Nearly two years after the Uvalde massacre, hereโs who has been reprimanded and where investigations stand
As a grand jury considers whether any law enforcement officers are criminally charged for their inaction during the Robb Elementary shooting, some families say they feel theyโve been let down and betrayed by elected officials.
Twenty months after deadly Uvalde school shooting, multiple investigations have yet to be released
The U.S. Department of Justice just released its investigation into law enforcementโs response to the shooting at Robb Elementary School. But at least three other investigations have not yet been released to the public.
Call for federal probe issued following โinhumaneโ Texas-Mexico border allegations
The Texas Senate Democratic Caucus released a letter Wednesday that shares a request for the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a formal investigation into the allegations made against the Texas Department of Public Safety.
State investigating claim that DPS troopers were told to push migrants back into the Rio Grande and deny them water
The Office of the Inspector General is investigating the claims, which include pushing small children and women with nursing babies back into the river and turning away a 4-year-old girl who later passed out on the riverbank from the heat.
Gov. Greg Abbott sends more state police to patrol Austin after city leaders call for end to partnership
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson had said that troopers pulling a gun on a 10-year-old prompted the end of the agreement. A video of that encounter shows troopers with guns pointed at the ground, not the child.
State troopers will resume patrolling Austin streets in July, with some changes in response to criticism
Texas Department of Public Safety officers were criticized for the disparate number of Latino and Black residents arrested during the first iteration of a partnership to help Austin with policing duties.
Texas troopers renew inspections of commercial vehicles at Brownsville border bridge, triggering long delays
Truckers have reported waiting up to 24 hours to cross the border because of the inspections. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered similar inspections last year to stop smuggling, but troopers found no contraband after checking more than 4,000 vehicles.
Once again, tension builds after state police are deployed to a major Texas city
A month after the Texas Department of Public Safety began patrolling Austin streets, city officials have both praised a drop in violent crime and condemned the operationโs disparate impact on Latino and Black residents. In 2019, Dallas faced the same challenges.
More than 500K doses of fentanyl, other drugs, guns and stolen vehicles seized in Austin
DPS SWAT officers executed a search warrant and was able to seize 507,000 lethal doses of fentanylโenough to kill more than half of Austinโs current populationโalong with methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.
42-year-old cold case killing of โJane Doeโ solved; family waits 26 years before officially reporting Texas teen missing
The Texas Rangers have made an arrest in a 42-year-old cold case. On April 13, the Rangers arrested 68-year-old Larry Allen West for the murder of 18-year-old Carol Joyce Deleon. He was taken into custody at his residence in San Antonio.
Gov. Greg Abbott starts state task force on street takeovers
During a recent street racing incident, Austin residents faced long 911 wait times. City officials say they need to increase staffing for 911 call takers, but state license and background check requirements make it difficult to fill positions.
Uvalde DA gets initial state police report on school shooting but doesnโt expect full investigation for months
The preliminary report has not been made public by either the district attorneyโs office or the state. The Texas Rangers are conducting a criminal investigation into the shooting at Robb Elementary.
DPS to conduct random vehicle safety inspections at ports of entry along Texas border to help stop cartel smuggling
The Texas Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday that its troopers will began conducting random commercial vehicle safety inspections as they cross international ports of entry (POEs) into Texas, according to a release.
2 dead in 11-vehicle crash involving motorcyclist on I-45 North Freeway and SH-242 southbound in Montgomery County: DPS
An investigation is underway after a multi-vehicle crash where two people died on IH-45 and SH-242 southbound in Montgomery County Tuesday, officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
Most wanted fugitive: Reward increased to $6K for information leading to arrest of escaped inmate from Coryell County, DPS says
The reward for information leading to the arrest of an inmate accused of escaping from Coryell County has increased to $6,000, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced.
Texas DPS chief Steve McCraw says his agency โdid not failโ at Uvalde school shooting
At a public meeting where families that lost children in the school shooting said he should resign, McCraw said members of the Department of Public Safety made mistakes. But he said heโll step down only โif DPS as an institution failed the families.โ
Uvalde schools get $442,000 from John Cornynโs federal gun safety law
The gun safety law allocates $100 million for a Department of Justice grant program for school districts to invest in safety programs and technology. Twenty-eight Texas school districts were awarded grants through the program, totaling almost $8 million.
Now being operated by the โgood guysโ: Street racerโs seized Dodge โHellcat Redeyeโ turned into DPS patrol vehicle
This vehicle was awarded to the department following a felony investigation that was initiated after the driver of the Dodge engaged in dangerous street racing and fled from law enforcement at approximately 160 mph, Texas Department of Public Safety officials said.
Governor Abbott, DPS launch iWatchTexas PSA to promote crime reporting system ahead of school year
The Department of Public Safety and Texas Governor Greg Abbott have partnered together to launch a public service announcement intended to promote a community reporting system as this school year begins.
Man accused of sexually assaulting multiple women near infamous Bissonnet Track in SW Houston, DPS searching for more victims
A man accused of sexually assaulting multiple women in the area of southwest Houstonโs infamous Bissonnet Track has been arrested, but investigators feel there could be more victims out there.
Woman visiting parole office arrested, charged in cold case murder of Liberty County couple; $1M bond set
DNA has connected a Freeport woman to the 2005 double homicide of a couple who was found dead by their daughter inside the familyโs Liberty County home, Texas Department of Public Safety officials said.
[WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT]: Bodycam footage released, acting police chief from day of shooting placed on leave, Uvalde mayor says
The mayor of Uvalde announced Sunday that the city has released bodycam videos worn by officers who responded to the fatal mass shooting that took the lives of 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School.
Driver faces federal charges after dozens of immigrants found in 18-wheeler
Federal charges have been filed against the driver of an 18-wheeler that is at the center of an immigrant smuggling investigation. Codi Denise Hartman is accused of transporting the immigrants from Donna to Jackson County, where the rig ran out of gas.
Aryan Brotherhood gang member from Magnolia added to Texas Most Wanted list, DPS says
The Texas Department of Public Safety on Wednesday added two new fugitives to its Texas 10 Most Wanted lists. Gang member Joshua David Whitworth, of Magnolia, was added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List and sex offender John Oliver Talmadge McMickings, of El Paso, was added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders List.
Texas trooper Chad Walker dies days after he was shot multiple times while on duty
MEXIA, Texas โ The Texas state trooper who was shot during a traffic stop last week died on Wednesday, the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed. Trooper Chad Walker, 38, was stopping to assist a driver near Mexia, Texas, around 7:45 p.m. Friday, March 26, when he was shot multiple times. Trooper Walker was transported to Baylor Scott & White โ Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, where he later died from his injuries. โTexas Highway Patrol Trooper Chad Walker was committed to protecting the people of Texas. His career in law enforcement began in 2003 with the Groesbeck Police Department and continued as a member of the Athens Police Department, Henderson Co. Sheriffโs Office and Limestone Co. Sheriffโs Office.
Texas Capitol being closed through Bidenโs inauguration โout of an abundance of caution,โ officials say
The Texas Capitol is seen in Austin, Texas, in this undated file image. AUSTIN, Texas โ The Texas Capitol is being closed through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden โout of an abundance of caution,โ officials at the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Friday. In a written statement, DPS Director Steven McCraw said they are aware of armed protests that have been planned at the state Capitol this week and โviolent extremists may seek to exploitโ the events. โAs a result, DPS has deployed additional personnel and resources to the Capitol and are working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Austin Police Department to monitor events and enforce the rule of law,โ McCraw said in the statement. McCraw asked people to report any suspicious activity they see on the internet or in public to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Austin Police Department or DPS at iWatchtx.org.
DPS announces temporary waiver for driver licenses, ID expirations ends in April
HOUSTON โ The Texas Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday that the temporary waiver for driver licenses and identification cards will end in April. DPS is urging customers to renew by appointment. The waiver applies to driver licenses, commercial learner permits, ID cards and election identification certificates that expired on or after March 13, 2020. Scheduling an appointmentTo schedule an appointment or check availability, visit the online appointment scheduler. Because of the no-shows, many offices offer customers without appointments to be placed on a โstandbyโ list.
DPS officer fatally shoots armed robbery suspect, HPD says
HOUSTON โ A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper fatally shot an armed robbery suspect Friday night in northwest Houston, according to Houston Police Department. The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m.DPS Special Agents were involved in a shooting with an armed robbery suspect near Antoine and Victory in Houston. Thatโs when the DPS special agent opened fire, killing the man. Thereโs no ID on the suspect, but HCSO and DPS say he was part of an investigation into several armed robberies in Harris County. The DPS special agent was placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.
Ask 2: Can you tell me if car inspections are still waived due to COVID? What about registrations?
Question: Connie H Schiller asks, โCan you tell me if car inspections are still waived due to COVID? Since weโre still battling this pandemic, the waiver for vehicle registration, which first went into effect on March 16, is still active. Though, this buys drivers time to take care of their vehicle registration, if you want to go ahead and get it done now you can. Taking the bottom portion of your registration renewal letter, accompanied by your payment and mailing it to your county tax office is another option. Remember, when DPS announces their new timeline for vehicle registrations, youโll still have a 60-day period before you must renew.
Texas driverโs license information possibly exposed during data breach, company says
HOUSTON โ The information of Texas drivers may have been exposed during a breach, according to database company Vertafore. The files included driver information for licenses issued before February 2019. That information contained Texas driver license numbers, names, dates of birth, addresses and vehicle registration histories, the company said. The breach was also reported to the Texas Attorney General, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and U.S. federal law enforcement. The Texas Department of Public Safety released the following statement regarding the incident:"There has been no breach of the Texas Driver License System or any other DPS database.
DPS to increase law enforcement during Labor Day weekend
AUSTIN, Texas Whether youre just driving around town or traveling this Labor Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety encourages all drivers to practice safe driving habits and exercise caution throughout the holiday weekend. Beginning Friday through Monday, the Texas Highway Patrol will increase its enforcement on Texas roads. DPS reminds all travelers to be responsible and practice safe driving habits this Labor Day, said DPS Director Steven McCraw. DPS enforcement efforts also resulted in 489 DWI arrests, 358 fugitive arrests and 354 felony arrests. Drivers are encouraged to follow these safety tips during the Labor Day weekend:
How to get a same-day appointment at a DPS office
HOUSTON โ If you have tried to book an appointment to renew your drivers license or do anything at a Texas DPS office lately, you know you could be waiting months. When you go to the DPS appointment website and enter your information, skip or change a letter in your name. Instead of typing in your zip code to find an office close to you, choose the name of a smaller city with a DPS office near Houston. No-shows making wait times longerWhen you secure a new appointment, make sure you cancel your first one. Same-day appointmentsTwo other things that DPS told us that it doesnโt advertise.
Texans face delays of weeks, months to renew drivers licenses
HOUSTON โ Driver license offices in Texas are back open for business. However, if you are trying to book an appointment, the earliest available may be weeks or even months away. Margo Sheaโs Wednesday afternoon appointment at the South Gessner Road office in Houston was booked about two months ago. When we checked for appointments for a new driverโs license, the earliest we found in the Houston area was Sept. 8 at the southeast office on Galveston Road. Madeleine Gibson, 17, said she made an appointment for a state ID about two months ago.
DPS trooper charged with sexually assaulting woman while on duty appears in court
HOUSTON โ Lee Boykin, 31, took an oath to serve and protect as a DPS trooper, but he found himself on the wrong side of the law after being charged with aggravated sexual assault. Authorities accuse him of pulling over a woman, driving her to a parking lot and forcing her to perform sex acts. Investigators say he claims the sex act was consensual. He was arrested Saturday and posted a $100,000 bond on Sunday. If convicted of aggravated sexual assault, Boykin could spend 5 to 99 years or life behind bars.
100 deadliest days for teen drivers
HOUSTON Shocking statistics show for every mile driven, new teen drivers are three times more likely to be in a deadly crash compared to adults, according to AAA. What can be even more shocking, is that right now we are under the 100 deadliest days on the road for teen drivers. Traffic Expert Anavid Reyes took a look at what this means for these young Texas drivers. AAA says about 68 teens in Texas are killed in a car crash every summer and in the past month, 72% of teen drivers nationwide admitted to risky behavior behind the wheel. According to Henk, the five leading risks for teen crashes are:
Inside Texas cold cases: Her nude body was found outside a Texas church. 10 years later, DNA named her killer
Published: May 22, 2020, 8:17 am Updated: May 22, 2020, 8:24 amHOUSTON โ Texas has its share of homicide cases that have gone cold. KPRC 2 is taking a look back at both the solved and unsolved cases featured by the Texas Department of Public Safety to acknowledge the ability to solve cold cases and perhaps seek justice in cases that remain cold. Reopening the caseNine years later, the Texas Department of Public Safetyโs Cold Case Unit reopened the case. Naming him a killerThe original suspect, Sandoval, was arrested. It was always in the back of peopleโs minds.โDo you remember a murder case that youโd like us to investigate?
DPS now offering limited reopening of driver license offices. Hereโs what you should know
Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety announced the limited reopening of driver license offices on May 26. DPS will launch a statewide driver license (DL) appointment system that allows customers to book appointments up to six months in advance. โThis phased opening of our driver license offices and the launch of DPSโ online appointment system prioritizes the health and safety of our communities and ensures Texans have access to the services they need at their local driver license offices,โ Abbott said. Phase 2: Offices in DPSโ South and Central Texas regions will reopen with limited services beginning May 29, 2020. Phase 3: Offices in DPSโ North and Southeast Texas regions will reopen with limited services beginning June 3, 2020.
Gator with its tail run over spotted on road in Conroe
Published: May 14, 2020, 7:22 am Updated: May 14, 2020, 8:16 amCONROE, Texas โ A driver had a run-in with a feisty alligator overnight in Conroe. KPRC 2 was told the reptileโs tail had been run over on Sergeant Ed Holcomb and South Loop 336. Officers and DPS troopers were able to get the alligator off the road, but it put up quite the fight as they tried to relocate it. Using ropes and a dog catcher, the reptile was finally caught and loaded onto a wrecker. It was then released in a swamp several miles away.
Texas rolls out new driverโs license, ID card design
TEXAS โ If you get a new driverโs license, identification card or license to carry card this week in the state of Texas, you may notice a new design. The Texas Department of Public Safety says the new cards have added security features and better protects against forgeries. The new driverโs licenses and identification cards have visible identifiers on the front, which include identifying those who have a health condition that could hamper their ability to communicate with others, per DPS. The new cards also identify veterans and disabled veterans as well as their branch of service, on the front of the cards. Officials say the cards are Real ID compliant and have a gold star in the upper right corner.
DPS Trooper fires gun at armed robbers in northwest Houston; search underway after suspects flee
HOUSTON โ A Department of Public Safety trooper fired his gun at three men who officials say were trying to rob an AT&T store in northwest Houston Wednesday afternoon. The gunshot did not strike any of the suspects and they fled the scene on foot, officials say. At about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the trooper was working security at the store located at the 10650 Northwest Freeway, DPS officials said in a press conference. The trooper was in uniform when the accused approached the store and he โmade his presence knownโ and then โopened fireโ on the suspects, officials said. At least one of them was wearing a mask, officials say.
Parking woes at Gessner DPS Mega Office to soon lessen as renovations begin
HOUSTON โ Parking issues at the Department of Public Safety office on Gessner Road will soon come to an end, as officials announced that the parking lot will soon be renovated. Starting Friday, DPS will begin upgrading the parking lot of the Houston Gessner DPS Mega Center on Gessner Road, officials announced in a news release. โThe goal of this upgrade is to better serve our customers by expanding the total number of parking spaces while improving vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow,โ Texas DPS said in a statement. Customers are advised to visit alternate driverโs license offices as the number of parking spaces at the Gessner location will be significantly reduced during the renovation. For more information and to find an alternate office near you, visit dps.texas.gov.
Sandra Bland supporters demand investigation into Waller County
HOUSTON โ 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.
DPS: Two teens dead in crash in Fort Bend County
FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas โ Two teenagers are dead and another injured after a crash on FM 762 in Fort Bend County, officials say. The accident happened late Friday afternoon on FM 762 and Cummings, just north of Brazos Bend State Park. DPS troopers say the car was traveling around a curve when a dump truck pulled out. The vehicle crossed the center lane and hit the dump truck. We're told the driver of the truck was not seriously injured.