INSIDER
Manhunt underway for suspect who shot at DPS troopers in northeast Houston
Read full article: Manhunt underway for suspect who shot at DPS troopers in northeast HoustonAuthorities in Houston are searching for a suspect who fled a traffic stop and fired at officers during a foot chase on Tuesday night.
Columbia-Brazoria ISD bus driver charged after crash with dump truck
Read full article: Columbia-Brazoria ISD bus driver charged after crash with dump truckA Columbia-Brazoria ISD school bus driver has been charged after disregarding a construction flagger’s stop sign, leading to a collision with a dump truck.
DPS offers Saturday hours at select Houston-area locations this October
Read full article: DPS offers Saturday hours at select Houston-area locations this OctoberThe Texas Department of Public Safety is extending its service hours by offering Saturday appointments at select driver’s license offices in the Houston area throughout October.
Former Uvalde school police chief says he’s been the scapegoat since the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School
Read full article: Former Uvalde school police chief says he’s been the scapegoat since the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary SchoolAfter refusing to talk to the media for two years, Pete Arredondo finally spoke to CNN but didn't answer key questions.
Families of Uvalde shooting victims sue Texas DPS officers for waiting to confront gunman
Read full article: Families of Uvalde shooting victims sue Texas DPS officers for waiting to confront gunmanIn a separate settlement, the city of Uvalde will pay $2 million to the families, create a permanent memorial to the victims and provide enhanced training for police officers.
Misdemeanor charges filed against photojournalist arrested at UT-Austin protest
Read full article: Misdemeanor charges filed against photojournalist arrested at UT-Austin protestThe FOX 7 employee is accused of hitting a trooper with his camera, but the arrested man told reporters he was pushed and didn’t hit any officer.
Nearly two years after the Uvalde massacre, here’s who has been reprimanded and where investigations stand
Read full article: Nearly two years after the Uvalde massacre, here’s who has been reprimanded and where investigations standAs 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 they’ve been let down and betrayed by elected officials.
Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw testifies before grand jury investigating Uvalde school shooting
Read full article: Texas DPS Director Steve McCraw testifies before grand jury investigating Uvalde school shootingMcCraw, the state police chief, traveled to Uvalde to appear before a grand jury considering criminal charges against officers for their botched response to the 2022 school shooting.
Person of interest was last person to see 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham morning of her disappearance
Read full article: Person of interest was last person to see 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham morning of her disappearanceIt is now day four of the search for missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham from Livingston.
Investigators search for vehicle in connection to missing Livingston 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham
Read full article: Investigators search for vehicle in connection to missing Livingston 11-year-old Audrii CunninghamOfficials with Livingston Police are actively searching for an 11-year-old girl last seen at her home Thursday morning.
DPS trooper shoots man during narcotics investigation at Conroe gas station
Read full article: DPS trooper shoots man during narcotics investigation at Conroe gas stationAn officer has reportedly been A DPS trooper reportedly shot a man during a narcotics investigation at a gas station in Conroe Thursday.shot multiple times in Conroe.
Ask 2: Is passing cars by driving on the shoulder to make a right turn at a traffic light illegal?
Read full article: Ask 2: Is passing cars by driving on the shoulder to make a right turn at a traffic light illegal?Isn’t it illegal to pass cars by driving on the shoulder to make a right turn at a traffic light?
Twenty months after deadly Uvalde school shooting, multiple investigations have yet to be released
Read full article: Twenty months after deadly Uvalde school shooting, multiple investigations have yet to be releasedThe U.S. Department of Justice just released its investigation into law enforcement’s response to the shooting at Robb Elementary School. But at least three other investigations have not yet been released to the public.
Justice Department report on police response to deadly Uvalde school shooting shows failures in leadership
Read full article: Justice Department report on police response to deadly Uvalde school shooting shows failures in leadershipThe May 2022 mass shooting led to the murders of 19 students and two educators in the town of Uvalde.
Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter crashes near Mexican border with minor injury reported
Read full article: Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter crashes near Mexican border with minor injury reportedA Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter patrolling the state’s border with Mexico has crashed, injuring at least one person.
2 DPS troopers injured while responding to pursuit in west Harris County
Read full article: 2 DPS troopers injured while responding to pursuit in west Harris CountyTwo troopers from the Texas Department of Safety were reportedly injured while responding to a pursuit of a suspect in West Harris County.
Family concerned, hoping for compensation after home riddled with bullets during officer-involved shooting
Read full article: Family concerned, hoping for compensation after home riddled with bullets during officer-involved shootingA family in Third Ward said their home was caught in a crossfire as law enforcement tried to apprehend a murder suspect who ended up shot and killed last week.
Off-duty DPS trooper shoots neighbor he believed was trying to break into his downtown Houston apartment
Read full article: Off-duty DPS trooper shoots neighbor he believed was trying to break into his downtown Houston apartmentA suspect was reportedly shot overnight by a law enforcement official in downtown Houston.
‘Unbelievable honor’: DPS selects first woman to serve as Texas Ranger Major
Read full article: ‘Unbelievable honor’: DPS selects first woman to serve as Texas Ranger MajorThe Texas Department of Public Safety shared on Tuesday, they have promoted the first woman to serve as a Texas Ranger Major since the organization was started 200 years ago.
Texas DPS driver’s license offices to reopen Monday after system outage
Read full article: Texas DPS driver’s license offices to reopen Monday after system outageDPS announced on Tuesday that appointments scheduled for Thursday morning are canceled due to an ongoing outage impacting the driver’s license system.
Texas DPS driver’s license offices closed statewide Thursday morning due to ongoing outage
Read full article: Texas DPS driver’s license offices closed statewide Thursday morning due to ongoing outageDPS announced on Tuesday that appointments scheduled for Thursday morning are canceled due to an ongoing outage impacting the driver’s license system.
Mexico officials say National Guard member who shot at migrant “separated from his position”
Read full article: Mexico officials say National Guard member who shot at migrant “separated from his position”The Texas Military Department confirmed Friday the National Guard member who is accused of shooting across the Rio Grande and wounding a man was placed on paid leave.
Multiple people, including 2 DPS employees, arrested for providing fake vehicle inspections
Read full article: Multiple people, including 2 DPS employees, arrested for providing fake vehicle inspectionsMultiple people, including two DPS employees, have been arrested for providing fake vehicle inspections, which is known as “clean scanning,” in Texas.
Man jailed in 2022 on sexual assault, family violence charges now facing 6 counts of aggravated sexual assault
Read full article: Man jailed in 2022 on sexual assault, family violence charges now facing 6 counts of aggravated sexual assaultThe 40-year-old man is now facing six counts of aggravated sexual assault stemming from an investigation into attacks on three women.
Call for federal probe issued following ‘inhumane’ Texas-Mexico border allegations
Read full article: Call for federal probe issued following ‘inhumane’ Texas-Mexico border allegationsThe 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
Read full article: State investigating claim that DPS troopers were told to push migrants back into the Rio Grande and deny them waterThe 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
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sends more state police to patrol Austin after city leaders call for end to partnershipAustin 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.
Judge says DPS must release documents related to Uvalde shooting response
Read full article: Judge says DPS must release documents related to Uvalde shooting responseThe state police agency had been withholding nearly all of its records on law enforcement’s botched response to Texas’ deadliest school shooting. DPS will have an opportunity to redact the files before they are released.
State troopers will resume patrolling Austin streets in July, with some changes in response to criticism
Read full article: State troopers will resume patrolling Austin streets in July, with some changes in response to criticismTexas 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.
‘It’s a miracle’: Texas DPS trooper survives horrific, fatal crash involving speeding van on I-10 East
Read full article: ‘It’s a miracle’: Texas DPS trooper survives horrific, fatal crash involving speeding van on I-10 EastA Chambers County Sheriff’s deputy was airlifted to a hospital after he was involved in a major crash on I-10 East near Highway 61, officials said.
Texas troopers renew inspections of commercial vehicles at Brownsville border bridge, triggering long delays
Read full article: Texas troopers renew inspections of commercial vehicles at Brownsville border bridge, triggering long delaysTruckers 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
Read full article: Once again, tension builds after state police are deployed to a major Texas cityA 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 operation’s 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
Read full article: More than 500K doses of fentanyl, other drugs, guns and stolen vehicles seized in AustinDPS SWAT officers executed a search warrant and was able to seize 507,000 lethal doses of fentanyl—enough to kill more than half of Austin’s current population—along with methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin.
42-year-old cold case killing of ‘Jane Doe’ solved; family waits 26 years before officially reporting Texas teen missing
Read full article: 42-year-old cold case killing of ‘Jane Doe’ solved; family waits 26 years before officially reporting Texas teen missingThe 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.
Fleeing motorcyclist stops to get gas during chase throughout Houston area, still gets away
Read full article: Fleeing motorcyclist stops to get gas during chase throughout Houston area, still gets awayTwo motorcyclists accused of driving recklessly throughout Houston led officers on a high-speed chase Wednesday, the Houston Police Department said.
State troopers will help Austin with police patrols as the city struggles with an officer shortage
Read full article: State troopers will help Austin with police patrols as the city struggles with an officer shortageAustin officials view the partnership as a stopgap measure as they try to fill the city’s more than 200 police vacancies.
16-year-old charged after leading DPS troopers on a chase with 6 illegal immigrants inside vehicle, including infant
Read full article: 16-year-old charged after leading DPS troopers on a chase with 6 illegal immigrants inside vehicle, including infantA 16-year-old has been arrested and charged after Texas DPS troopers say he led them on a chase and smuggled six illegal immigrants into the United States.
DPS urging Texans to avoid traveling to Mexico during spring break after 4 Americans kidnapped
Read full article: DPS urging Texans to avoid traveling to Mexico during spring break after 4 Americans kidnappedThe Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Texans to avoid traveling to Mexico during spring break, and beyond, due to the ongoing violence throughout that country.
Gov. Greg Abbott starts state task force on street takeovers
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott starts state task force on street takeoversDuring 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.
Texas DPS scraps plan for $1.2 billion active-shooter training facility
Read full article: Texas DPS scraps plan for $1.2 billion active-shooter training facilityThe Texas Department of Public Safety is instead asking lawmakers for $381.5 million to upgrade its current facilities with better technology, dormitories and cafeteria for trainees from across the state.
Uvalde DA gets initial state police report on school shooting but doesn’t expect full investigation for months
Read full article: Uvalde DA gets initial state police report on school shooting but doesn’t expect full investigation for monthsThe preliminary report has not been made public by either the district attorney’s office or the state. The Texas Rangers are conducting a criminal investigation into the shooting at Robb Elementary.
State police terminate another officer for response to Uvalde mass shooting
Read full article: State police terminate another officer for response to Uvalde mass shootingTexas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw accused the suspended Texas Ranger of failing to perform his duty during the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School.
DPS to conduct random vehicle safety inspections at ports of entry along Texas border to help stop cartel smuggling
Read full article: DPS to conduct random vehicle safety inspections at ports of entry along Texas border to help stop cartel smugglingThe 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
Read full article: 2 dead in 11-vehicle crash involving motorcyclist on I-45 North Freeway and SH-242 southbound in Montgomery County: DPSAn 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
Read full article: Most wanted fugitive: Reward increased to $6K for information leading to arrest of escaped inmate from Coryell County, DPS saysThe 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.
DPS increasing traffic enforcement during Thanksgiving holiday
Read full article: DPS increasing traffic enforcement during Thanksgiving holidayThe Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcement for the Thanksgiving holiday to help ensure people are able to get to and from their celebrations safely.
Four Uvalde shooting victims left classrooms alive. Investigators are reviewing whether a faster response could have saved them.
Read full article: Four Uvalde shooting victims left classrooms alive. Investigators are reviewing whether a faster response could have saved them.The inquiry will help determine whether criminal charges should be brought against responding officers.
Families of Uvalde school shooting, victims call for DPS director’s resignation
Read full article: Families of Uvalde school shooting, victims call for DPS director’s resignationDuring a meeting of the state’s Public Safety Commission, the head of the Texas Department of Public Safety faced withering criticism from family members of murdered children.
Texas DPS chief Steve McCraw says his agency “did not fail” at Uvalde school shooting
Read full article: Texas DPS chief Steve McCraw says his agency “did not fail” at Uvalde school shootingAt 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 he’ll step down only “if DPS as an institution failed the families.”
Nearly 60 immigrants found inside dump truck during smuggle attempt, DPS officials say
Read full article: Nearly 60 immigrants found inside dump truck during smuggle attempt, DPS officials sayTroopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety captured nearly 60 illegal immigrants during a smuggle attempt Tuesday afternoon.
Uvalde schools get $442,000 from John Cornyn’s federal gun safety law
Read full article: Uvalde schools get $442,000 from John Cornyn’s federal gun safety lawThe 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 ‘good guys’: Street racer’s seized Dodge ‘Hellcat Redeye’ turned into DPS patrol vehicle
Read full article: Now being operated by the ‘good guys’: Street racer’s seized Dodge ‘Hellcat Redeye’ turned into DPS patrol vehicleThis 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
Read full article: Governor Abbott, DPS launch iWatchTexas PSA to promote crime reporting system ahead of school yearThe 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.
Gov. Abbott holds news conference after receiving Broadband Champion Award in Greenville
Read full article: Gov. Abbott holds news conference after receiving Broadband Champion Award in GreenvilleGov. Greg Abbott held a news conference Wednesday afternoon after he received the Broadband Champion Award in Greenville, according to a release.
Man accused of sexually assaulting multiple women near infamous Bissonnet Track in SW Houston, DPS searching for more victims
Read full article: Man accused of sexually assaulting multiple women near infamous Bissonnet Track in SW Houston, DPS searching for more victimsA man accused of sexually assaulting multiple women in the area of southwest Houston’s 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
Read full article: Woman visiting parole office arrested, charged in cold case murder of Liberty County couple; $1M bond setDNA has connected a Freeport woman to the 2005 double homicide of a couple who was found dead by their daughter inside the family’s 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
Read full article: [WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT]: Bodycam footage released, acting police chief from day of shooting placed on leave, Uvalde mayor saysThe 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.
2022 DPS Peace Officers Memorial Service honors officers who’ve lost their lives in the line of duty
Read full article: 2022 DPS Peace Officers Memorial Service honors officers who’ve lost their lives in the line of dutyThe Texas Department of Public Safety is holding its 2022 Peace Officers Memorial Service, paying tribute to the officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Driver faces federal charges after dozens of immigrants found in 18-wheeler
Read full article: Driver faces federal charges after dozens of immigrants found in 18-wheelerFederal 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.
Houston Newsmakers: New FBI Houston Division’s Special Agent in Charge talks priorities such as violent crime
Read full article: Houston Newsmakers: New FBI Houston Division’s Special Agent in Charge talks priorities such as violent crimeHouston Newsmakers: New FBI Houston Division’s Special Agent in Charge talks priorities such as violent crime
Aryan Brotherhood gang member from Magnolia added to Texas Most Wanted list, DPS says
Read full article: Aryan Brotherhood gang member from Magnolia added to Texas Most Wanted list, DPS saysThe 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.
State troopers see ‘increased posture’ among suspected members of smuggling organizations
Read full article: State troopers see ‘increased posture’ among suspected members of smuggling organizationsTexas continues to ramp up manpower and equipment along our border with Mexico as a record number of immigrants have been caught crossing the border illegally.
Texas ending waiver on vehicle title, registration requirements: This is what you need to know now
Read full article: Texas ending waiver on vehicle title, registration requirements: This is what you need to know nowTexas is ending its temporary waiver of certain vehicle title and registration requirements, Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector Ann Harris Bennett announced Thursday.
Texas trooper Chad Walker dies days after he was shot multiple times while on duty
Read full article: Texas trooper Chad Walker dies days after he was shot multiple times while on dutyMEXIA, Texas – 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 – Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, where he later died from his injuries. “Texas 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. Sheriff’s Office and Limestone Co. Sheriff’s Office.
Texas Capitol being closed through Biden’s inauguration ‘out of an abundance of caution,’ officials say
Read full article: Texas Capitol being closed through Biden’s inauguration ‘out of an abundance of caution,’ officials sayThe Texas Capitol is seen in Austin, Texas, in this undated file image. AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Capitol is being closed through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden “out of an abundance of caution,” 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 “violent extremists may seek to exploit” the events. “As 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,” 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
Read full article: DPS announces temporary waiver for driver licenses, ID expirations ends in AprilHOUSTON – 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 “standby” list.
DPS officer fatally shoots armed robbery suspect, HPD says
Read full article: DPS officer fatally shoots armed robbery suspect, HPD saysHOUSTON – 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. That’s when the DPS special agent opened fire, killing the man. There’s 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?
Read full article: Ask 2: Can you tell me if car inspections are still waived due to COVID? What about registrations?Question: Connie H Schiller asks, “Can you tell me if car inspections are still waived due to COVID? Since we’re 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, you’ll still have a 60-day period before you must renew.
Texas driver’s license information possibly exposed during data breach, company says
Read full article: Texas driver’s license information possibly exposed during data breach, company saysHOUSTON – 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
Read full article: DPS to increase law enforcement during Labor Day weekendAUSTIN, 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
Read full article: How to get a same-day appointment at a DPS officeHOUSTON – 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 doesn’t advertise.
Texans face delays of weeks, months to renew drivers licenses
Read full article: Texans face delays of weeks, months to renew drivers licensesHOUSTON – 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 Shea’s 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 driver’s 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
Read full article: DPS trooper charged with sexually assaulting woman while on duty appears in courtHOUSTON – 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
Read full article: 100 deadliest days for teen driversHOUSTON 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
Read full article: Inside Texas cold cases: Her nude body was found outside a Texas church. 10 years later, DNA named her killerPublished: May 22, 2020, 8:17 am Updated: May 22, 2020, 8:24 amHOUSTON – 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 Safety’s Cold Case Unit reopened the case. Naming him a killerThe original suspect, Sandoval, was arrested. It was always in the back of people’s minds.”Do you remember a murder case that you’d like us to investigate?
DPS now offering limited reopening of driver license offices. Here’s what you should know
Read full article: DPS now offering limited reopening of driver license offices. Here’s what you should knowGreg 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. “This phased opening of our driver license offices and the launch of DPS’ 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,” Abbott said. Phase 2: Offices in DPS’ South and Central Texas regions will reopen with limited services beginning May 29, 2020. Phase 3: Offices in DPS’ 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
Read full article: Gator with its tail run over spotted on road in ConroePublished: May 14, 2020, 7:22 am Updated: May 14, 2020, 8:16 amCONROE, Texas – A driver had a run-in with a feisty alligator overnight in Conroe. KPRC 2 was told the reptile’s 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 driver’s license, ID card design
Read full article: Texas rolls out new driver’s license, ID card designTEXAS – If you get a new driver’s 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 driver’s 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
Read full article: DPS Trooper fires gun at armed robbers in northwest Houston; search underway after suspects fleeHOUSTON – 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 “made his presence known” and then “opened fire” 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
Read full article: Parking woes at Gessner DPS Mega Office to soon lessen as renovations beginHOUSTON – 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. “The 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,” Texas DPS said in a statement. Customers are advised to visit alternate driver’s 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.