INSIDER
Son charged with murder days after his father was found dead in Waller
Read full article: Son charged with murder days after his father was found dead in WallerMurder charges were filed against Joshua Land days after investigators were told to do a welfare check on his father and found he'd been killed.
Waller County primary runoff election results for May 28
Read full article: Waller County primary runoff election results for May 28Voters cast their ballot for the 2024 primary runoff election on May 28 to select candidates for a range of significant offices including the U.S. Senate, congressional and legislative positions, and various judicial seats.
Who will be in charge of the new water bill relief plan? Here’s what we know
Read full article: Who will be in charge of the new water bill relief plan? Here’s what we knowHouston Mayor John Whitmire is sharing new details about a plan to help frustrated water customers. He gave an exclusive interview to Investigative reporter Amy Davis. ‘DRAINED’ has been investigating the water department for nearly two years trying to help many of you deal with excessive and confusing water bills. But we wanted to know, who will be in charge?
Hempstead contractor tied to ex-mayor facing felony charges
Read full article: Hempstead contractor tied to ex-mayor facing felony chargesA Hempstead area contractor is now facing first-degree felony theft charges that stems from a lengthy investigation into the town’s former mayor. Robert Glover was booked into the Waller County jail on a charge of theft by a government contractor.
Former Hempstead mayor headed to prison
Read full article: Former Hempstead mayor headed to prisonThe former Mayor of Hempstead is headed to prison after pleading guilty to a first degree felony of misapplication of fiduciary property. Michael Wolfe pleaded guilty in the middle of trial and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Houston road conditions: Icy roadways drivers should look out for amid freezing temperatures
Read full article: Houston road conditions: Icy roadways drivers should look out for amid freezing temperaturesAs temperatures continue to drop in the Houston area Monday, drivers are urged to use caution as officials are now reporting ice on several roadways in the area.
‘Given me purpose’: Woman creates ‘Trees of Angels’ to honor drunk driving victims
Read full article: ‘Given me purpose’: Woman creates ‘Trees of Angels’ to honor drunk driving victimsMindy Red adorns 10 Christmas trees on her front lawn. She isn’t messing with decorations but instead fixing pictures of drunk driving victims.
Hazmat team responds to diesel fuel leak after concrete truck hits bridge during crash in Waller County
Read full article: Hazmat team responds to diesel fuel leak after concrete truck hits bridge during crash in Waller CountyA hazmat team responded to a diesel fuel leak after a concrete truck struck a bridge during a crash Tuesday morning, according to Waller County Sheriff’s Office.
Organizers of trail ride where 7 were shot near Prairie View say they were in compliance, despite judge’s claims
Read full article: Organizers of trail ride where 7 were shot near Prairie View say they were in compliance, despite judge’s claimsThe organizers for a trail ride in Hempstead, Texas, where seven bystanders were injured in a shooting spoke out Tuesday.
Organizers of event near PVAMU where 7 people were shot ‘failed to meet permit conditions’
Read full article: Organizers of event near PVAMU where 7 people were shot ‘failed to meet permit conditions’Waller County Judge Trey Duhon said organizers for a trail ride in Hempstead, Texas, where seven bystanders were injured in a shooting near Prairie View A&M University Sunday didn’t meet permit conditions for the event.
Firefighter suffers from burns while battling large grass fire in Waller County, officials say
Read full article: Firefighter suffers from burns while battling large grass fire in Waller County, officials sayA fire fighter was injured during a large grass fire Tuesday in Waller County, according to the Waller County Fire Marshal’s Office.
TRAFFIC ALERT: All eastbound mainlanes on I-10 at Brazos River shut down due to 3-vehicle crash
Read full article: TRAFFIC ALERT: All eastbound mainlanes on I-10 at Brazos River shut down due to 3-vehicle crashMultiple lanes on U.S. 290 are shut down after a major crash involving three vehicles left one person dead Thursday morning.
38 transported to hospitals after heat-related illnesses at Prairie View A&M activity
Read full article: 38 transported to hospitals after heat-related illnesses at Prairie View A&M activityAccording to Candace Johnson, Executive Director of Marketing Communications at Prairie View A&M, the illnesses came at the end of Panther Camp activities.
Man working on clearing debris from Waller County bridge drowns in Brazos River
Read full article: Man working on clearing debris from Waller County bridge drowns in Brazos RiverThe Waller County Sheriff’s Office said a man working to clear debris and logs from around the supports of a bridge over the Brazos River drowned Wednesday.
Former deputy fire marshal gets 20 years for accidentally shooting, killing Waller County volunteer firefighter
Read full article: Former deputy fire marshal gets 20 years for accidentally shooting, killing Waller County volunteer firefighterA former deputy fire marshal with the University of Houston has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the death of a volunteer firefighter in Waller County.
2 woman charged in theft of miniature Hereford ‘Sir Loin’, baby goat from Waller County’s Dewberry Farm
Read full article: 2 woman charged in theft of miniature Hereford ‘Sir Loin’, baby goat from Waller County’s Dewberry FarmAccording to the Waller County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday, June 1, at approximately 6 a.m., deputies responded to the Buccees located off the Katy Freeway. The Katy Police Department had two possible suspects from the theft at Dewberry Farm.
Thieves steal, dump calf ‘Sir Loin’ from Brookshire’s Dewberry Farm
Read full article: Thieves steal, dump calf ‘Sir Loin’ from Brookshire’s Dewberry FarmDewberry 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.
Overturned heavy truck snarls traffic on Katy Freeway at Wood Road in Waller County
Read full article: Overturned heavy truck snarls traffic on Katy Freeway at Wood Road in Waller CountyAn overturned 18-wheeler has closed several eastbound lanes of the Katy Freeway at Wood Road in Waller County Friday afternoon, according to Houston TranStar.
Waller County deputy found dead identified as former police officer at Houston Community College
Read full article: Waller County deputy found dead identified as former police officer at Houston Community CollegeA Waller County deputy constable found dead inside his police vehicle in northwest Harris County has been identified.
Waller County Pct. 3 Constable deputy found dead inside unmarked vehicle with sirens on in NW Harris County
Read full article: Waller County Pct. 3 Constable deputy found dead inside unmarked vehicle with sirens on in NW Harris CountyA Waller County deputy constable was found dead inside his police vehicle in northwest Harris County Thursday evening, Harris County Sheriff’s deputies said.
Porch perfection😍: Charming farmhouse on sprawling estate a delightful Waller County oasis
Read full article: Porch perfection😍: Charming farmhouse on sprawling estate a delightful Waller County oasisA renovated 20th-century farmhouse with three bedrooms and four bathrooms, on 221 acres in Waller County
Charges filed against 17-year-old suspect accused of holding 2 hostages in Greenspoint area
Read full article: Charges filed against 17-year-old suspect accused of holding 2 hostages in Greenspoint areaOne 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.
At least 2 deputies exposed to fentanyl at Waller County Jail, sheriff says; 1 deputy hospitalized
Read full article: At least 2 deputies exposed to fentanyl at Waller County Jail, sheriff says; 1 deputy hospitalizedAn 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.
Waller ISD staff member terminated after allegations of inappropriate relationship with student, district says
Read full article: Waller ISD staff member terminated after allegations of inappropriate relationship with student, district saysA 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.
‘Gruesome scene’: Husband charged after confessing to killing 21-year-old wife who was found decapitated inside home, sheriff says
Read full article: ‘Gruesome scene’: Husband charged after confessing to killing 21-year-old wife who was found decapitated inside home, sheriff saysA 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.
Waller County EMS ambulances found with emissions defeat devices
Read full article: Waller County EMS ambulances found with emissions defeat devicesKPRC2 Investigates has learned the Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing a whistleblower complaint about emissions defeat devices on at least four Waller County EMS ambulances.
2 umpires, 2 juveniles found doing drug deal at baseball game in Waller Co.; Methamphetamine later discovered in ump’s car, deputies say
Read full article: 2 umpires, 2 juveniles found doing drug deal at baseball game in Waller Co.; Methamphetamine later discovered in ump’s car, deputies sayDeputies 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.
VIDEO: Possible gas station fire thwarted after Waller Co. deputy rams flaming vehicle away from pump
Read full article: VIDEO: Possible gas station fire thwarted after Waller Co. deputy rams flaming vehicle away from pumpThere’s almost nothing scarier than having an open flame next to any form of gasoline.
Bellaire HS student among 3 family members killed in crash on FM 2920 near Waller County, officials say
Read full article: Bellaire HS student among 3 family members killed in crash on FM 2920 near Waller County, officials sayA 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.
KPRC 2 Investigates: Harris, Waller County fire departments understaffed
Read full article: KPRC 2 Investigates: Harris, Waller County fire departments understaffedAn 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.
74-year-old pilot dies after plane crashes in Waller County; another man critically injured: DPS
Read full article: 74-year-old pilot dies after plane crashes in Waller County; another man critically injured: DPSTwo men were critically injured Monday when a small plane crashed in Waller, according to officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Former mayor of Hempstead faces new charges relating to time in office
Read full article: Former mayor of Hempstead faces new charges relating to time in officeThe 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.
Waller County Sheriff’s Office K9 back on duty after overheating and collapsing while responding to scene
Read full article: Waller County Sheriff’s Office K9 back on duty after overheating and collapsing while responding to sceneChoas 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.
12 injured in charter bus crash involving Tomball baseball team in Waller County, authorities say
Read full article: 12 injured in charter bus crash involving Tomball baseball team in Waller County, authorities sayA charter bus carrying a baseball team from Tomball was involved in a rollover crash in Waller County Wednesday night, according to authorities in Waller County.
Robbery suspect accused of leading law enforcement on a chase through four counties, multiple officer vehicles damaged
Read full article: Robbery suspect accused of leading law enforcement on a chase through four counties, multiple officer vehicles damagedA 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.
Federal judge says Waller County voting process did not discriminate against Black college students
Read full article: Federal judge says Waller County voting process did not discriminate against Black college studentsA 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.
Skydiving instructor dies from injuries after parachute malfunctions during tandem jump in Waller County
Read full article: Skydiving instructor dies from injuries after parachute malfunctions during tandem jump in Waller CountyA 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
2 skydivers in critical condition after parachute did not open during tandem jump in Waller County, sheriff says
Read full article: 2 skydivers in critical condition after parachute did not open during tandem jump in Waller County, sheriff saysA 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.
Disturbing details of K-9 stabbing suspect’s alleged confession of delivering dad’s fatal blow; lawyer withdraws from case
Read full article: Disturbing details of K-9 stabbing suspect’s alleged confession of delivering dad’s fatal blow; lawyer withdraws from caseRyan 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.
Suspect accused of stabbing police dog wanted for questioning regarding dad’s death, HPD says
Read full article: Suspect accused of stabbing police dog wanted for questioning regarding dad’s death, HPD saysAuthorities 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.
53 gallons of liquid meth, valued at $600K, seized from Waller County home, deputies say
Read full article: 53 gallons of liquid meth, valued at $600K, seized from Waller County home, deputies sayApproximately 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.
27-year-old La Marque mother shot to death inside her car while 3-year-old was in the backseat, authorities say
Read full article: 27-year-old La Marque mother shot to death inside her car while 3-year-old was in the backseat, authorities sayA 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.
Bus aide killed, 4 students injured in Hempstead ISD school bus crash in Waller County, DPS says
Read full article: Bus aide killed, 4 students injured in Hempstead ISD school bus crash in Waller County, DPS saysA 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.
NTSB issues update on investigation into fiery Waller County plane crash
Read full article: NTSB issues update on investigation into fiery Waller County plane crashThe 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.
Teen driver accused of hitting 6 cyclists in Waller County charged, DA’s Office confirms
Read full article: Teen driver accused of hitting 6 cyclists in Waller County charged, DA’s Office confirmsThe 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 says engines from plane crash in ‘great condition,’ providing information
Read full article: NTSB says engines from plane crash in ‘great condition,’ providing informationNTSB investigators on Thursday afternoon did not speculate on what may have caused Tuesday’s crash on an MD-87 in Waller County.
What we know about the passengers aboard the fiery plane crash in Brookshire
Read full article: What we know about the passengers aboard the fiery plane crash in BrookshireWe 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.
Waller police mishandled case of teen driver who struck cyclists, Waller County DA says
Read full article: Waller police mishandled case of teen driver who struck cyclists, Waller County DA saysThe 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.
Attorney’s representing 6 cyclists hit in Waller County conducting their own civil investigation
Read full article: Attorney’s representing 6 cyclists hit in Waller County conducting their own civil investigationOn 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.
Special prosecutor assigned to case of teen driver accused of hitting 6 cyclists in Waller County
Read full article: Special prosecutor assigned to case of teen driver accused of hitting 6 cyclists in Waller CountyKPRC 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.
Fundraiser parade held for HFD firefighter who’s battling cancer. Here’s how you can help
Read full article: Fundraiser parade held for HFD firefighter who’s battling cancer. Here’s how you can helpA man who has dedicated his life to helping his community is receiving some help of his own as he fights for his life.
Man impersonating police officer attempted to pull 2 drivers over in Waller County, deputies say
Read full article: Man impersonating police officer attempted to pull 2 drivers over in Waller County, deputies sayWaller County sheriff’s deputies are searching for a man possibly responsible for two incidents of police impersonation.
Waller Co. DA investigator indicted on drug, money laundering charges
Read full article: Waller Co. DA investigator indicted on drug, money laundering chargesAn 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 dies in single-vehicle crash in Waller County
Read full article: 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. 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.
Prairie View A&M University golf program receives $40,000 boost from PGA Tour star
Read full article: Prairie View A&M University golf program receives $40,000 boost from PGA Tour starTo 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.
Texas’ oldest Black university was built on a former plantation. Its students still fight a legacy of voter suppression.
Read full article: Texas’ oldest Black university was built on a former plantation. Its students still fight a legacy of voter suppression.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.
HISD cancels school through Tuesday due to winter storm impacts
Read full article: HISD cancels school through Tuesday due to winter storm impactsHOUSTON – 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.
LIVE BLOG: Houston-area restaurants answer the call for help amid power and water outage
Read full article: LIVE BLOG: Houston-area restaurants answer the call for help amid power and water outageWe 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.
PVAMU welcomes first COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Waller County
Read full article: PVAMU welcomes first COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Waller CountyHOUSTON – 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.
1 injured in Hempstead home explosion on Christmas Eve
Read full article: 1 injured in Hempstead home explosion on Christmas EveHEMPSTEAD, 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.
Christian nonprofit filling the void of missing fathers in small town of Brookshire
Read full article: Christian nonprofit filling the void of missing fathers in small town of BrookshireBROOKSHIRE, 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.
Memorial Hermann is seeing a spike in trauma injuries during pandemic. Heres why
Read full article: Memorial Hermann is seeing a spike in trauma injuries during pandemic. Heres whyHOUSTON 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.
Houston area constable says he was racially profiled while in uniform by another constable during a traffic stop
Read full article: Houston area constable says he was racially profiled while in uniform by another constable during a traffic stopA 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.
Funeral details released for Waller County Sheriff Glenn Smith
Read full article: Funeral details released for Waller County Sheriff Glenn SmithWALLER, 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.
Waller County sheriff dies after apparent heart attack
Read full article: Waller County sheriff dies after apparent heart attackHOUSTON 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.
Five years later: The death of Sandra Bland continues to demand police reform from local and state officials across Texas
Read full article: Five years later: The death of Sandra Bland continues to demand police reform from local and state officials across TexasDespite 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 Independent School District: What you need to know about the district’s 2020-2021 school year
Read full article: Waller Independent School District: What you need to know about the district’s 2020-2021 school yearWaller 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?
More summertime sizzle for the rest of the week!
Read full article: More summertime sizzle for the rest of the week!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.
Man killed in massive house fire in Waller County
Read full article: Man killed in massive house fire in Waller CountyBROOKSHIRE, 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.
18-wheeler driver ejected, killed after crash near Brookshire, officials say
Read full article: 18-wheeler driver ejected, killed after crash near Brookshire, officials sayBROOKSHIRE, 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.
1 in custody after body of missing Prairie View A&M University student found
Read full article: 1 in custody after body of missing Prairie View A&M University student foundWALLER 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.
Sex assault allegation at Waller County Jail being investigated
Read full article: Sex assault allegation at Waller County Jail being investigatedWALLER 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.
Waller County Jail recommended practices released
Read full article: Waller County Jail recommended practices releasedHOUSTON – 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.
Grand jury indicts Prairie View officer involved in tasing, arrest of city councilman
Read full article: Grand jury indicts Prairie View officer involved in tasing, arrest of city councilmanPRAIRIE 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.