas and will be sticking around for a while. We are in the beginning of the longest stretch of cold weather that has hit Houston so far this season. As we head into late Sunday, temperatures will start to drop and wintry precipitation will be getting close to Southeast Texas! Sunday NightAccumulations will be insignificant in Southeast Texas but snow will accumulate north and northwest of our area. Weekend Travel WeatherAfter Sunday’s rain/snow mix event, the rest of the ten day forecast shows a cooler than normal start with plenty of sunshine for the week ahead.

GALVESTON, Texas – After a state-mandated tightening of coronavirus restrictions prompted businesses to close or reduce capacity in Brazoria and Galveston counties, leaders in both places are asking to be moved into the same trauma service area as Houston. Brazoria and Galveston counties are in Trauma Service Area R, while Harris County, where Houston is located, is in area Q.COVID-19 hospitalizations in area R have been at or above 15% for at least two weeks, while the rate has been inching higher to that mark in area Q. In their request, The judges cite their distance from the majority of counties in TSA R and their close proximity to TSA Q. “The spread of COVID-19 within TSA-Q impacts the residents and hospitals in Galveston County and Brazoria County significantly more than the spread of COVID-19 in TSA-R,” the judges wrote. There are two other Houston-area counties that are in area R -- Chambers and Liberty.

From Harris County to Galveston County, each has its own set of firework laws enforced by the county fire marshall and/or law enforcement. If you have questions regarding your areas’ fireworks laws, check with your nearest city hall or county office. Here’s what each Houston-area county stand on fireworks:Harris CountyFireworks, whether sold or discharged are legal in unincorporated areas. Fort Bend CountyAccording to Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s Office, fireworks are legal in unincorporated areas. Many Galveston County cities have prohibited fireworks, including Dickinson and Galveston, according to the Galveston County Daily News.

HOUSTON – Relaxed restrictions were rolled back Tuesday in some Houston-area counties where coronavirus-related hospitalizations remain high. A similar change was implemented in the Trauma Service Area that includes Dallas earlier this month. Galveston County asks for exemptionHenry said he has sent three requests for Galveston County to be exempt from the tighter restrictions, but those requests have gone unanswered. He said that hospitals in Galveston County are taking patients from the surrounding area and only 65 county residents are hospitalized with COVID-19. He said the Galveston County District Attorney has said he will likely not accept charges related to violations of the order.

MANVEL, Texas – A pilot was injured Thursday after a single-engine plane struck a power line and crashed near Manvel. The crash was reported about 1:50 p.m. on Oil Field Road, about 2 miles off FM 1128. Officials said the pilot was taken to Memorial Hermann Downtown in Houston to be treated for injuries that were not life-threatening. No one else was aboard the plane. FAA investigators are investigating the crash.

BRAZORIA COUNTY, Texas – Nineteen counties in North Texas are facing new restrictions, after seven straight days where the percentage of COVID-19 hospitalizations topped 15%. Some sports in Galveston, Brazoria and Chambers County are seeing numbers increase. On Friday, the current hospital rate was 7.2% in Galveston County and 9.7% in Brazoria County. Galveston County Judge Mark Henry requested an exemption from the Governor if the hospital region reaches the 15 percent threshold. Dr. Anthony Rogers in Brazoria County says they’re trying their part to stop the spread of the virus.

HOUSTON – The 288 Expressway is officially open! In addition, the department will open the Brazoria County 288 Expressway, a 5-mile section from the Brazoria/Harris county line at Clear Creek to County Road 58 north. Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta said it’s an opening that has been a long time coming. “It will help with congestion relief on Highway 288,” Sebesta said in a press release. “We are excited to see the Brazoria County Expressway completed, allowing our residents to spend less time in traffic and more time at home with their families.”Residents can travel the expressway for free from Harris County to Brazoria County, between Nov. 16-29.

The two men portrayed in these salacious TV spots are Republican Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls and Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni. TX-22 comprises most of Fort Bend County, as well as the chunk of Brazoria County where Pearland sits and a tiny bit of Harris County around Friendswood. The 22nd district as a whole is extremely diverse in its makeup, thanks mostly to Fort Bend County. The ad also references accusations that some members of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office racially profiled Latinos and a suicide by an inmate at Fort Bend County Jail under Nehls’s tenure, and blames Nehls for both incidents. In his last race for Congress, Kulkarni advocated for Medicare For All, but his stance on government-run insurance has changed.

Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration on Sunday after a brain-eating amoeba was discovered in the water supply for Lake Jackson, Texas. The disaster declaration extends across Brazoria County, where Lake Jackson is located. On Saturday, the city's mayor issued a similar disaster declaration. The disaster declaration comes after the death of a 6-year-old boy who was infected by a brain-eating amoeba, according to Lake Jackson City Manager Modesto Mundo. While Lake Jackson lifted a "Do-Not-Use" advisory for water customers, a boil order still remains in place.

A man wanted in a Brazoria County assault case was killed Sunday after leading police in North Texas on a violent pursuit that spanned multiple cities, police said. A man wanted in a Brazoria County assault case was killed Sunday after leading police in North Texas on a violent pursuit that spanned multiple cities, police said. A man killed by police Sunday in North Texas after leading them on a violent pursuit with a hijacked bus was wanted in a Brazoria County aggravated assault case, according to Garland police. Ramon Thomas Villagomez, 31, was facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon out of Brazoria County, as well as a murder charge in San Antonio, when he commandeered a Dallas Area Rapid Transit bus Sunday morning. His girlfriend was the victim in the murder case, while another relative was the victim in the assault, police said.

Private center offering remote COVID-19 screening in Brazoria CountyWorking with the Brazoria Countys health department and office of emergency management, a private nonprofit health center is doing remote screening for COVID-19 and then providing testing for people deemed to need it at sites in Alvin, Freeport and South Belt. (file photo) less Working with the Brazoria Countys health department and office of emergency management, a private nonprofit health center is doing remote screening for COVID-19 and then providing testing for people deemed ... more Photo: Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Photo: Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Private center offering remote COVID-19 screening in Brazoria County 1 / 1 Back to GalleryWorking with the Brazoria Countys health department and office of emergency management, a private nonprofit health center is doing remote screening for COVID-19 and then providing testing for people deemed to need it at sites in Alvin, Freeport and South Belt. Community Health Network is seeing a steady increase in individuals tested at Adoue Family Health Center in Alvin, Scarsdale Family Health Center in the SouthbeltEllington region, and its Community Health Center in Freeport, the nonprofits emergency response manager Israel Garcia said. To qualify for testing, individuals should call CHN at 281-824-1480 and go through a screening process. More Information COVID-19 testing The nonprofit Community Health Network is offering COVID-18 testing at the following sites in or near Brazoria County.

Brazoria Countys first two COVID-19 cases not related to travel, may involve RodeoLocal men who are homeless hang out on Main Street in downtown Houston. Houston officials stood by their decision to allow the rodeo to hold events for 14 days before shuttering it Wednesday, even as they say more yet-to-be detected cases may have spread there. Harris County Public Health Executive Director Dr. Umair Shah described the initial rodeo case as a milestone for the new coronavirus in Houston. With that Montgomery case, there was no link to a confirmed case and no link to travel, Shah said. Harris County officials expect an increase in confirmed cases in coming days as the coronavirus spreads through the community and more tests become available.

Corrections officer found shot to death on Brazoria County beachThe Brazoria County Sheriff's office is investigating the shooting death of a Texas Department of Corrections officer whose body was found last week on Follett's Beach, the sheriff's office said Tuesday. The death is being investigated as a homicide, said said Lt. Varon Snelgrove with the Brazoria County Sheriff's office . The investigation will look in to his 30 years as a corrections officer, Snelgrove said. Taylor worked at the Ramsey Unit in Rosharon, said Robert Hurst, a communications officer at the agency. The sheriff's office is asking anyone who has information on Taylor's death to contact Brazoria County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-460-2222 or brazoriacountycrimestoppers.com.

Fort Bend, Harris and Brazoria Counties are taking steps to secure their systems and reassure their voters ahead of next years presidential contest. Fort Bend County is ahead of Harris County when it comes to upgrading voting machines. Brazoria County just adopted new voting machines, an all-electronic system with no paper backup. Counties and states generally are operating with very limited funding for voting equipment, Wallach said. During the 2016 election cycle, Russian hackers targeted election systems in all 50 states, according to a report by the Senate Intelligence Committee.

HOUSTON - A county-by-county list of resources around the Houston area. A list of resources for those in Harris CountyWho do I call? A list of resources for those in Fort Bend CountyWho do I call? A list of resources for those in Wharton CountyWho do I call? A list of resources for those in Waller CountyWho do I call?

Fatal crash closes Texas 288 in Brazoria CountyAll southbound lanes of Texas Highway 288 are closed after a fatal crash at Rodeo Palms on Monday, July 22, 2019. All southbound lanes of Texas Highway 288 are closed after a fatal crash at Rodeo Palms on Monday, July 22, 2019. Photo: Houston TranStar Photo: Houston TranStar Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Fatal crash closes Texas 288 in Brazoria County 1 / 1 Back to GalleryAt least one person is dead after a single-vehicle crash along Texas Highway 288 in Brazoria County. The crash happened around 1:20 p.m. in the southbound lanes near Rodeo Palms, a small neighborhood just north of Texas Highway 6. Both southbound lanes are closed as crews investigate what happened.

RICHWOOD, Texas - Two people were killed Tuesday during a shootout with a deputy in Brazoria County, according to authorities. The incident was reported about 12:30 a.m. in the 200 block of County Road 687 near Richwood. The suspects led the deputy into a neighborhood and pulled into a residential driveway in the 200 block of County Road 687. Deputy injuredThe deputy suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, authorities said. What's nextThe Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and the Brazoria County District Attorney's Office are investigating the case.

Two people were killed Tuesday during a shootout with a deputy in Brazoria County, according to authorities.

KPRC2HOUSTON - Drivers across the Houston area are being reminded of construction this weekend, in addition to ongoing projects. State Highway 35 northbound and southbound at SH 6 in AlvinDrivers in Brazoria County should plan for a total closure of State Highway 35 northbound and southbound at SH 6 in Alvin. West Loop southbound entrance ramp from Westheimer RoadDrivers headed to the Galleria this weekend need to be aware that construction crews will shutter the West Loop southbound entrance ramp from Westheimer Road. IH-59 northbound and southbound connector ramps to I-610 West LoopDrivers in southwest Houston can expect delays as crews will close the IH-59 northbound and southbound connector ramps to I-610 West Loop. Drivers will need to take I-610 northbound lanes, exit San Felipe, make a U-Turn and re-enter the freeway traveling southbound.

See what the 20 fastest speeders drove in the Houston area in April and May>>> Swipe all the way through to see what the fastest speeders drove in the Houston area >>> Swipe all the way through to see what the fastest speeders drove in the Houston area Photo: Michael Minasi, Houston Chronicle Photo: Michael Minasi, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 27 Caption Close See what the 20 fastest speeders drove in the Houston area in April and May 1 / 27 Back to GalleryTwo Maseratis were driving well over 100 mph when they were caught speeding by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers over the last two months, according to speeding ticket data obtained by Chron.com. The driver of a Maserati Ghibli was caught May 3 driving 120 mph down Interstate 45, where the speed limit was 65 mph. Those were just two among thousands of drivers caught speeding by state troopers in April and May, records show. HIGHWAY HOTSPOTS: Where Texas DPS busted the most drivers for speeding in the Houston-area so far in 2019Chron.com compiled a list of the top 20 fastest speeders caught in the Houston area in those months, as well as the vehicle they drove at the time. Some of the cars in the above slideshow may be newer or older than the cars that were pulled over.