The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Aldine Community Storefront will host the last film of its summer-long youth movie marathon on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. The HCSO Aldine Community Storefront is located at 5202 Aldine Mail Route.

With the start of the Fall school semester fast approaching, there is only one more opportunity for young movie-goers to enjoy free movies, popcorn and drinks courtesy of the HCSO deputies. Deputy Roy announces that the final movie day of the 2009 summer will be like no other. Instead of showing one movie, there will be three! The blockbuster youth movie marathon line-up is as follows:

• 10am Lean on Me
• 1pm Little Rascals
• 3pm Fast and Furious

As always, the event is free of charge. The summer movies at the storefront have been a huge success, with dozens of area children in attendance every week. The deputies look forward to hosting the summer youth movie marathon again next summer.

WHO: HCSO Aldine Community Storefront

WHAT: Final movie of 2009 youth movie marathon

WHEN: Wednesday, August 19, 2009

WHERE: 5202 Aldine Mail Route

Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller, Media Liaison

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Diane Medina has been nominated for this year’s 100 Club “Rookie of the Year” award for the actions she took while in Field Training. Deputy Medina and her Field Training Officer, Deputy Ronnie Bunch, came under heavy fire from a juvenile suspect who discharged several shotgun blasts at both deputies.

On Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at approximately 04:50 hours, Deputy Ronnie Bunch and his Probationary Patrol Deputy, Diane Medina, responded to the 17000 block of Davenway Drive in reference to a drive-by shooting. While Deputy Bunch and Deputy Medina were talking to the complainant, the suspect was observed driving down the street. Deputy Bunch and Deputy Medina pursued the suspect, who fled the scene. After a short pursuit the suspect crashed his vehicle. As Deputy Bunch exited his patrol car, the suspect got out of his vehicle and fired several shotgun blasts at the deputies, during which Deputy Bunch sustained a non-lethal gunshot wound and was unable to return fire.

Deputy Medina immediately assessed the potentially dire situation, and while in a serious life-threatening situation herself, bravely took the initiative and steadfastly held her ground, engaging the assailant and providing essential defense for Deputy Bunch to move out of the line of fire. The suspect managed to flee under the exchange of gunfire, but was apprehended later that morning.

Deputy Medina’s quick, decisive and courageous actions-under-gunfire is a testament to her professionalism and worthy of consideration for the 100 Club’s 2009 “Rookie of the Year” award. Deputy Medina is a credit to all law enforcement officers, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Harris County.

Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

On July 1st, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies at the Clay Road Substation were treated to hamburgers and hot dogs prepared by representatives of the Harris County Deputies Organization. The gratis lunch was offered in appreciation of their service to Harris County. Deputy Dan McCool was the man behind the grill braving the already intense heat of the record heat wave we are experiencing. The Organization plans to make stops at facilities throughout Harris County.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

Eighteen area children took part in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class for children at the Bear Creek Community Center last week.

Children between 8-10 years of age learned valuable self-defense techniques during the class. This was the first R.A.D. Kids class held this summer and the response was tremendous. A R.A.D. Kids class meets for five days, lasts two hours each day and includes age sensitive material and techniques.

The instructors, Deputies D. Esquivel, D. Johnson and E. Frederick with the assistance of Deputy G. Allen and Deputy K. Ellis, taught the students about strangers, both good and bad, and stranger danger. This is often the first time a child learns that there are instances when they not only can, but should say “no” to an adult. They also learn what constitutes an emergency and when and how to make a 911 call on a cell phone, a home phone or a pay phone. At the end of the class the students are given the opportunity to use what they learned in a safe, controlled exercise.

To register for future R.A.D classes, contact Deputy Dolores Esquivel at 281-564-5988. The class is offered free of charge by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Patrol District IV has a new leader at the helm. Captain Lanny K. Hitchcock has joined our staff. This is a homecoming of sorts as he was assigned to District 4 earlier in his career. His predecessor, Captain Mark Wrobleski has been assigned to the Community Support Bureau, Community Services Division.

Captain Hitchcock joined the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in 1981 and was assigned to the Detention Bureau. In 1984 he transferred to the Patrol Bureau where he was assigned to District IV. In 1987 he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and remained in District IV until 1990 when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the Detention Bureau. He transferred to the Detective Bureau where he was assigned to Criminal Warrants and Auto Theft. In 1996 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and transferred to the Detective Bureau and returned to Auto Theft. In 2000 he was promoted to the rank of Captain and was assigned to the Detention Bureau. In 2003 Captain Hitchcock was transferred to the Patrol Bureau, District I, where he remained until his assignment to District IV.

Captain Hitchcock holds a Master Peace Officer’s License, a TCLEOSE Instructor’s License and is a graduate of the 195th Session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy. He and wife Dawn have a son, Jeremy, who works for the Sheriff’s Office and daughter Michelle who attends college. He also has two grandchildren, Kaethe and Joshua. When he is not working Captain Hitchcock enjoys family time, boating, bird hunting and working with his dogs Knots and Miles.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

The Humble Area Chamber of Commerce recognized firefighters and law enforcement officers for their public service in a ceremony at the Humble Civic Center on April 21st. Two of our very own were honored at the luncheon for a heroic act in the summer of 2008.

On July 30, 2008, Harris County District 2 Sheriff's Deputies John Black and Emilio Solache responded to a call in reference to a man with a gun held up inside a trailer home near Aldine Mail Route. When the deputies cautiously opened the door to the trailer they were immediately confronted with a desperate and imminent threat as the suspect was sitting at the kitchen table, holding a revolver with the hammer cocked back in one hand and a semi-automatic handgun in the other. The revolver was pointed directly at a frantic female pleading for her life. The suspect refused to put down the weapons and the deputies used deadly force, freeing the hostage. Solache and Black acted with an immediate and precise response, acting in a selfless manner without regard to their own safety while confronting an armed suspect.

(As printed in The Observer newspaper)
Posted By: Deputy K. Miller, Media Liaison

Left to right -
Mike Mallon, Chapter Vice-Chairman
Deputy Geoffrey Soto
Deputy Thomas Pasket
Captain Paul Cordova (supervisor)
Deputy Oscar Cisneros
Tom Hamilton, Chapter Chairman

Honored but not present:
Deputy Michael Stephenson

*******************************************


On Sunday, February 22, 2009, at 0311 am, Deputy G. Soto, Deputy T. Pasket, Deputy M. Stephenson and Deputy O. Cisneros were dispatched to the Sedona Pointe apartment complex located at 311 Highland Cross, in regards to a possible arson/fire. Dispatch advised the #3 building was on fire and there were people trapped inside with some attempting to jump from their balconies. Upon arrival, Deputy Soto observed building #3 was on fire with most of the side fully engulfed in flames and he could hear people screaming for help.

****************************************************

Deputies Cisneros and Pasket arrived and with Deputy Soto, they proceeded toward the direction where they heard screams for help. Deputy Soto forced his way through a locked security gate by kicking it open thereby allowing the residents trapped inside to flee to the parking lot.

********************************************************

They observed a male attempting to reenter his apartment to retrieve his dog from the fire. The deputies restrained the male and placed him inside a patrol car for his safety due to his panic-stricken behavior.

********************************************************

The deputies then started door-to-door evacuations of Building #3 and surrounding buildings. The fire quickly engulfed Building #3 and began to spread to adjacent buildings. Glass was shattering outward from the heat and burning debris was falling into the breezeway. Smoked filled the area making it hard for them to breathe and their visibility was severely limited.

******************************************************

An elderly couple, one individual confined to a wheel chair, had to be assisted by the deputies out of the building. They were proceeding down the small sidewalk when an explosion occurred. The explosion scattered glass, roof debris and hot embers into the air. A hot ember landed on Deputy Soto’s head singeing his hair and nearly catching it on fire before Deputy Pasket could extinguish it with his hands.

*******************************************************

All residents were relocated to the north side of the complex where Deputy Stephenson had established a staging area for Emergency Medical Services to treat the victims as they arrived. All responding deputies then maintained scene security. The scene was turned over to Arson Investigators and all deputies remained on the scene until released by the Fire Department.

*******************************************************

Deputies Soto, Cisneros, Pasket and Stephenson exemplify the professionalism and commitment to serve the community that is expected of Sheriff’s Office personnel. Their quick judgment led them to realize there may be occupants on the complex that would need assistance to exit the building that was engulfed with fire. They acted in a selfless manner without consideration of the imminent threat to their personal safety while executing their duties in hazardous conditions. These deputies should be applauded for their actions and receive due recognition for their outstanding efforts.

On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, Deputy’s Tarzis Lobos, unit 43E37, and Benjamin Luce, 43E35, responded to a male not breathing in the 2000 block of Heritage Bend (Case # 09-31905).

When Deputies arrived, they were directed inside the house by a frantic mother who told them she needed help, that her son was not breathing. They found a 27 year old male, on the floor inside the house that was unconscious and turning blue from not breathing. Deputy Lobos and Deputy Luce began Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Deputy Lobos administered unprotected breathes while Deputy Luce administered chest compressions. They continued this until paramedics from the Clear Lake Emergency Medical Services arrived a short time later. By then the man had already regained consciousness and was breathing on his own.

In a day and time when people are afraid of coming into contact with life threatening diseases, they set this aside and acted unselfishly to save the life of another human being. Due to the actions of Deputy Lobos and Deputy Luce, the 27-year-old regained consciousness, saving his life. It was reported that he had no medical history and was transported to Southeast Memorial Hermann Hospital for precautionary reasons.

Deputies Lobos and Luce are hardworking deputies who take their work seriously. They reacted to a serious matter and relied on their training to save this mans life. Their actions are to be commended.


Respectfully Submitted,


S.M. Gill, Sergeant
***********************************

On March 17, 2009, Deputy Lobos was honored for this heroic act by Heritage Park Sub-division and Clear Lake EMS. Attached is a photo of Deputy Lobos receiving these distinguished awards.

For the first time, the Asian Chamber of Commerce has chosen to recognize an “Officer of the Year”. Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Don Ta was named the “2008 Asian Officer of the Year” by the Asian Chamber of Commerce and Target Stores for the actions he took on September 9, 2008.

Deputy Ta responded to a residence in the 3000 block of Williams Cr. in reference to an unknown medical emergency. The caller stated that while her husband and son had been playing in the family pool her husband hit his head and he and the toddler were not breathing when they were discovered.

When Deputy Ta arrived at the home, he found the reportee sitting on the floor next to the small lifeless body of her 3 year old son. Deputy Ta was able to ascertain from the despondent woman that her husband and son had drowned in the family pool. Deputy Ta learned that a neighbor had already pulled her husband from the pool and was staying with him until help arrived. Without hesitation, Deputy Ta requested Emergency Medical Services and advised Harris County Communication he was starting C.P.R on the toddler.

Deputy Ta continued with his C.P.R. efforts until E.M.S. arrived. E.M.S. personnel instructed Deputy Ta to continue C.P.R. while they placed a heart monitor on the small child and contacted life flight. Deputy Ta personally carried the child to an ambulance which transported the child to a landing zone where Life-flight met them and transported the child to Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Despite the efforts of medical personnel the woman’s husband did not survive, and sadly later that afternoon, Deputy Ta learned that the toddler he had tried so hard to save had also lost his battle for life.

Deputy Ta's actions are a testament to his professionalism and commitment to the community he has sworn to serve making him deserving of this recognition.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

On February 7, 2009, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia extended his strong support to the Annual Houston Hispanic Forum (HHF) held at George R. Brown Convention Center. Sheriff Garcia provided a security detail that included a Captain, a Lieutenant, four Sergeants, seventy-one Deputies and five Citizen Police Academy Alums. The presence of this detail proved to be invaluable since officials reported approximately 17,900 persons were in attendance. Sheriff Garcia arrived early and toured the venue before the opening ceremony where he was present with other dignitaries. The Houston Hispanic Forum is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness, understanding and dialogue about issues affecting the Hispanic community and the community at-large. This year’s event marked the 23rd Annual Career and Education Day held by the Houston Hispanic Forum. More than 50 panel sessions were conducted by professionals from a variety of fields for students and parents. The Exhibition Hall housed educational and career opportunities for the students. The Sheriff’s Office booth sponsored an array of displays that included Recruiting, a patrol car, 4-wheeler, bike patrol, Gizmo the Robot, DWI interactive simulation and many giveaway items.

Pictured in photo with Sheriff Garcia is the Herrera family.



Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller,
Media Liaison

The final quarter of 2008 marked a significant change in leadership in District 2 Patrol. Captain Paul Cordova returned as District Commander from his most recent assignment in District 4 with the retiring of Captain Wilson. Having previously been the D2 commander 2005-2006, Captain Cordova is no stranger to these parts. He spent many years as a Patrol Deputy in D2 back in the 1980’s patrolling the same streets as his subordinates.

Captain Cordova began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1982. His diverse assignments have afforded him with extensive experience in jail operations, courtroom security, as well as patrol and detective functions. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2003 and shortly thereafter assigned to the Patrol Bureau.

Captain Cordova is a graduate of Sam Houston High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Sam Houston State University in 2005. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and midway through a Master of Criminal Justice Degree at Sam Houston State University. Captain Cordova is also scheduled to begin his studies at the state sponsored Leadership Command College this year as well.

Welcome Back and Welcome Home!

Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

On December 16, 2008, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy J. Copher was recognized as “Officer of the Month” by the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce. Deputy Copher is currently assigned to the Patrol Bureau in District 1 on the night watch. Since January 2008 Deputy Copher has responded to 871 calls for service and made 124 traffic stops. Additionally, he has made 73 felony arrests and 46 misdemeanor arrest which is the leading arrest total for District 1. Deputy Copher’s dedication to his profession and to the citizens of Harris County is apparent in his actions.

One of the more notable arrest occurred on June 12, 2008. The crime spree began at approximately 11:00 pm with a car-jacking at the Shell gas station located at 10750 Veterans Memorial, where the suspects robbed the complainant at gunpoint and stole his vehicle. The second robbery occurred on I-45 at the Home Depot parking lot in the 20000 block of I-45, and the third occurred across the freeway at the Shell gas station located at 110 E. Louetta. Deputy Copher was patrolling the 12203 block of Old Walters Road when he observed the vehicle matching the description of the vehicle taken in the car-jacking. Deputy Copher notified dispatch he had located the stolen vehicle with the suspects still inside. Deputy Copher followed the suspects until additional units could assist in a felony traffic stop. Three of the four suspects were taken into custody. The fourth suspect was filed on at a later date.

All of the suspects were charged with Robbery by Threat. Two of the four suspects were juveniles, the other two, both 17 years of age, were identified as Christian Robertson and Deshaun Giles. Robertson was later sentenced to 8 years confinement in TDC. Giles pled guilty and received 5 years Deferred Adjudication.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is proud to have Deputy Copher as one of our own.




DEPUTY C. FISHER
MEDIA LIAISON
DISTRICT 1 & 5

Although the effects of Hurricane Ike were still obvious in neighborhoods around Harris County, neighbors still found the time to participate in the 25th National Night Out. Thanks to the later date for of this year’s event, the weather could not have been more perfect. There were block parties and neighborhood parties alike. It was not the size of the party that was important however, it was that neighbors came out in record numbers to meet each other and to meet area law enforcement officers as well as those from other emergency services. It was an opportunity to discuss issues that were of concern to the neighborhood, to meet the deputies who patrol their neighborhoods and to meet new neighbors.

Linda DeVito with the Westlake Home Owners Association offered “gourmet” hot dogs and a pool party, while Ted Richards organized a neighborhood get-together at the Cypress Meadows Subdivision’s Community Pool where they served hot dogs, cold drinks and popcorn. It was truly a success as so many more events like these took place around our County.

The Sheriff’s Office was well represented as Sheriff Tommy Thomas encouraged all personnel, to include Deputies from Crime Prevention, the Community Services Division, Mounted Patrol and the Junior Mounted Posse to participate with an ample supply of gun locks, brochures and badge-stickers to give away while talking with citizens about the array of programs the Sheriff’s Office offers to the public free of charge. As always, we look forward to doing it again next year.


Pictured: Dep. M. Moore, Sgt. T. Smerinsky, Steve and Linda Devito, Deputy J. Brown, Deputy P. Brown


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, I would like to personally thank you for your unselfish service. Once again in a time of crisis and disaster you have performed above and beyond for the citizens of Harris County. I realize that you had to leave your loved ones and homes, to fulfill the mission of the Sheriff’s Office. I know the hours were long and the conditions were sometimes harsh, but you rose to the occasion. I am very proud to have served with you throughout this great effort.


Sincerely,

Paul S. Cordova, Captain
District IV, Patrol Bureau

While preparing for Hurricane Ike, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Heritage Park Baptist Church (2732 FM 528, Webster, Texas) offering their facilities to District III Patrol. District Commander, Captain Mike Talton, accepted the offer and immediately arranged for a section of the church to function as a Sheriff’s Office Command Post..

The area surrounding the church was under mandatory evacuation which included zip codes 77598 and 77546. Although the residents had to leave for their own safety, they were comforted in knowing that Deputies would be a constant security-force in the area while they were gone. The church lost power at approximately 6:00 p.m. (Friday, September 12, 2008) but continued functioning on generators. Roll Call was held in the Sanctuary and the Sunday school rooms were transformed into sleeping quarters for the troops. Sergeant Manning advised at one point there were as many as 65-70 Sheriff’s personnel (deputies, investigators and supervisors) on hand.

All Field Operations personnel were placed on 12-hour shifts (6am-6pm or 6pm-6am) to ensure adequate law enforcement coverage. After working the long hours, many returned to their homes realizing they too were victims, finding extensive damage and no electricity. Several deputies’ homes were found to be unlivable, but thankfully Heritage Park Baptist Church was available to serve as a temporary shelter to them and their families. Still, their own problems would have to wait as they worked their long hours safe-guarding the community.

As a testament to Heritage Park’s community values, many citizens stepped in to assist those who are usually on the giving end. High School and College age youth of the church went to several deputies’ homes that lived in the area and cleaned up their yards; cutting trees, bundling branches and raking leaves.

Sheriff Tommy Thomas and the entire Sheriff’s Office family are extremely grateful to Pastor Trent Henderson and the congregation of Heritage Park Baptist Church. These efforts prove that when faced with tragedy and destruction, police and community working together can overcome the most trying of circumstances.



Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

District IV Commander Paul Cordova holds roll call to address the troops after the storm and to commend them for a job well done.




Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

Deputy Hernandez began his career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in November of 1994. He attended the Basic Peace Officer’s class #B1-97 at the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy and graduated in December of 1997. John holds an Advanced Peace Officer Certificate.

Deputy Hernandez was first assigned to the Harris County Emergency Dispatch Center as a 911 call taker and radio operator in November 1994. In March of 1997, he transferred to the 1301 Jail facility and later served at the 701 Jail facility and the Inmate Processing Center. In April 2000, John transferred to the patrol bureau – District IV. John is currently assigned to District III.

Deputy Hernandez and his wife, Elizabeth, reside in Crosby. John has two children, Christopher, 13, and Charissa, 10. He enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Congratulations to Deputy Hernandez on his promotion to Sergeant.

Deputy Gordon A. Trott

Deputy Trott began his career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in January of 1991. He attended Basic Peace Officer’s class #B1-92 at the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy and graduated in March of 1992. He holds an Advanced Peace Officer Certificate.

Deputy Trott was first assigned to the Detention Center on Atascocita Road and later worked at the 301 Jail. In 1996, Gordon transferred to the Patrol Bureau – District III where he is currently assigned.

Gordon is a member of the National Rifle Association and is a platinum member of the Disabled Veterens Association. In 2006, he was recognized as the “Outstanding Deputy” of the year by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce for his exceptional performance in the community.

Deputy Trott and his wife, Kim, have two sons, Trey and Dominic, and two daughters, Kelly and Emily. He enjoys collecting antique and military firearms, deer hunting, camping, reading history books and spending time with his family.

Congratulations to Deputy Trott on his promotion to Sergeant.

Class #26 of the Harris County Sheriff’s Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is officially under way. Twenty-four students began the thirteen week program designed to give participants a working knowledge of the Sheriff’s Office. Participants will learn about many areas of law enforcement responsibility including gang awareness, Texas Penal Code and anti-terrorism. The program consists of a series of interactive classes demonstrating police procedure and protocol. One night will be dedicated to controlled exercises where the students will participate in scenarios representing some of the situations peace officer encounter on a regular basis.
Sheriff Thomas feels the CPA plays a vital role in reducing crime by improving communication with citizens through local input and support. He has said that “it is our hope that the graduates will become partners with us in identifying problems and solutions to the crime issues that are affecting our county.” Graduates will gain knowledge they can implement to enhance the quality of life in their respective neighborhoods.
Sheriff Thomas offers this class free of charge to the citizens of Harris County.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

Sergeant McCall began his career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in July of 1985. He attended the Basic Peace Officer’s class #B1-87 at the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy and graduated in March of 1987. Don holds a Master Peace Officer Certificate, and a Master Jailer’s License. Don continued to seek further education by that assist his endeavors to provide the best that this department has to offer. Don attended courses such as the standardized field sobriety testing, Intoxilyzer 5000, Air, Search & Recovery and kinesic interview and interrogation.

Sergeant McCall was first assigned to the 1301 Jail facility where he has worked in the Detention Bureau. In 1989, he transferred to the Patrol Bureau where he worked in Districts III & IV, Hot Spots and the Traffic Division.

Don is a member of the Parkway United Methodist Church in Sugar Land and Texas Municipal Police Association. He was also the recipient of the 2003 100 Club Officer of the Year as well as the 2005 Pasadena Rotary Club Officer of the Year.

Sergeant McCall and his wife, Christina, have two Sons, D.J. and Andrew and one daughter, Megan. He enjoys deer hunting, fishing, any outdoor sports and an occasional trip to Las Vegas.

Congratulations to Don McCall on his promotion to Sergeant.

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas and the folks from Shred-It joined forces in the war against identity theft in District IV at George Bush Park Saturday, August 16. Because identity theft is one of the fastest growing and costliest crimes in the nation, Sheriff Thomas and Shred-It offer this service free of charge to the citizens of Harris County. It is designed to raise the public’s awareness and hopefully prevent the possibility of them becoming victims of this crime. Despite the weather, vehicles lined up early with old tax records, old medical records and other personal documents to be shredded. During the four hour event a total of 169 vehicles brought over 6,000 pounds of paper. With the invaluable assistance of Boy Scout Troop 500, deputies unloaded up to five “bankers” boxes from each vehicle.

The next opportunity to have your documents shredded will be at the District I Substation located at 6831 Cypresswood on October 18, 2008.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

Mothers Against Drunk Driving have attended roll calls on every shift in all five districts this week to show their appreciation of the deputies. M.A.D.D. explained that they understand the first priority of patrolmen is to answer calls but are very pleased at the number of proactive traffic stops that result in the removal of drunk drivers from our streets. Statistics were shared that compared drunk driving related deaths to that of terrorism. Although, over 7,000 deaths have been attributed to terrorism in the United States, an alarming 102,000+ deaths have been attributed to drunken driving related accidents since September 11, 2001 thru April 2008.

Since 1980, M.A.D.D. has grown into one the nation’s most widely respected non-profit organizations. The mission of M.A.D.D. is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. M.A.D.D. is credited with implementing the “Open Container” law and “No Refusal Night”. They are also hopeful that a new “Checkpoint” law will be passed during the next legislature. Literature and cards were passed out to the deputies to distribute to victims of drunken driving related accidents. M.A.D.D. will aid the families of such victims by offering burial assistance, grief counseling and will assign someone to attend hearings with them.



Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

Deputy Brandon Herlong and Deputy Michael Ivy receive "OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD" from the 100 Club for their actions on the night Deputy Pete Cupial was shot and injured. Deputy Brandon Herlong and Deputy Michael Ivy receive "OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD" from the 100 Club for their actions on the night Deputy Pete Cupial was shot and injured.
On September 16, 2007, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Pete Cupial was injured while answering a 911 hang up call. After ringing the door bell of the residence, he was greeted by a hail of gun fire. Deputy Cupial attempted to retreat when he was struck in the leg once, grazed above his waist, and a third bullet struck his handcuff case. Deputy Cupial was able to crawl to safety underneath a parked car and used his radio to call Dispatch for help. Deputies Brandon Herlong and Michael Ivy where the first units to arrive on the scene. Both deputy’s, fully aware that the scene was not secure and the assailant was still nearby, knew that Deputy Cupial was in a dangerous location and immediately ran to his assistance. The deputies had to cross the open front yard and in front of the door where the gun shots emanated. Once at Deputy Cupial’s location, Deputies Herlong and Ivy dragged Deputy Cupial down the driveway, into the street, and away from the line of fire. Additional units began arriving to set up a perimeter and aid in Deputy Cupial’s rescue. Sergeant D. Garcia, Deputies Haberland, Horn, Vences, Vera, and Crabtrey arrived and ran to Deputy Cupial’s location placing themselves in harms way as well.

Each of these deputies, without regard for their own safety, had to cross in front of the residence placing them in danger of possible gun fire as they ran to aid their fallen comrade.


DEPUTY COLEEN FISHER
MEDIA LIAISON
DISTRICT I & V

Sheriff Tommy Thomas would like to thank all those individuals for their effort in combating Identity Theft by participating in the Shred-It Campaign of 2008 on May 17th. The Harris County Annex parking lot at 10851 Scarsdale was the host location that tallied a total of 117 vehicles and 1.75 tons of paper in the 3-hour period. It is evident that residents are taking action and want to put a stop to the thieves that steal their identity through innovative methods. The participation at this event is truly a step in the right direction. Citizen Police Academy graduates assisted by passing out Identity Theft pamphlets geared toward the prevention of the crime.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the company “Shred-It”, which provides free shredding services to all, with the exception of businesses. If you’ve missed other dates, there are still two more opportunities remaining. The following upcoming dates are scheduled for shredding:

August 16, 2008 District IV – George Bush Park, 16756 Westheimer Pkwy, Houston, Texas 77082.

October 18, 2008 District I Sub-station – 6831 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, Texas 77379.

All Shred-It services will be provided at the above scheduled locations from 9am-12pm.

For more information, contact Community Services at 713-759-9454

Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

Pictured: Crime Prevention Specialist Deputy G. Luna with Shred-It Representative Byron Chambers

With just over 25 years of service, Deputy Victor “Ziggy” Zigmont calls it quits with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Twenty-one of those years he spent patrolling the streets of District III. Although Ziggy will be missed by all, some will show a slight delight in moving up the District 3 Seniority List as the #4 slot holder hangs up his hat.

The district hosted a retirement party for Ziggy on Friday, May 23rd, allowing the old and new to bid him farewell. Captain Talton presented Ziggy with a plaque pointing out that he was driven to the end, recently pursuing a robbery suspect in his POV while working an extra-job. Deputy Zigmont communicated to dispatch of their location as on-duty patrolmen zeroed in on the suspect vehicle.

Congratulations Deputy Zigmont, you will truly be missed by the entire gang.



Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

Deputy Willie Thornton was presented an award for twenty five years of service by Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas. Willie began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in December of 1982 and has been assigned to District IV since May of 1985.


Pictured: Sheriff Tommy Thomas and Willie Thornton


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

District IV Deputy Mark Bova was presented with an award for twenty-five years of service from Sheriff Tommy Thomas. Mark has been with the Sheriff’s Office since October of 1982 and has been assigned to District IV since June of 1997.



Pictured are: Sheriff Tommy Thomas and Deputy Mark Bova


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

Sheriff Tommy Thomas proudly announces the successful completion of yet another Citizen’s Police Academy Class (CPA). The graduation ceremony for Class 25 was held on Thursday night, May 15, 2008, at the Sagemont Church on Hughes Road. The guest speaker for the ceremony was Judge Jo Ann Delgado, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2, Position 1.

The thirteen week course included instruction on Patrol Procedures, Penal Code, Tasers, Gang Awareness, K-9 Unit and the ever growing Identity Theft, just to name a few. The thirty-one students were also taken on a field trip where they toured the downtown jail facilities and the Houston Transtar building. A night was also set aside for the students to participate in true to life scenarios. The students got a chance to act as police, making traffic stops, and responding to domestic disturbance calls. Past CPA graduates assisted as actors, making these scenarios very realistic.

Congratulations to the following Citizen’s Police Academy, Class 25 Graduates:

William Appel
Silvia Barriento
Rosita Boening
Robert Burkey
Mary Caldwell
Jose Cardenas
Juana Cardenas
John Carter
Viola Davis
Stephen Dobbs
Kenneth Dyer
Hector Figueroa
Suzanne Garcia
Duane Greer
Nicholas Hoffman
Rosa Leyva
James Mann
Scott Meadows
Todd Meadows
Jeanette Milburn
Karen Prince
Tommy Prince
Ralph Robbins
Debra Robinson
Ramona Ryle
Albert Shafer
Nancy Shafer
Thomas Shellshear
Ronald Smith
David Wasson
Jerry Wenner


Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

Three District IV Deputies were recognized at the Annual 100 Club Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. Deputies Huey Townley, Matthew Moore and Javier Urena were recognized as Officer of the Year for 2007 for their professionalism, dedication to duty and dedication to the citizens of Harris County. Pictured from left to right are: Deputy Huey Townley, Deputy Matthew Moore, Sheriff Tommy Thomas and Javier Unena.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

Aldine Storefront Offers Free Summer Movies for Kids

It’s that time again! Sheriff Tommy Thomas’ Aldine Community Storefront will be hosting weekly movies again this summer. Beginning Wednesday, June 4th, at 3pm, and every Wednesday thereafter, the storefront will provide a movie, popcorn and drinks for free. Kids of all ages are encouraged to attend. We simply ask that any child under 7 be accompanied by someone over the age of 13.

The first feature movie on June 4th, is “Bee Movie” starring Jerry Seinfeld as a bee who decides to sue all humans after he finds out they actually eat the honey that they produce.

This annual storefront summer event is back by popular demand. So, mark your calendars and plan a movie date with the deputies.

When: Every Wednesday, 3pm

Location: Aldine Sheriff’s Storefront
5202 Aldine Mail Route
281-449-6600

Photo: Deputy P. Roy and Deputy L. Bumpers distribute popcorn to children attending the movie.

Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

Children today are faced with more choices than ever before and many of the choices will have lasting effects on their lives, both good and bad. Fortunately, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has six new graduates of the Texas D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Institute. The Deputies who teach this highly acclaimed program give kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence. The D.A.R.E. curriculum is designed to be taught by police officers whose training and experience has given them the background needed to answer the complicated questions often posed by young students about drugs and crime. As a result of this program, the lines of communication are opened between law enforcement and youth, as well as between schools, and parents who gain a new perspective in dealing with a broad range of issues affecting virtually all young people. Completing this training is challenging and is described by some as the toughest training they ever encountered, but at the same time, it is the most rewarding.
Sheriff Thomas strongly supports community oriented programs, and as an internationally recognized model of community policing, he is committed to ensuring D.A.R.E. is offered at no charge to the young citizens of Harris County.
The program is presented through Texas State University, Center for Safe Communities and Schools whose precept is “Creating a safe Texas- one person, one community at a time”.

Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

On March 20, 2008, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Larry Stover responded to an unkown medical emergency in the 21800 block of Silver Blueberry Trail in the Fairfield Subdivision. Deputy Stover and Cy-Fair EMS arrived at the same time and found the reportee and her 51-year-old husband inside the house. The husband had collapsed and fallen to the floor after having what appeared to be a heart attack. Deputy Stover assisted EMS by doing the chest compressions while they prepared man for an IV and an airbag. Deputy Stover continued the chest compressions until additional EMS personnel arrived and took over for him. The man responded to the CPR and was transported to the North Cypress Medical Center where he was admitted and treated by the physician on duty. The doctor informed the EMS personnel and Deputy Stover that due to the quick response and the timely manner in which the chest compressions were initiated, the prognosis was good.

Due to Deputy Stover's commitment to helping other’s, the man’s life was saved. Deputy Stover is an asset to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and is commended for his actions.



DEPUTY COLEEN FISHER
MEDIA LIAISON
DISTRICT I & V

Sheriff Tommy Thomas is proud to announce that the Shred-It drive held on March 29, 2008, in District II, was a huge success. The Shred-It company confirmed over 3 tons of paper was turned into confetti. Citizens Police Academy Alumni assisted at the event passing out Identity Theft brochures to all the concerned citizens that lined-up in their vehicles to shred their personal documents. A total of 177 vehicles came through during the 3-hour block.

The task of shredding personal documents is an effective way to make it harder for thieves to steal your identity.

The next scheduled shredding event hosted by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office will be held on Saturday, May 17th, at the Harris County Annex located at 10851 Scarsdale, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Documents will only be accepted in file/banker boxes and each vehicle is limited to five boxes. For more information on the upcoming Shred-It event, call 281-843-4047.

For additional Identity Theft prevention tips, log on to: www.hcso.hctx.net/detective/btr/FinancialPrevention.asp



Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

Captain Paul Cordova was presented an award for 25 years of service by Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas. Captain Cordova began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1982. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2003 and a short time later was assigned to the Patrol Bureau. Captain Cordova has been the District IV Commander since 2006.

Pictured are:
Captain Paul Cordova and Sheriff Tommy Thomas


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

On Monday, February 25, 2008, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a burglary in-progress in the 5100 block of Barbers Hill. The observant witness stayed on the phone with the dispatcher, while giving a detailed account of what the three suspects were doing. The caller advised he first noticed them just before noon, when the suspects pulled up to a neighbor’s perimeter gate in a U-Haul truck. The two-man, one-woman crew broke into the residence and proceeded to quickly fill the truck with stolen property from the home. Dispatch was able to relay to responding units when the U-Haul truck was on the move. Following at a safe distance, the caller gave turn-by-turn updates. Deputies first spotted the truck at the intersection of FM 2100 and Highway 90. With lights and sirens blaring on the patrol cars, the driver of the truck refused to stop and fled westbound on Highway 90 in excess of 80 mph. One of the Deputies pulled to the left of the U-Haul and made eye contact with the driver, before the suspect swerved several times in an attempt to run the Deputy off the road and into an approaching guardrail. After turning onto Beltway 8 and exiting at Uvalde, the U-Haul suddenly stopped in the 7500 block of Uvalde. All three suspects bailed out and ran into a wooded area.

After a brief foot chase, two of the suspects were apprehended. Russell White, age 29, of Baytown, was identified as the driver. White was charged with burglary of a habitation, aggravated assault against a public servant and evading arrest with a motor vehicle. The female was also caught and identified as 37-year-old Stacy Morris, of Baytown. Morris was charged with burglary of a habitation and evading detention. During a thorough investigation, the third and final suspect was identified as 44-year-old Wade Hockett. Although Hockett got away that day, he has since been arrested and charged with burglary of a habitation and evading detention. All three suspects are currently in the Harris County Jail, awaiting March 2008 court appearances.

The owner of the burglarized residence was contacted and informed of the incident and of the recovered property. The property, valued at over $3,700, was later released to the grateful owner.

Great Job District 3!

Pictured in photo with U-Haul (L to R): Deputy J. Guthrie, Deputy A. Frazier, Deputy L. Barr and Deputy S. Keller




Case #: HC-08-22560

Approved By: Sergeant S. Theis
Patrol District III Supervisor

Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

Sergeant Ray O’Bannion has retired after 20 years of service with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. He began his career as a Detention Officer on February 28, 1987. Two years later he attended the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy. After graduation he was transferred to the Patrol Bureau and was assigned to District II. He remained in District II until the formation of the Hot Spots Unit where he was one of fifteen Deputies who were utilized as a proactive unit, concentrating their efforts in high crime areas throughout the County. Sgt. O’Bannon’s next assignment was to the Courts Division where he was a Bailiff in Judge Ted Poe’s Court, among others. He was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the 701 Jail, where he remained until he was transferred to the Patrol Bureau. He was assigned to District I for a short time before being transferred to District IV, where he remained until his retirement last week.
Sgt. O’Bannon’s leadership, reliability and dependability have been a blessing to us all and though we wish him well, we are sad to see him go.



Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

On Thursday, February 21, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Craig Miller was involved in a tragic and fatal car accident. While his loss is deeply felt by his immediate family, it is also felt by his Law Enforcement Family. Peace officers deal with their emotions in many different ways, but one of the more common ways when coping with grief is congregating and talking with fellow officers and friends. Unexpected, though not surprising, the District IV Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni (CPAA) thoughtfully provided such an opportunity by bringing food and drinks to Craig Miller’s family, the Clay Road Substation, the Franz Road Storefront and the District V Substation. As a result, deputies were able to stop by locations in their patrol district as schedules allowed, and together deal with the loss of a fallen comrade. CPA member Jeri Esmi took food to Craig Miller’s family on the behalf of herself and her son, Harris County Sheriff’s Sergeant Don McCall. CPA members were represented at Deputy Miller’s Funeral by Annette Baldwin, Linda DeVito and Markey Swails. Annette Baldwin expressed the level of the CPA Alumni’s commitment best with this statement: “We stand ready to reach out to the Miller family throughout the next year in order to ease their transition into life without Craig. It is a sad time for each of us when we lose a Deputy to death, especially one who is so young, vibrant and filled with life and promise.” The CPA Alumni is comprised of citizens who have taken their own time to complete a civilian version of the Sheriff’s Academy. They serve as a support group to the Sheriff’s Office and to the Deputies who are assigned to the areas where they live. As they always have throughout the years, the District IV CPA Alumni showed their commitment once again during this difficult time, and as always their considerate efforts were greatly appreciated by all. Our special thanks go out to CPA Alumni representatives Annette Baldwin, Linda DeVito, Patti Hill, Jeri Esmi and Markey Swails.

Pictured are: Annette Baldwin, Patti Hill and Linda DeVito


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

Once again, Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas extends his support to the Annual Houston Hispanic Forum held at George R. Brown Convention Center. HHF is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness, understanding and dialogue about issues affecting the Hispanic community and the community at-large. The February 9, 2008, event was the 22nd Annual Career and Education Day held by the Houston Hispanic Forum. Sheriff Thomas provided a security detail that included 55 Deputies, 3 Sergeants and 1 Lieutenant. Major M. O'Brien was also present with other dignitaries for the opening ceremony.

Pictured in photo is Deputy Lennon Evans and Major Mike O'Brien.

Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

On Friday, February 8, 2008, an interagency press conference was held by the Houston Police Department at Blueridge Park (5900 Court Road) announcing burglary reduction in south Harris County, south Houston and Fort Bend. The Harris County Sheriff's Office, Constables Precinct 7 and Fort Bend Sheriff's Office were recognized for their part in making arrests that significantly made a difference in that areas crime rate. Since crooks have no boundaries, it is not unusual for different agencies to seek out the same suspects. This is why better communication and cooperation by all has led to a decrease in shared crimes.

Sheriff Tommy Thomas' Patrol District III played a significant role in that deduction with the arrest of two burglary suspects.

On October 23, 2007, Deputy B. Barriere was patrolling the MUD #89 contract when he noticed a silver Cadillac parked in the driveway of a home in the 4000 block of Bealey. The engine was running on the Cadillac and as he slowed to pass, he could see someone peeping through the blinds of the home. Deputy Barriere states that the wind blew the front door open and he could then see damage to the door frame consistent with being kicked in during a burglary. The Deputy called for back-up units and upon checking the residence found that the suspects had escaped by jumping a back fence. A perimeter was put in place but the suspects were not found.

A thorough investigation by Deputy G. Billingsley of the B.A.R.S. unit led to the arrest of the suspects. The suspect left his Texas driver's license in his Cadillac that he left behind, identifying him as 22-year-old, Adrien Stevens. A witness showed up stating that he may have given the two suspects a ride to a nearby gas station and was sure he could identify them in a line-up. Investigators retrieved a surveillance tape from the gas station showing Stevens inside the store with the other unidentified suspect. Investigators spoke to the car lot where Stevens bought the Cadillac and was told that a friend of Stevens also bought a car the same day. Information and photo obtained on the friend revealed him to be the unknown suspect. He was identified as 20-year-old Donnell Williams

Thanks to the keen and inquisitive eye of Deputy Barriere and the investigative skills of Deputy Billingsley, these two burglars have been taken off the steets of Harris County.

Pictured left to right:
Deputy G. Billingsley, Captain M. Talton, Sergeant R. Manning and Deputy B. Barriere.

Case# 07-117440

Approved By: Sergeant R. Manning
District III B.A.R.S. Supervisor

Prepared By: Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

Law enforcement officers who participated in the Aldine/Airline Crime Control Initiative were honored guests at a special event co-hosted by the East Aldine Management District and the Airline Improvement District last week.

"We thought it was important to thank the law enforcement officers who participated in the zero tolerance operations. We wanted them to know how much their work is appreciated by our community," said Rep. Kevin Bailey. "Their efforts have reduced criminal activity in our neighborhoods and improved the quality of life for everyone living and working in the Aldine and Airline Communities.

Special guests at the event included Major J. Jorge, Captain T. Wilson and Lieutenant Jesse Inocencio with the Sheriff's Office and Lt. Webb and Lt. Brown from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) along with about 50 other officers from DPS and Sheriff's Office. Clyde Bailey, Chairman of the East Aldine Improvement District and Teri Koerth, Executive Director of the Airline Improvement District joined Rep. Kevin Bailey in passing out the awards.

The joint task force resulted in 233 traffic stops, 211 citations, 82 warnings, 18 misdemeanor arrests, 14 felony arrests, 10 DWI arrests and the closing of a bar that had been operating illegally. Illegal narcotics seized included Heroine, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Marijuana and Xanax. In addition, search warrants were executed at four illegal game rooms resulting in confiscation of more than $17,000, several hundred gambling machines and multiple arrests for possession of gambling devices.

Rep. Kevin Bailey requested that the Sheriff's Office and DPS join forces for a zero tolerance operation concentrating on the area that included both the East Aldine Management District and the Airline Improvement District. He knew from discussion with local law enforcement officials that the level of criminal activity encountered during a targeted enforcement program last summer created a concern that a higher level of manpower would be needed than District II normally had available for targeted law enforcement programs. Consequently, Rep. Kevin Bailey offered to request support from DPS if it was acceptable to District II's Captain Wilson. The agencies will plan additional joint operations in the future.

Submitted By:
State Representative Kevin Bailey's Office

Posted By:
Deputy K. Miller
Media Liaison

A lively group of five to seven year olds are among the newest Rape Aggression Defense class graduates. During the week long class, the students learned about the three main principles of RAD Kids: No one has the right to hurt you, you don’t have the right to hurt anyone unless they are hurting you and it’s not your fault. They also learn about “stranger danger”, what constitutes an emergency and how to call 911 in case of an emergency. The last night of class the students have the opportunity to use what they learned in scenarios that are conducted in a safe, controlled environment.
Sheriff Thomas has offered RAD classes to both children and women, free of charge, for over ten years. The RAD program is only one of the many programs offered to the public.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

After 20 years of dedicated service, District IV Sergeant Alford Cook has retired. He began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1988, as a reserve Deputy and remained there for six years. During that time he joined the Marine Division and became a rescue diver. His first assignment as a full time Deputy was at the Detention Center on Atascocita Road. He later worked in Vice and Money Laundering before transferring to the Patrol Division as a Sergeant. He was a District Supervisor in District III until, at the request of Captain Susan Nixon, he created the Burglary Apprehension Response Unit (BARS). This specialized unit was able to concentrate on burglaries and spent countless hours following each lead and interviewing suspects. The work he and his unit did warranted a Unit Citation, from Sheriff Tommy Thomas. Also in District III Sergeant Cook received a 100 Club Award for preventing a suicide attempt by an armed suspect. Sergeant Cook transferred to District IV and built the BARS unit there. Under his command, the District IV BARS Unit surpassed even Sergeant Cook’s expectations in the number of cases his Deputies investigated and closed. The common thread between the testimonials offered by those in attendance was the knowledge each had gained while working with and for Sergeant Cook. While we wish him well, in what ever he chooses to do, he will be greatly missed.



Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

District IV Deputy Larry Smith was presented an award for twenty five years of service by Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas. Larry began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in September of 1983 and has been assigned to District IV since February of 1992.

Pictured are: Deputy Larry Smith and Sheriff Tommy Thomas.



Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

On November 21, District IV Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni(CPA) members brought Thanksgiving lunch to the Clay Road Substation. Linda DeVito, Jeri Esme, and Timothy Benz graciously brought enough food to feed the entire district. Deputies stopped by throughout the day, taking time to enjoy the goodies that had been provided for them. This gave the Deputies a chance to meet the C.P.A. members and the opportunity to thank them personally.

Pictured are: Susan Perkins, Capt. Paul Cordova, CPA members Linda DeVito, Timothy Benz and Jeri Emse.



Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

The District IV Supervisors have named Deputy Matthew Moore Deputy of the Month for November, 2007, for the action he took on Monday, December 3, 2007. Deputy Moore saw a vehicle traveling westbound in the 19000 Block of Saums Road at a high rate of speed. Deputy Moore attempted to initiate a traffic stop, utilizing his emergency equipment, however the suspect refused to stop. A brief chase ensued and the suspect was forced to exit his vehicle at a closed entry gate to an apartment complex. Deputy Moore pursued the suspect, on foot, through the complex and was able to apprehend him without incident. Immediately following the suspects arrest, Deputy Moore learned that there had been a robbery / purse snatching at the Hobby Lobby Store, located at 1787 North Fry Road. The suspect and vehicle description matched that of the person that Deputy Moore had in custody. The suspect was brought back to the scene of the robbery and positively identified by the complainant and witnesses. It was later discovered that the suspect was a convicted felon.

This situation was brought to a safe conclusion by Deputy Moore, resulting in the apprehension of a robbery suspect and the stolen property returned to the victim.
Deputy Moore’s actions are a testament of his professionalism and indicative of his dedication to duty.



Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

On November 27, during a special roll call meeting, Andrea Schmauss, MADD Regional Council Leadership Chair, presented Deputy Kirby Burton with a Certificate of Appreciation for his diligence and dedication to removing drunk drivers from the streets of Harris County. Also, in attendance representing MADD were Annette Baldwin and Evon McConica. Deputies were given information about the many programs sponsored by MADD designed to help law enforcement in the battle against drunk driving. When Deputy Burton accepted the award, he expressed his appreciation for the recognition but wanted to acknowledge that this was the result of a team effort and that he was accepting the award on behalf of himself and his co-workers.

Deputy Burton has demonstrated his dedication and commitment to the safety of the citizens of Harris County and has proved himself worthy of this recognition. He has been responsible for seventy-five DWI arrests, so far, this year and was responsible for seventy last year.



Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

Deputy Gerald Barnes has proven that it will take more than a gunshot wound to hold him down. District II is proud to announce that Deputy Barnes is back on the job, patrolling the district, as of October 8th. On May 28, 2007, Deputy Barnes was shot once in the chest while responding to a weapons disturbance call at a club in the 8000 block of E. Mount Houston Road. Geral has received extensive rehab to gain mobility in his right arm.

Gerald says that immediately following the shooting, his focus on family, kept him calm and increased his chance of survival. Gerald also credits Deputy Sargent for applying "Quick Clot". Quick Clot is a bleeding kit that can be applied directly to the wound of persons who are severely injured.

Congratulations to Gerald on his speedy recovery.

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

On November 26, 2007, Deputy Pete Cupial was invited to speak to Boy Scout Troop 113 on “The Life of a Public Servant” at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball. The boys ranging in age’s 11 to 17 years old, gathered around Deputy Cupial as he told them his experience as a patrol deputy. Deputy Cupial was able to relay that a Deputy Sheriff’s duties is not only about writing tickets but also about helping and protecting the community we serve.

Deputy Cupial was injured on September 16, 2007, while answering a 911 hang up call. After attempting to make contact with the residents he was overcome by a hail of gun fire from inside the home through the front door. As Deputy Cupial attempted to retreat he was struck in the leg once, grazed above his waist, and a third bullet struck his handcuffs. Cupial was able to crawl to safety underneath a parked car and used his radio to call Dispatch for help. Within moments deputies came to his aid.



DEPUTY COLEEN FISHER
MEDIA LIAISON
DISTRICT I & V

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies, assigned to the Community Services Division, held a car safety seat event at the Katy area Babies R Us this week. This event is one of many that will be offered at Babies R Us stores around Harris County, free of charge. The Deputies will demonstrate the correct way to install new or existing car safety seats.

For future dates and times, contact the Babies R Us in your area.

Pictured: Deputy D. Esquivel watching to make sure the “baby” is secured in the car seat correctly.



Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

The Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce has named Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Huey Townley, Officer of the Month for November. Deputy Townley was recognized for the lifesaving actions he took in March, of 2007, when he rescued an unconscious female from a submerged vehicle in a community lake at the Lakes of Eldridge Subdivision. Deputy Townley acted without regard for his own safety in what he knew was a life threatening situation. Due to his actions, the female not only survived the incident, but was released from the hospital the next day. Deputy Townley’s actions are a testament to his professionalism and present a positive image to the department and the community he has chosen to serve.

Pictured are: Sergeant Alford Cook, Deputy Huey Townley, Captain Paul Cordova and Reverend Justin Lindstrom, President of the Cy- Fair Rotary Club.



Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Sheriff Tommy Thomas proudly announces the successful completion of another Citizen's Police Academy Class (CPA). The graduation ceremony for Class 24 was held on Thursday night, November 8, 2007, at the Second Baptist Church of Kingwood. The guest speaker for the ceremony was Katherine Cabaniss, Executive Director of Crime Stoppers of Houston.

The thirteen week course included instruction on Penal Code, Tasers, Patrol Procedures, K-9 Unit, Gang Awareness, and Identity Theft, just to name a few. The twenty-three students were also taken on a field trip that included touring the downtown jail facilities and the Houston Transtar building. A night was also set aside for the students to participate in scenarios. They got a chance to act as police, making traffic stops, and responding to domestic disturbance calls. Past CPA graduates assisted as actors, making these scenarios very realistic.

Congratulations to the following Citizen's Police Academy, Class 24 Graduates:

Dorothy Abbot
Joyce Berzeny-Ade
Lindia Boutte
Jodi Canadas
Alicia Castro
Cervando Castro
Leonard Gomez
Curtis Henderson
Lonnie Henderson
Juanita Honeycutt
Leonard Joseph
Catherine Kent
Carlos Maggio
Charles Morris
Margot Morris
Michael Orlowski
Carol Powers
Khurshid Qureshi
Shirley Reed
Donald Rex
Dorene Schiro
Andrea Schmauss
Luther Sebren III

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has long been an advocate of car seat safety. This is evident in the fact that Sheriff Thomas ensures that Deputies assigned to the Community Services Division are trained and certified to correctly install car safety seats. Now, through a partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and local Babies R Us Stores, it is easier than ever to ensure your child is riding safely in your vehicle. The first Tuesday of each month Deputies will be at designated Babies R Us locations between 10am and 2pm to help you with the correct installation of a new car seat or inspection of your child’s existing car seat. This program is offered to the public, free of charge.

Call the Babies R Us Store in your area for future dates.

The kind folks at GMAC sponsored a teddy bear round-up in October and presented the furry critters to Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies Dolores Esquivel and Adell Cross, both of whom are assigned to Sheriff Tommy Thomas’ Community Service Division. The round-up was planned by The Quality Committee, which is comprised of eight people within the office who research and select several community projects to participate in each year. The bears the employees contributed will be made available to Deputies to use when they respond to scenes where there are children involved. The bears are used to help comfort a child who is involved in a traumatic situation.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the employees of GMAC for their thoughtful contribution.

Pictured are Deputy A. Cross, Deputy Dolores Esquivel and committee members: Gayle Hennessy, Janette Bray, Jeff Kimmel, Geanna Chisholm, Shannon Waggy, Danielle Perry, Jan Waye and Lindsey Chapman.

On Sunday October 28, 2007, a B.B.Q. Benefit was held at the Red River Dance Hall and Saloon on behalf of injured Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Pete Cupial. Deputy Cupial was injured on September 16, 2007, while answering a 911 hang up call. Within seconds of Deputy Cupial’s arrival and attempting to make contact with the residents by knocking on the front door, he was overcome by a hail of gun fire from inside the home through the front door. Deputy Cupial attempted to retreat when he was struck in the leg once, grazed above his waist, and a third bullet struck his handcuffs. Cupial was able to crawl to safety underneath a parked car and used his radio to call Dispatch for help. Within moments deputies came to his aid. It was later discovered the shooter had killed his mother and then took his own life. Deputy Cupial has undergone four successful surgeries with a lengthy recovery ahead of him. The benefit was a great success due to all of the hard work, time and dedication of the brothers and sisters of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tommy Thomas spoke on Pete’s behalf to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of every one involved. Senator Dan Patrick and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett were also present and gave words of encouragement. Over 30 briskets were donated by Mr. Bob Sarvis of Glazier foods and Exit Realty Group. Two cook teams, Dodge City Cookers and Up in Smoke Cookers, donated their time to cook all of the briskets. Additional food items were donated by Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant and Mrs. Baird’s. Senator Patrick and radio talk show host, Chris Baker, encouraged the support of the citizens of Harris County through their talk shows. Larry DuBose, owner of the Red River Dance Hall and Saloon donated the use of his club. Mr. DuBose has been a strong supporter of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for many years. Many items, from furniture to fishing trips, were donated for the silent and live auctions, raising over $60,000.00 to assist Deputy Cupial supplement his income for his long road to recovery. A very special “Thank you” to everyone for making this benefit so successful.
DEPUTY COLEEN FISHER
MEDIA LIAISON
DISTRICT I & V

The Mexican American Sheriff's Organization held it's Annual Hispanic Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 13, 2007, at the Holiday Inn on John F. Kennedy Blvd. Deputy Londa Barr, of Patrol District III, was awarded for her heroism on July 3, 2007.

On that fateful day, Deputy Barr received a call that a knife-wielding suspect was holding a woman and her 1-year-old daughter in a home, in Crosby. When Deputy Barr arrived, she observed the woman screaming hysterically for help, in an upstairs window. The Deputy knew she had to act quickly and smashed a glass next to the front door, to gain access. She reached in to unlock the deadbolt, cutting her arm and head in the process. Deputy Barr hurriedly located the female suspect and removed her from the residence before anyone was hurt.

Deputy Barr has been employed with the Harris County Sheriff's Office for 19 years. She was first transferred to Patrol in 1991 and has been assigned in District III since 1996.

Deputy Londa Barr has proven to be a courageous and irreplaceable asset to the Sheriff's Office and especially to District III. Congratulations!

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

On October 17, 2007, Deputy Javier Urena was named Officer of the Month by ASIS International at a luncheon held in his honor. He was recognized for the actions he took on July 21, 2007, while off duty, at his residence, when he responded to what he believed to be a burglary of a vehicle in progress.
On Saturday morning, July 21, 2007, Deputy Urena was off-duty at home in his apartment complex when he stepped outside to get an item from his patrol car. He heard the sound of glass breakage and saw a suspect run from a burglarized vehicle. The suspect jumped into another vehicle and sped out of sight. Deputy Urena then heard a loud crash and the sound of a woman screaming. He immediately retrieved his duty weapon and drove the patrol car toward the front exit gate, believing he could get a description of the suspect’s vehicle before he was able to escape.
In the hurried effort to get away, the suspect had wrecked his vehicle and was stalled inside the apartment complex. When Deputy Urena located the wreck and found the suspect, he attempted to make an arrest. The suspect resisted and a struggle began. Two civilian witnesses came to his aid and held the suspect on the ground. Deputy Urena then turned to unlock his trunk to get handcuffs when he heard someone yell “Look out! He has a gun!” A second suspect had approached Deputy Urena from behind, with a gun drawn, and fired an execution style shot at his head, just barely missing him.
Upon hearing the civilian yell, Deputy Urena’s immediate response was to lean to his right, at which time he heard the gun shot and felt severe pain in his left ear. Realizing he was fighting for his life, he turned toward the suspect and swung the handcuffs striking the suspect on the left side of the face as the suspect fired a second shot. Deputy Urena was then able to pull his duty weapon and fire two quick shots while the suspect repositioned and pointed his gun at Deputy Urena’s head. Deputy Urena’s reaction was to fall backwards toward the ground as the suspect fired a third shot. Deputy Urena’s quick thinking and immediate response resulted, ultimately, in saving his own life. Deputy Urena’s fall had caused him to strike the back of his head against the concrete. He was bleeding and in pain and felt as if he had been shot. He was unable to chase the suspects, who managed to escape. Deputy Urena suffered powder burns and stippling to the left side of his face and upper body. His left ear drum was torn, his head was cut, and his lower back was in pain, but otherwise survived the attempt to take his life.
Both suspects were later captured as a result of follow up investigation efforts. The suspect who had fired the shots was found to have been shot twice by Deputy Urena, once in his right leg and once in his abdomen. He was charged with Attempt to Commit Capital Murder-Police Officer. The original suspect who Deputy Urena pursued was charged with Burglary of Motor Vehicle, Evading Arrest, and Escape.

Deputy Urena demonstrated his commitment to the safety of the community he has sworn to serve and is commended for his dedication to duty.



Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison

On Tuesday, September 18, 2007, Harris County Sheriff's Criminal Warrant Division detectives assigned to the Gulf Coast Violent Offender's Task Force arrested Isaiah Allen b/m 07-02-83. Isaiah, along with his brother, Eric Allen b/m 08-06-88, were wanted for Aggravated Robbery. The two brothers allegedly shot another male during a confrontation and then stole his wallet and watch.

Task Force members located a possible address for Isaiah in the 2000 block of Wheat in McNair. Surveillance was conducted and Isaiah was observed walking in and out of the residence. Several other males as well as a female were also observed entering and exiting the residence.

Task Force members along with marked Sheriff's Patrol units converged on the residence. Isaiah attempted to flee, but was captured. Three additional males attempted to flee but were captured and detained.

While securing the residence, Task Force members observed what appeared to be drugs and weapons just inside the door of the residence. A search warrant was obtained and executed resulting in the following seizure: 31 ounces of powder cocaine, 9 ounces of crack cocaine, 2 gallons of codeine, 1 ballistic vest, 3 rifles, 2 shotguns, 1 sawed off shotgun, 4 handguns, over 400 rounds of ammunition, and $10,567.00 in cash. The street value of the drugs is estimated to be around $200,000.00.

Isaiah was booked on the Robbery charge with additional weapons and drug charges pending. The three males detained at the scene were charged with evading and booked into the Harris County Jail. Additional drug and weapon charges are pending on a male and a female observed fleeing the scene.

Eric Allen was arrested by Baytown officers and transported to the Harris County Jail.

Both Eric and Isaiah have a criminal history that involves Assault and Narcotics charges.

Every year, The Highlands & Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce recognizes an Outstanding Harris County Deputy Sheriff for the previous year. The recipient of this prestigious award was presented to Deputy Gordon Trott at the Highlands Chamber Luncheon on September 13th, 2007. Captain M. H. Talton, Patrol Commander of District III, nominated Deputy Trott and was on hand at the luncheon to read the following letter that he submitted during the nomination process.

"Deputy Gordon Trott joined the Harris County Sheriff's Office in January of 1991. He came to the Patrol Bureau in October of 1996 and was assigned to District III. He has been assigned to patrol the Highlands area continuously since then. Deputy Trott has been a decided asset to the Highlands community. He is well known to a large segment of the population and has taken the Community Oriented Policing concept to heart. In the last twelve months, Deputy Trott has answered over 1,500 calls for service. He has filed 221 reports, written 271 citations, and made 79 arrests, both felony and misdemeanor. In addition, he has investigated 70 motor vehicle accidents and filed an additional 29 criminal charges.

Most recently, in July, Deputy Trot responded to a call of a suicidal male in the Highlands area. Deputy Trott arrived on the scene to find the male had left before his arrival. Deputy Trott then spent a significant amount of time in the area looking for the subject's vehicle. He located the vehicle near the Highlands reservoir. He approached the vehicle and discovered the despondent male seated in his vehicle with a loaded rifle to his head. Tense moments followed as Deputy Trott attempted to talk the male out of committing suicide. He finally succeeded in talking the male out of the rifle and into seeking medical assistance for his depression.

Deputy Trott continues to be a decided asset to the Law Enforcement vocation and to his community that he serves so diligently. He is worthy of recognition."

During the presentation, Captain Talton pointed out that Gordon came from a lineage worthy of praise. Also in attendance was Gordon Trott, Sr. The Captain acknowledged that the elder Trott served in the United States Marine Corp, 5th Marine Division and is a survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima. This was one of the major battles of World War II. After the Captain gave a brief and profound acclamation of the battle and its casualties, Gordon Trott, Sr was honored with a standing ovation.

Congratulations to both Deputy Gordon Trott and his father for serving our country as well as our community.

Posted By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

The ladies of the Bear Creek Community Center took their personal safety seriously and completed a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Class recently. The five day class included four days of learning and practicing self defense techniques. On the last day they were afforded the opportunity to use what they learned in controlled exercises that simulated some of the situations women are most likely to encounter.

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas has offered a self defense classes to the women of Harris County for over ten years, free of charge.

Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Saturday, August 18, Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas, Shred it and Deputies from the Community Services Section teamed up to help combat identity theft at the Clay Road Substation. Sheriff Thomas’ proactive stance to thwart identity theft offered a safe, secure way to dispose of old tax records, bank statements, medical records and other personal documents. Identity Theft is one of the fastest growing and most costly crimes plaguing the country today. Texas ranked fourth in the number of reported cases of Identity Theft in 2004. There was over a ton of paper shredded during this event.

The next Shred it event will be on October 27, at the Cypresswood Substation located at 6831 Cypresswood Drive. For questions about this event please call the Community Services Section at 713-759-9454.

Pictured are District IV Community Services Deputies and Shred-it staff.

Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Sheriff Tommy Thomas extended an invitation to his Harris County neighbors to participate in National Night Out and that is just what they did. The 24th annual National Night Out was bigger and better than ever. There were block parties, and parties for the entire neighborhood. It was not the size of the party that was important though, it was that neighbors came out in record numbers to meet each other and to meet area law enforcement officers. It was an opportunity to discuss issues that were of concern to the neighborhood, to meet the deputies who patrol their neighborhoods and to meet new neighbors.

Linda DeVito with the Westlake Home Owners Association offered “gourmet” hot dogs and a pool party. Ted Richards organized a neighborhood get together at the Cypress Meadows Subdivision Community Pool where they served hot dogs, cold drinks and popcorn. Jeri McCall-Esmi with the Westgreen Home Owners Association had a crowd at the pool with some of the best barbeque around, a singer and a karaoke contest. The Westgreen Home Owners Association presented the K9 deputies with a check to help defray the expense of ballistic vests for their K-9 partners.

The Sheriff’s Office was well represented by Deputies from Crime Prevention, Community Services Division, Junior Mounted Posse, K-9, and the Emergency Response Team. Crime prevention had an ample supply of gun locks to offer free of charge as well as brochures explaining the many programs Sheriff Thomas offers to the public, also free of charge.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

On July 8, 2006, Deputy Chris Mullins risked his life in order to save another. After observing a vehicle plunge into the Buffalo Bayou, Deputy Mullins jumped in to rescue a woman trapped in the over turned vehicle. Due to the muddy water, Deputy Mullins was unable to see the woman. After several attempts he was able to free the woman and pull her to safety. The unconscious woman had been submerged for approximately four minutes and was not breathing. Deputy Mullins administered stomach thrust and after a few minutes she coughed a large amount of water from her lungs and was able to breath on her own. Thanks to the heroic and relentless action of Deputy Mullins, the victim survived the accident; however, she later succumbed to an infection.
On May 9, 2007, Due to his heroic actions, Deputy Mullins received the State of Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Award for Valor. Then again on May 10, 2007, he received the 100 Club Award. In addition, Deputy Mullins received the ASIS International Award for Public Safety on September 21, 2006.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office proudly graduated 22 participants in a self-defense class for women at the Hardy Center for Seniors on August 1, 2007. RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) is a 5-day, 3-hour a day class that teaches women realistic self-defense techniques, which can be used by women of all ages. The deputies were amazed at the enthusiasm and passion that the class exhibited. The age of the ladies ranged from 50 to 91. Although some of the students struggled with physical limitations and language barriers, they did not hesitate in participating and learning. One the last day of class, all the women expressed how they felt more confident with themselves than they did the week before. It was an awesome experience for everyone involved, deputies included.

Sheriff Tommy Thomas is dedicated to the program and has offered RAD classes to women in Harris County for over 10 years, free of charge. Any ladies interested in the class can contact the Sheriff's Community Services Office at 713-759-9454.

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

On June 4, 2007, at 7:59 PM, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Moore was sent to a residence in the 2600 Block of Hollymist Drive. He had been told there was a two month old child at the residence who was not breathing. He arrived within three minutes of receiving the call and found the child lying on his back on the floor. Since emergency personnel had not yet arrived, Deputy Moore immediately began to perform CPR on the infant. When Deputy Moore was told an ambulance had arrived he ran outside with the child and handed him to EMS personnel. He was told the child had begun breathing and within five minutes he was responsive and crying loudly. It was later learned that the infant’s mother had given him a bottle of milk and it is believed that he choked on the milk. When family members had been unable to help the child, they called for help.

The immediate response of Deputy Moore and his ability to perform lifesaving CPR averted what could have been a terrible tragedy. Deputy Moore said that when he first arrived at the scene the family was already preparing for the worst. He felt he had to try to do something to help this child. He said he had taken CPR training at the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy just before the birth of his own child and had paid particular attention to the segment about CPR for infants. Deputy Moore said his training “kicked in” and he knew what he needed to do. Sheriff Tommy Thomas believes in the importance of CPR training as it is part of the required curriculum taught at the Academy.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Deputies David Papa, Jeurel Sims and Norman Fitts received commendations from Sheriff Tommy Thomas for the actions they took on December 5, 2006, at 2AM, when they responded to the report of two suspicious persons in the 6400 Block of Modesto Drive. Deputy Papa was told that there were two male suspects walking through the neighborhood, attempting to burglarize cars. He was also told that there was a vehicle parked on the street that was believed to belong to one of the suspects. When Deputy Papa arrived he located the vehicle but was unable to locate any suspects. The suspects did not return to the vehicle, and after searching the neighborhood for forty minutes, the deputies returned to service.
Deputy Papa, determined to find the suspects, returned to the neighborhood at 4:15 AM. Minutes after he arrived, he saw the suspect vehicle back out of a driveway and park in front of another residence. He conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and spoke to the sole occupant who offered conflicting stories to explain his presence in the neighborhood. Deputy Papa called for additional deputies and detained the suspect. As he was conducting his investigation, he heard the sound of glass breaking, people screaming, and saw several people running from a residence next to his location. Deputies Norman Fitts and Jeurel Sims arrived to assist Deputy Papa. It was determined that they had interrupted a home invasion. While Deputy Sims remained with the first suspect, Deputies Papa, and Fitts, with no regard for their own safety, went in the backyard of the residence to prevent the escape of other suspects who might still be inside. Within minutes, a second suspect came out of the residence. When the suspect saw the deputies he began shooting in their direction. The deputies exchanged gunfire with the suspect but he was able to jump the fence and flee the scene. Both deputies narrowly escaped serious injury.
The investigation revealed that the suspect in the vehicle, along with two other suspects had just robbed the residence and had seriously injured one man in order to obtain his bank card PIN number. Detectives were able to link these suspects to numerous home invasions in Harris and Fort Bend Counties and in the City of Houston. The suspect who fired at Deputy Papa was apprehended later that day.
Due to Deputy Papa, Deputy Sims and Deputy Fitts’s diligence and tenacious pursuit of justice, two dangerous felons were taken off the streets of Harris County, making it a safer place to live. They have proven themselves worthy of this recognition because of their attention to detail and dedication to duty as they serve to protect the citizens of Harris County.

Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Sheriff Tommy Thomas would like to thank all those individuals for their effort in combating Identity Theft by participating in the Shred-It Campaign of 2007 on May 19th. The Harris County Sheriff's Office parking lot at 14350 Wallisville Road was the host location that tallied a total of 95 cars and 4 tons of shredded paper in the 3-hour period. Citizen Police Academy graduates assisted by passing out Identity Theft pamphlets geared toward the prevention of the crime. It is evident that our community wants to put a stop to the thieves that steal the identity of others through innovative methods and the success of this event is truly a step in the right direction.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office has partnered with the company, Shred-It and the following two dates are scheduled for shredding:

August 18, 2007 District IV - 16715 Clay Rd.
Katy, Texas 77084

October 27, 2007 District I - 6831 Cypresswood Dr.
Spring, Texas 77379

All Shred-It services will be provided at the above scheduled locations from 9am-12pm.

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

Deputy Rick Hutson has retired after 23 years of service with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. From the time Rick began his career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in September of 1984, his supervisors have used terms like diligent, enthusiastic, conscientious, professional, self motivated and seasoned when evaluating his performance. His reputation as a consummate professional is well earned as is the respect of his peers. Prior to his retirement he was responsible for mapping new streets and neighborhoods as well as new contracts as they were developed in his patrol district. This was no easy feat since District IV is one of the fastest growing areas in Harris County. This information is used to dispatch calls for service and to define the District IV area. Rick did this in addition to his regular duties.
For the past six months Rick has been engaged in a battle, fighting his way back from a catastrophic motorcycle accident. Rick is making remarkable progress in his recovery and should be able to return home soon. While we have only the best of wishes for Rick on his retirement, he will be missed by all of his District IV family.

Pictured are Major Terry Enloe and Captain Paul Cordova presenting Rick with his retirement badge and identification.

Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Quick thinking and immediate actions saved the life of a 20-year-old woman on the afternoon of Sunday, April 15, 2007.

Deputy B.J. Taylor responded to a disturbance call at the Timberwood Condominiums on South Thorntree Drive, where the events rapidly unfolded. As the deputy was walking up the stairs to the condo, the door quickly opened and a woman ran out screaming. The deputy then observed a tall black male running behind the female with a large knife. Deputy Taylor quickly drew his handgun and ordered the male to stop. The 23-year-old man complied by dropping the knife to the ground, and he was placed on the ground and handcuffed.

The victim advised that she and her live-in boyfriend were in the process of breaking up. His stuff was packed and he was waiting for his mother to pick him up when he became very angry, grabbed a large kitchen knife and "went crazy" making cuts on his own arm. The suspect told the woman that if he could not have, no one could. He then put the knife to her throat and told her he would kill her. At that moment, they heard footsteps coming up the stairs. The man thought it was one of her male friends, and when he turned to walk towards the front door, the woman ran past him and escaped. The footsteps they heard coming up the stairs were that of Deputy Taylor.

The assailant identified as James Mitchell was charged with Aggravated Assault on a Family Member and is being held in Harris County Jail on a $60,000 bond. Mitchell has been ordered to have no contact with the victim and an emergency protection order was granted on her behalf.

Timing is everything, and it was the timing of Deputy Taylor's arrival that possibly saved a woman's life that day. Without hesitation, the deputy quickly defused a deadly situation and brought to an end a life-threatening ordeal.

Case# HC-07-33330

Approved By: Sergeant M. Alvarado
District III Supervisor

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
District 3 Media Liaison

On May 2, 2007, in conjunction with National Dog Week, Harris County Officials dedicated a 35 acre Dog Park within the Congressman Bill Archer Park. Precinct Three Commissioner Steve Radack, Precinct Three Parks Supervisor Steve Dorman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Manager Richard Long and Dr. Dawn Blackmar, Veterinary Public Health Director, participated in the ceremony. Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas was represented by District IV Captain Paul Cordova. The park,located on State Hwy 6 across from Bear Creek Park, provides 17 acres of open space for off leash activities, a 14 acre enclosure for large dogs and a 3 acre enclosure for small dogs. Within the enclosures there is size appropriate playground equipment and “dog biscuit” shaped lakes for cooling off after a workout. There are drinking fountains for people and dogs as well. Amenities include abundant shade trees, shade canopies, over a mile of walking trails and park benches. It was difficult to determine who enjoyed the park more, the four legged friends or their owners.

Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison


Pictured:
District IV Captain Paul Cordova and newly appointed Precinct V Constable, Phil Camus.

Sheriff Tommy Thomas is dedicated to the success of Junior Achievement (JA), and for 10 years running, he has made deputies available to teach the JA curriculum countywide.

Deputy G. Luna recently taught JA to 27 Third Grade students at Cloverleaf Elementary. JA is a curriculum-based program that helps to educate and inspire youth about free enterprise, business and economics. The third graders from Ms. Mantilla's and Ms. Correa's class received instruction from the "Our City" packet, which highlighted entrepreneurship, city planning/zoning and banking procedures. Deputy Luna said the students really got a kick out of writing checks and role-playing. On April 30, 2007, the students received Certificates of Completion at the end of the 5-day program.

Prepared By:
Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas has offered a self defense classes to the women of Harris County for over ten years, free of charge. A group of ladies from the Katy area joined the ever growing numbers of RAD graduates last night. The class of twenty-four attended five nights of classes held at the American Kids Academy. Four nights were spent learning and practicing self defense techniques. The last night they were afforded the opportunity to use what they learned in controlled exercises that simulated some of the situations women are most likely to encounter.

Pictured are: Deputy Paul Brown and Deputy Dolores Ecquivel

Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison, District IV

Sheriff Tommy Thomas would like to thank all those individuals that came out to the first of four stops of the Shred-It Campaign of 2007 on March 24th. The Harris County Sheriff's Office parking lot at 7900 Will Clayton Pkwy was the host location that tallied a record number of 247 vehicles in the 3-hour period. It is evident that our community wants to put a stop to the thieves that steal the identity of others throug innovative methods. The 6 tons of documents that were shredded at this event is truly a start in the right direction.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office has partnered with the company, Shred-It and the following three dates are scheduled for shredding:

May 19, 2007 District III 14350 Wallisville Rd.

August 18, 2007 District IV 16715 Clay Rd., Katy

October 27, 2007 District I 6831 Cypresswood Dr., Spring

All Shred-It services will be provided at the above scheduled locations from 9am-12pm.

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

A white Isuzu utility box truck bearing an Alabama license plate was found to contain about 1,085 pounds of marijuana and over $36,000 in cash.

On Saturday, March 10, 2007, Deputies C. Kowis and J. O'Brien were working drug interdiction along the east IH-10 corridor. The deputies stopped a truck after observing it make several unsafe lane changes without signaling and nearly striking another motorist when doing so. As the deputies neared the rear of the truck, they immediately smelled a pungent odor of fresh marijuana around the cargo area. The driver was identified as 34-year-old Phillip Farley of Quinton, Alabama and the passenger was 45-year-old Doroty Lewis of Beaumont, Texas. Both seemed extremely nervous and gave conflicting accounts as to why they were in the Houston area.

Deputy Hoyt arrived on the scene with his canine partner "Rocco". The certified narcotic detecting dog displayed two positive alerts at the rear cargo door of the vehicle to his handler. Upon opening the cargo door, deputies discovered 14 cardboard boxes containing 58 bundles of marijuana, along with the large sum of money. Narcotic investigators estimate the street value of the marijuana to exceed $2.6 million. Both Farley and Lewis are each being held in the Harris County Jail on $5 million bonds awaiting trial.

The professional experience of both, Deputies Kowis and O'Brien, prevented the distribution of the marijuana to our Harris County streets. Kudos to both on a job well done!

Case# 07-17861

Approved By: Sergeant R. Groves,
Patrol District III Supervisor

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan,
Media Liaison

Pictured standing in front of the marijuana is Deputy Kowis and Deputy O'Brien holding the bags of cash.
Kneeling in the foreground is Deputy Hoyt and his canine partner "Rocco".

When Rhonda Momon, with Alief FamilyYMCA, called the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Community Services Storefront in Mission Bend to invite Deputy D. Esquivel to come pick up some stuffed animals she had collected from members, Deputy Esquivel had no idea what she would find when she got there. Ms. Momon had collected close to 200 stuffed animals in all shapes, sizes and colors. There were bears, rabbits, pigs, a lion and even a pony. These stuffed animals are made available to deputies to keep in their patrol cars to give to children who may have been involved in car accidents or other situation children may find frightening or stressful.

Pictured are: Deputy D. Esquivel, Rhonda Momon, Leo Lopez


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison, District IV

On March 1, 2007, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Huey Townley responded to a call concerning a vehicle that had driven into a community lake in the Lakes of Eldridge Subdivision. Within minutes of receiving the call Deputy Townley arrived at the scene. Witnesses told him they saw a female driver who had apparently lost control of her vehicle, plunged into the lake and was submerged in nine to ten feet of water. Deputy Townley saw two citizens standing in what appeared to be waist deep water about fifty feet from the shore. He quickly realized they were, in fact, standing on the roof of the vehicle. Deputy Townley used a small boat to reach the submerged vehicle. Once he located the driver’s side door he took a deep breath and entered the murky water. He was able to find the female driver’s body and free her from the vehicle. When he brought her to the surface she was unconscious. With the assistance of the two citizens he was able to hoist her into the boat and take her to the shore. Fortunately, when he reached the shore, Cy-Fair EMS was waiting and immediately began lifesaving efforts. She was transported to an area hospital in critical condition but has since recovered and has been released. Deputy Townley said “I felt a lot of fear that we wouldn’t get her out in time. It seemed like it took forever. ” He also added, “ I am certainly glad my parents made sure I learned how to swim”.

Deputy Townley acted without hesitation and with no regard for his own safety to aid the driver in what he knew to be a life threatening situation. The two citizens who assisted Deputy Townley in this heroic effort are also to be commended for their actions. Deputy Townley’s actions are a testament to his professionalism and commitment to the community he has sworn to serve.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison, District IV

Area community activist Annette Baldwin, a tireless advocate of law enforcement, has been selected to receive the Crime Stoppers Leiv Platou Award. Mrs. Baldwin is an enthusiastic supporter of the community and law enforcement. She has volunteered countless hours in the effort to lower crime in the West portion of unincorporated Harris County.

Mrs. Baldwin was instrumental in initiating the crime watch program in the Westlake/Westlake Forest subdivision in the early 1990s. Her efforts led to the subdivision participating in Sheriff Thomas’ Contract Deputy Program. She then turned her attention to the creation of F.R.A.N.C.O. (Fry Road Area and Neighboring Communities Organization) in 1994. F.R.A.N.C.O. held meetings with the Sheriff’s Office, surrounding subdivisions and community leaders with the goal of increasing the number of Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies in the West section of Harris County and throughout unincorporated Harris County. Mrs. Baldwin has taken her concerns to Commissioner’s Court and the State Legislature, speaking to both about the need to increase funding for the Sheriff’s Office.

Mrs. Baldwin has conducted numerous presentations to subdivision board members and business leaders concerning crime and the steps that could be taken to help support local law enforcement. She has worked to establish an active list of citizens, community leaders, business owners and subdivision board members for the Sheriff’s Office Interactive Group and attends meetings regularly. Mrs. Baldwin encouraged District IV to become more aggressive in the enforcement of nuisance abatement laws to deal with junk vehicles and abandoned houses that were being used for illegal activity. What started as a suggestion has resulted in over 120 junked vehicles being either removed or brought in compliance with State Law.

Mrs. Baldwin helped build the first web site for District IV, which was utilized until the Sheriff’s Office established a web site for all patrol districts. She assisted the Sheriff’s Office in creating a video presentation to help explain to the citizens of Harris County the different functions and divisions within the Sheriff’s Office and how each operates. When the patrol Districts established a media deputy for the districts, Mrs. Baldwin again offered her assistance and worked closely with these deputies to help them understand how articles should be written to ensure that they are published. She has helped the District IV media deputy establish contacts with the local news papers. Mrs. Baldwin is still writing letters, making telephone calls and visiting with elected officials on the county and state level to promote a safer community.

Mrs. Baldwin worked on the committee that helped establish the Katy Christian Ministries Domestic Violence Program. She attended Sheriff Thomas’ Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class and has actively promoted the R.A.D. program to civic associations, organizations, subdivisions and business clubs. She was involved in Sheriff Thomas’ KOPS program helping deputies recruit children, involving parents and even aided the deputies with field trips. She works actively with victims of crime in the West portion of Harris County through M.A.D.D., Compassionate Friends and other organizations.

After attending the Harris County Sheriffs Office Citizen’s Police Academy, Mrs. Baldwin became the president of the Harris County Sheriffs Office - West District Alumni Association, serving until 1999. She used her relationship with F.R.A.N.C.O. and the CPA Alumni Association to help raise funds for items needed by the deputies utilizing the Fry Road Store Front

Upon learning of this award Mrs. Baldwin said,” It has been very rewarding to make a contribution to these programs that have served to create a solid bridge between the citizens and the department. Many outstanding people both in the Sheriff’s Office and in the community have touched my life over the years. It has always been a special honor and privilege to work with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. I am very grateful that the Sheriff’s Office nominated me for this award and humbled that Crime Stoppers selected me as the recipient. This is, indeed, an honor.”

Mrs. Baldwin’s enthusiastic support of the community and law enforcement makes hers deserving of this recognition.

Pictured: Captain Paul Cordova, Annette Baldwin, Lieutenant John Parker


Prepared BY:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

The Harris County Sheriff's Office co-sponsored a Car Seat Check with Safe Kids in the parking lot of Wal-Mart on the North Freeway at West Road on Wednesday, February 7, 2007. Parents were instructed by deputies how to properly restrain their childen, to keep them safe during a car crash. Deputies checked a total of 25 seats, destroyed 6 and replaced 11. Statistics show that 4 out of 5 car seats are used improperly. For more information on upcoming car seat events and locations, call the Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention office at 713-759-9454.

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

Sheriff Tommy Thomas is dedicated to the success of Junior Achievement and for 10 years running, has made deputies assigned to Crime Prevention and the Storefront available to teach the JA curriculum county-wide. Each year JA provides the curriculum based economic business education program to the students of North Forest ISD Lakewood Elementary at the request of Principal Jerrell Purvis and his teachers.

"A Day with JA" is a special Junior Achievement delivery method that facilitates the partnership between a business organization and a school. Like all JA programs, volunteers involved in this program help to educatate and inspire youth about free enterprise, business and economics. "A Day with JA" is different from other JA programs only in that the entire JA elementary school program is covered in the course of one day in the school.

The need for volunteers is so great in the North Forest ISD area that Junior Achievement has found organizing the program for one day (as opposed to 5 weeks) works out better for the volunteers.

Gordon Robertson, JA Senior Operations Manager of Southeast Texas, states that without the help of the 12 Deputy volunteers from the Harris County Sheriff's Office (coordinated by Deputy Ed Aldridge), the children in this area may not have had the opportunity to benefit from the positive influence of the County Sheriff's so directly. Indeed, JA is an education program that through the volunteers, mentors students in becoming the best they can possibly achieve.

On February 8th, all grade levels K-5 were served (32 classes and involving approximately 534 students) by 35 volunteers. Accompanying the Sheriff's Office as volunteers were Capital One Bank, Avaya, Inc. and Junior Achievement of South East Texas. JA anticipates impacting over 172,000 young people in 2006/07 and continually need more volunteers. For more information about Junior Achievement and how to become a volunteer, go to website http://www.ja.org or call 713-682-4500.

Posted By: Deputy K. Jordan

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy David Papa has been nominated for the Katy Elks Lodge #2628 Peace Officer Award. His nomination is the result of the actions he took on December 5, 2006, at 2AM, when he and other deputies responded to the report of two suspicious persons in the 6400 Block of Modesto Drive. Deputy Papa was told that there were two male suspects walking through the neighborhood, attempting to burglarize cars. He was also told that there was a vehicle parked on the street that was believed to belong to one of the suspects. When Deputy Papa arrived he located the vehicle but was unable to locate any suspects. The suspects did not return to the vehicle, and after searching the neighborhood for forty minutes, the deputies returned to service.

Deputy Papa, determined to find the suspects, returned to the neighborhood at 4:15 AM. Minutes after he arrived, he saw the suspect vehicle back out of a driveway and park in front of another residence. He conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and spoke to the sole occupant who offered conflicting stories to explain his presence in the neighborhood. Deputy Papa called for additional deputies and detained the suspect. As he was conducting his investigation, he heard the sound of glass breaking, people screaming, and saw several people running from a residence next to his location. The deputies determined they had interrupted a home invasion. While Deputy Sims remained with the first suspect, Deputies Papa, and Fitts, with no regard for their own safety, went in the backyard of the residence to prevent the escape of other suspects who might still be inside. Within minutes, a second suspect came out of the residence. When the suspect saw the deputies he began shooting in their direction. The deputies exchanged gunfire with the suspect but he was able to jump the fence and flee the scene. Both deputies narrowly escaped serious injury.

The investigation revealed that the suspect in the vehicle, along with two other suspects had just robbed the residence and had seriously injured one man in order to obtain his bank card PIN number. Detectives were able to link these suspects to numerous home invasions in Harris and Fort Bend Counties and in the City of Houston. The suspect who fired at Deputy Papa was apprehended later that day.

Due to Deputy Papa’s diligence and tenacious pursuit of justice, two dangerous felons were taken off the streets of Harris County, making it a safer place to live. He has proven himself worthy of this recognition because of his attention to detail and dedication to duty as he serves to protect the citizens of Harris County.


Prepared By:
Deputy Diann Johnson
Media Liaison, District IV

District IV welcomes Lieutenant Max Turner as the newest member of the command staff. Lieutenant Turner began his career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in December of 1991. He was initially assigned to the Support Services Bureau, where he worked as a Clerk in the Law Library at the now defunct 1301 Detention Facility. In November of 1993, he became a Detention Officer and was assigned to both the 1301 and 701 Detention Facilities. He graduated from the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy, Class B1-95, and became a Deputy in May of 1995. He remained in the Detention Bureau until his transfer to the Patrol Bureau in March of 1997. He was assigned to District I until November of 1999, when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a Sergeant he was assigned to the 1301 Detention Facility after which he transferred to the Inmate Processing Command in January of 2000. While assigned there, he worked in Booking and Releasing, Probable Cause Court and Inmate Records. In 2004, he returned to the Patrol Bureau with the opening of District 5 and remained there until his promotion to Lieutenant. Lieutenant Turner holds a Master Peace Officer’s License, a TCLEOSE Instructors License and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Houston.

Lieutenant Turner and his wife, Melody, have three children, a daughter, Lauren 13, and two sons, Max III 14, and Jackson 5. He enjoys sports activities, church, and spending time with his family.

Congratulations to Lieutenant Turner on his promotion.


Prepared by:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Deputy B.J. Taylor responded to a call for loud music at the Highlands Apartments located at 410 South Main and was backed by Deputy S. Keller. The deputies observed an unoccupied green S-10 pickup running, with the windows down and loud rap music bursting from the speakers. Several people were outside and told deputies which apartment the driver of the truck was visiting. Just as the deputies were about to knock, a Hispanic male opened the door to exit the apartment and two other Hispanic males were seated just inside the door. A very strong odor of burning marijuana was coming from the apartment and sitting on the coffee table in plain view was a clear plastic storage bag containing marijuana.

All three men were quickly detained and the apartment was searched for other occupants. It was clear that the drugs were being prepared for distribution because deputies found a laundry basket full of individual storage bags containing marijuana and cocaine. All in all, deputies recovered 26.2 pounds of marijuana that has a street value of over $12,000 and 481 grams of cocaine with a street value of about $24,000. All three men were arrested. They are Luis Esparza (18) the apartment resident and visitors Cesar Escobar (25) of Houston and Jose Puntes (19) of Crosby. Escobar and Puntes have already been sentenced to 180 days in the Harris County Jail for Possession of Marijuana. Esparza is being held on no bonds on charges of Possession of Marijuana and Manufacture and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. His next court date is set for January 2007.

Deputy B.J. Taylor is pictured with the confiscated drugs.

Approved By: Sergeant M. Alvarado
Patrol District III
Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

In what appears to be an unprecedented occurrence, Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas has promoted eight deputies from one district to the rank of sergeant in the past three months. We have always known District IV deputies were a cut above the rest. On October 28th, twelve deputies were promoted and six of those came from District IV. The six include; Deputies William Campbell, Scott Gill, Samuel Hayes, Gale Johnson, James Flynt and James Parrish.

William Campbell began his career in law enforcement with the Kansas State Police Department in 1980. In June of 1983, he joined the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. In August of 1983, he challenged and passed the licensing exam to receive his Texas Peace Officer’s License. His assignments have included Housing, Booking and Receiving, Central Records, Bonding and the jail ward at Ben Taub Hospital. William transferred to the Patrol Bureau in 1995 and was assigned to District IV where he remained until his promotion to the rank of Sergeant. William holds a Master Peace Officer’s License and a Master Jailer’s License. He is a member of the Harris County Deputies Association and was one of the first to serve as a Steward. He is also a life member of the National Rifle Association. Sergeant Campbell and his wife, Lourdes, have two daughters Samantha, 30 and Rachel, 22. He enjoys skeet shooting, hunting, riding motorcycles and spending time with his family.

Scott Gill began his career in law enforcement with Harris County in August 0f 1980. In 1982, he left Harris County to work for the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department. In October of 1991, Scott returned to Harris County where his assignments included the Detention Bureau, Support Services Bureau and the Field Operations Support Bureau. In January of 1999, he was transferred to the Patrol Bureau, District IV, where he was a Field Training Officer. Scott holds a Master Peace Officer’s License and an Instructor’s License. He is married and has two children, ages 16 and 19. His oldest is a student at the University of Houston. Scott enjoys traveling with his family.

Samuel Hayes began his career with Harris County in October of 1991. He completed the University of Houston’s Basic Peace Officer’s in 1993 and graduated in the top 10% of his class. His first assignment was to the Detention Bureau until 1997 when he was transferred to the Patrol Bureau. He was assigned to District I until 2001 when he transferred to District IV. While he was assigned to the Patrol Bureau, he received many commendations including one for bravery. He was able to successfully disarm a suicidal woman who was brandishing a knife to her throat. Deputy Hayes remained in District IV until his promotion to Sergeant. Sergeant Hayes and his wife Angela have a son, Samuel twelve years-old, and a daughter, Samera four years-old. He enjoys sports and spending time with his family.

In October of 1991, Gale Johnson joined the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to the Detention Bureau where he remained until his transfer to the Patrol Bureau in September of 1995. In 1997, Gale became a Field Training Officer until his promotion to Sergeant. He holds an Advance Peace Officer’s License, an Instructor’s License, a Crisis Intervention Certificate and an Accident Instructor’s Certificate, levels I and II. Gale and his wife Lisa have five children, Kristen 19, timothy 17, Heaven 14, Sierra 10 and Sydney 6. He enjoys working on classic cars and camping with his family.

James Flynt began his career with Harris County in October of 1991, and was assigned to the Detention Bureau. He graduated from the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy in 1994, Class B2-94. In August of 1998, James transferred to the Patrol Bureau. He became a Field Training Officer in January of 2001 and received his Instructor’s License in March of that year. He remained in District IV until his promotion to Sergeant.

James Parrish began his career with Harris County in December of 1992. He was assigned to the Detention Bureau until February of 1998 when he was transferred to the Patrol Bureau, District IV. He has an Advanced Peace Officer License and is a Rape Aggression Defense Instructor. He and his wife Erika have three children, K.J., six years-old, and twins, Charles and Thomas, three years-old.

While they will be missed, we wish them all the best of luck.


Prepared By:
Deputy Diann Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

At approximately, 8:11 a.m., on Thursday, November 30, 2006, a Harris County Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 14700 block of Woodforest Blvd. at the East Sam Houston Pkwy for an Unsafe Lane Change. Once Deputy B. McNabb made contact with the driver, the driver became uncooperative as far as providing a valid TDL or ID, and fled the scene in the vehicle. Deputy McNabb gave chase and the pursuit ended on Fargo Wood Circle. The suspect fled the scene on foot with a handgun in hand, but was apprehended after dropping the gun while attempting to scale a fence.

The suspect was transported to the Wallisville Substation where he was fingerprinted and identified as Noe Vences, dob 11/14/87 using the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). AFIS revealed that Vences was wanted by HPD for a murder he allegedly committed in February 2006. The registered owner of the vehicle that Vences was driving during the traffic stop/pursuit was contacted, and the owner advised that Vences car-jacked him on Old Spanish Trail approximately 45 minutes before Vences was apprehended. The Harris County Sheriff's Office charged Vences with Felony Evading, Unauthorized Carrying of a Weapon, and other charges are pending. Vences also has several charges pending regarding a crime spree that took place within the City of Houston prior to his arrest. Vences has admitted to being in the United States illegally.

Deputy McNabb is to be commended for safely taking this Murder suspect off the streets of Harris County and ending a crime spree.

This Thanksgiving, forty families will have one more thing to be thankful for. With the help of sponsors, donations and fundraisers, Sheriff Tommy Thomas' Aldine Community Storefront has once again put the needs of the community first. Forty families were the recipients of Thanksgiving Dinner boxes, which included a turkey and all the trimmings. HEB Food Pantry (Aldine Mail @ Aldine Westfield) allowed the storefront to purchase the 40 dinners at a discounted price. Storefront deputies sought the assistance of Aldine counselors and nurses in choosing deserving families. Deputy Roy wants to thank all those who helped in making this annual event a tremendous success. Preparations are already underway for adopting families at Christmas.

Deputy L. Bumpers is pictured with Ruth Pena and Amalia Pena accepting their dinners at the storefront (5202 Aldine Mail Rt).

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas’ Citizen’s Police Academy, Class #22, held their graduation ceremony on Tuesday, November 14, 2006, at the Second Baptist Church, 19449 Katy Freeway. Class #22, with its roster of 46 students, represents one of the largest classes ever conducted. The guest speaker, the Honorable Brock Thomas, Presiding Judge of the 338th Harris County Criminal District Court and son of Sheriff Tommy Thomas, commended the graduates for the commitment they made by attending and completing the class. He spoke about the importance of the role they will be able to play in their communities through the partnership with law enforcement developed as a result of this class.

The ceremony represented the culmination of an eleven week program designed to give the participants a working knowledge of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The program consisted of a series of interactive classes designed to give the students a better understanding of how police services are conducted in their community, and see “how and why” officers make some of the decisions they do as they perform their duties. There were guest instructors who covered some of the basic aspects of law enforcement such as Texas Penal Code, Case Law, Domestic Violence, Gang Awareness, Terrorism, and Patrol Procedures. The students were given the opportunity to participate in scenarios where they, acting as police officers, were confronted with domestic disputes, intoxicated drivers and belligerent passengers. Upon completion of the class and with prior approval, students will be able to ride with a deputy.

Sheriff Thomas encourages citizens to become involved in their communities and offers the Citizens Police Academy, to the public free of charge, as an avenue to do that.

For information on upcoming academy classes contact the Community Services Division of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-225-3273.

Harris County Precinct One Commissioner El Franco Lee hosted his 14th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Senior Citizens at the Reliant Center on November 16, 2006. Precinct One employees and volunteers helped prepare trays catered by Pappas Bar-B-Que. Sheriff Tommy Thomas of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office showed his support of the event by providing deputies for the event, offering their services to the 2,200+ participating seniors. Some deputies assisted the seniors with safety maneuvering around the buses outside, while others helped with the doors and general information.




Prepared By:
Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

Posted By:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Harris County Precinct One Commissioner El Franco Lee hosted his 14th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for Senior Citizens at the Reliant Center on November 16, 2006. Precinct One employees and volunteers helped prepare trays catered by Pappa's Bar-B-Q. Sheriff Tommy Thomas of the Harris County Sheriff's Office showed his support of the event by providing deputies for the event, offering their services to the 2,200+ participating seniors. Some deputies assisted the seniors with safety maneuvering around the buses outside, while others helped with the doors and general information.

Pictured are Deputies L. Evans, M. Anderson and J. McGowen at the event.

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison
Districts II & III

Worsham Elementary was the recipient of yet another educational program provided by Sheriff Tommy Thomas' deputies. Deputy Roy of the Harris County Sheriff's Aldine Community Storefront recently completed teaching a Junior Achievement Curriculum to the entire Second Grade class at Worsham. Nine classes, totaling 182 students, were instructed on How A Community Works over five, 45 minute sessions. They were taught about taxes, the role of government employees and voting, just to name a few. Certificates, donuts and prizes were handed out during their last session. This brought about sadness on JA graduation day when the second graders realized Deputy Roy had completed his instruction. However, he assured them, they had not seen the last of him. Deputy Roy continues to grace them with his presence during their lunch time. The Dine With A Deputy program offers students a chance to interact with deputies in a non-formal setting, allowing time for conversation not achieved in the classroom. Deputy Roy wants the students to stay safe over the holidays and looks forward to dining with them after the break.

Prepared By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

One the many community oriented programs Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas actively supports is the Promise to Read. It is designed to enlist area professionals to spend thirty minutes in the classrooms reading to students. The program reinforces the importance of reading and encourages community involvement in public schools. Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Dolores Esquivel, who is assigned to the Community Services Division, had the opportunity to participate in the program at two schools in the Katy Independent School District this week.

Wednesday she went to Nottingham Elementary School and read to Mrs. Bettes’ second grade class. Deputy Esquivel read a chapter from a book the class had been reading and then gave the class the chance to ask questions. Most of the questions were about her uniform and her duty weapon. This gave her the opportunity to reinforce gun safety rules the students must follow should they find a firearm.

On Thursday, Deputy Esquivel read to Ms. Watson’s fifth grade class at Wolfe Elementary School. The story was different but the questions were the same, which again gave Deputy Esquivel the opportunity to reinforce gun safety with the older students. When the time came for Deputy Esquivel to leave, one of the student said “Leave, You just got here!” making it apparent that the class enjoyed having her there.

Sheriff Thomas believes programs like Promise to Read provides the opportunity for the students to have a positive experience with an officer in law enforcement that will leave a lasting impression.

Sergeant Jesse Razo is the latest addition to the District IV roster. He began his career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in March of 1991, where he was assigned to the 1301 Jail Facility. He graduated from the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy in January of 1993, Class #B1-93. He was assigned to the Inmate Processing Center where he worked in Booking and Releasing and Probable Cause Court. He graduated from Class #2 of the Emergency Response Team in May of 1995. In October of 1995, he transferred to the Patrol Bureau and was assigned to District I. In October of 2002, he was transferred to the Detective Bureau as an investigator in the Internal Affairs Division. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2004, and was assigned to the Detention Bureau. In April of 2005, he was transferred to Central Patrol and was assigned to the Parks Division. In May of 2005, he was assigned to the Criminal Investigative Unit where he remained until his transfer in September of 2006, to District IV.

Sergeant Razo has a Master Peace Office’s Certificate, a Bicycle Patrol Certificate and a Bilingual Certificate.

Sergeant Razo and his wife Cynthia have one son, Nicholas, 2 years-old. He enjoys jogging, playing softball and spending time with his family.

One of District IV’s finest has been promoted to the rank of sergeant. Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas made it official when he presented Sergeant Marvin Brown with his badge and identification.

Sergeant Brown began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in May of 1988 and was assigned to the Detention Bureau. In 1999 he transferred to the Patrol Bureau and was assigned to District IV. During his time in the district he was recognized for his outstanding job performance twice by then District IV Captain S. Nixon. He has his advanced peace officer’s license.

Sergeant Brown enjoys working out, traveling and spending time with his three children. We congratulate Sergeant Brown on his promotion and although he will be missed in the district, we wish him the best of luck.

On Tuesday October 10, 2006, Deputy Richard Goffner was leaving the Clay Road Substation, when he noticed a vehicle traveling northbound in the 4300 block of Highway 6 North. There were three adult males in the vehicle and a large television in the back seat. As Deputy Goffner followed the vehicle, all three of the occupants began making suspicious movements to see if he was following them. The vehicle made a sudden u-turn, in an apparent attempt to elude the deputy. Deputy Goffner checked the license plate of the vehicle and discovered that it had been reported stolen from Beaumont, Texas. Immediately, Deputy Goffner turned in the same direction of the suspect vehicle. The suspects, seeing Deputy Goffner behind them, pulled into a parking lot and jumped out in an attempt to avoid him. Deputy Goffner maintained visual contact with the suspects while broadcasting their description and direction of travel to responding units. He was able to apprehend two of the suspects. With the assistance of responding officers, the third suspect was apprehended at a nearby business.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the suspects were attempting to pawn a stolen television. All three occupants had felony fugitive warrants out of Jefferson County. The driver of the stolen vehicle was in possession of a small amount of narcotics.

Deputy Goffner is to be commended for his attention to detail and dedication to duty as he serves to protect the citizens of Harris County.

Sergeant Garcia began his career with the Harris County Sheriff's Office in March of 1987. While sponsored by Liberty County, he attended the Basic Peace Officer's class #B4-86 at the Harris County Sheriff's Academy and graduated in December of 1986. Danny holds an Advanced Peace Officer Certificate, a TCLEOSE Instructor's License and is a certified Field Training Officer.

Sergeant Garcia was first assigned to the Harris County Detention Center on Atascocita Road where he worked in the kitchen. In March of 1997, he transferred to the Patrol Bureau in District II and later worked for the Weed and Seed Task Force Unit in 2000. In 2001, he became a Field Training Officer on evening shift in District II. He is currently assigned to the 701 Jail Facility.

Sergeant Garcia has a 16-year-old son, Daniel Lynn. He enjoys hunting, traveling and spending time with his son.

Congratulations to Sergeant Garcia on his promotion.

Deputy Cook began his career with the Harris County Sheriff's Office in December of 1992. He attended the University of Houston Basic Peace Officer Academy and graduated in December of 1993. Jimmie holds an Advanced Peace Officer certificate, TCLEOSE Instructor's License, is a certified Field Training Officer, and is an ALERRT Instructor.

Deputy Cook was first assigned to the 1301 Franklin jail facility and worked various floors prior to transferring to the Inmate Processing Center in 1994. Jimmie worked at IPC until September of 1995 and was transferred to Patrol and worked in District III. In August of 2001, Jimmie transferred to this current assignment in Central Patrol to the Hot Spot unit, which is now called the Crime Control Division. Jimmie was also a member of the Harris County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard from 1993 to 1996. Jimmie is currently assigned to the 701 Detention Facility on evening shift.

Jimmie received the Pasadena Area Rotary Club Award for Outstanding Service to the community and a Unit Citation from the Sheriff's Office while assigned to the Harris County Sheriff's Honor Guard.

Deputy Cook and his wife, Vanessa, have a son and a daughter, Justin, 8, and Hannah, 4. He enjoys spending time with his family, which includes golfing and traveling.

Congratulations to Deputy Cook on his promotion to Sergeant.

Posted By: Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

On October 7, 2006, the Greater Highlands and Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce awarded Deputy John K. Guthrie as Officer of the Year. Deputy Guthrie has been employed with the Harris County Sheriff's Office since 1991 and has been assigned to the District 3 Burglary Apprehension Response Squad since 2002.

Deputy Guthrie was nominated, by District 3 Commander Captain Mike Talton, for his role in solving a burglary spree. Between August and November 2005, the Meadow Lake Subdivision and Highlands area were victimized by a series of over 20 residential burglaries.

Deputy John Guthrie was assigned as the lead investigator for these cases. Deputy Guthrie detected similarities in each of these cases and began investigating it as possibly the work of one serial suspect. Deputy Guthrie's analysis proved to be correct when physical evidence in the form of fingerprints came back to one suspect. With this suspect identified by fingerprints, he was able to put together a series of photographic lineups and witnesses were able to identify the suspect. After securing an arrest warrant for the suspect, Deputy Guthrie had Crime Stopper Posters printed and distributed in the Meadow Lake and Highlands area. His hard work resulted in the arrest of the suspect on November 13, 2005. As to be expected, the burglary rate for the effected area plummeted.

On September 11, 2006, faced with the possibility of a 99-year sentence, the suspect plead guilty to the burglaries in exchange for a 30-year sentence.

Deputy John Guthrie is a decided asset to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. His dedication and diligence render him worthy of recognition. The citizens of the Highlands area can rest easier knowing that Deputy Guthrie is on the job.

Captain Talton is pictured congratulating Deputy Guthrie after receiving his Officer of the Year Award.

Prepared By: Captain M. Talton, District 3 Commander
Deputy K. Jordan, Media Liaison

On Tuesday, October 17, Deputy T. Rauch was responding to a traffic accident in the 2200 Block of Mission Mill Circle, where a truck had reportedly run into a fence, when he saw a man standing on the median down from the accident. The deputy continued to the location of the reported accident and found a white Ford truck with no driver or passenger. He returned to the location where he had seen the unidentified man and found him still standing there. It was determined that he was the driver of the abandoned truck. The suspect, identified as Daniel Baldaras 26 of Katy, told the deputy he was trying to “get away from the guys shooting at him” and ran into the fence. Deputy Rauch checked Baldaras for possible weapons and found $470 in various denominations in one of his pockets. When he checked the truck he found what would later be determined to be 15.7 grams of cocaine. Baldaras was also in possession of a small amount of marijuana and white pills believed to Zanax. He was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance and is currently being held in the Harris County Jail on a $30,000 Bond.


Prepared by:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies Jan Brown and Sheila Enloe demonstrated Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) techniques for a class of Memorial Area Business Women. The women, who all are business owners, have found themselves in situations where they work alone, and they choose a proactive approach to self defense by taking advantage of the R.A.D. program offered by Sheriff Tommy Thomas, free of charge to the public. The students were taught that the first step to personal safety is to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Being aware reduces opportunity, and without opportunity the chance of becoming a victim is greatly reduced. On the last night students participated in practical exercises where they were able to use the techniques they had been taught.

For further information about the R.A.D. program call the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Community Services Division at 713- 759- 9454.

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas is pleased to announce the graduation of the latest Rape Aggression Defense class (R.A.D.). The class was held at the Chinese Community Center where nineteen women took the first step toward personal safety by learning basic self-defense skills. The students were taught that they must be aware of their surroundings at all times. Being aware reduces opportunity and without opportunity the chance of becoming a victim is greatly reduced. The class meets for five nights, three hours a night and concludes with a simulation exercise where the students are able to use the techniques they have learned.

Sheriff Thomas actively supports the R.A.D. Program and offers it to the public free of charge. For further information contact the Sheriff’s Office, Community Services Division at 713-759-9454.


Prepared by:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Sheriff Tommy Thomas is committed to the safety of the children of Harris County. A citizen of the Aldine Community voiced a concern with the downtown office of the Sheriff's Office regarding school zone violations along Aldine Mail Route. This complaint was forwarded to District II Commander Captain Tommy Wilson who quickly addressed the problem. Morning and evening units were ordered to work the school zones near Oleson Elementary, Hambrick Middle and Mac Arthur High School during the entire week of September 18th.

The effort was successful, with over 60 violations cited. Citations ranged from no TDL, no liability insurance, expired inspection and registrations to numerous speeding violations. The deputies also observed two of the three school zones to have malfunctioning flashing signal lights. Appropriate authorities were contacted to correct the problems. Captain Wilson hopes that this directed patrol will serve as a reminder to drivers that school is in session. "The safety of our students is a priority with the Sheriff's Office". He further stated: "We are committed to this effort and when motorist become lax in compliance in the future, we will continue to deploy patrol units to the problem areas".

The residents of the Meadowlake Village Subdivision can rest peacefully again, knowing that the man that wreaked havoc in their subdivision in 2005 is behind bars for awhile. Harold Floyd Cohen was sentenced to 30 years on September 11th, in the 180th Criminal District Court.

Harold Cohen was linked to 20 burglaries in and around Meadowlake Village from March to November of 2005. The Harris County Sheriff's Office Burglary Apprehension Response Squad (BARS) of District III worked vigorously at solving this series of residential burglaries.

Several breaks in the case occurred when fingerprints were lifted at the scene of two burglaries. Latent lab results indicated that the prints belonged to Harold Cohen. Another case was solved when the homeowner identified him in a photos spread.

Crime Stopper fliers led deputies to Cohen and he was arrested without incident.

All of the incriminating evidence was compiled and presented to the Harris County Assistant District Attorney. With the array of evidence before him, Harold Floyd Cohen opted not to go to trial and struck a deal with prosecutors. On September 11, 2006, Cohen pled guilty and accepted a 30 year sentence for the burglaries.

The collaborative efforts of the District III BARS Unit, Patrol Deputies, Crime Analyst and Crime Stoppers led to justice being served on Harold Cohen. This was truly a job well done by all.

Pictured left to right are the Sheriff's personnel that brought this case to justice. Deputies A. Frazier, D. McCool, Sgt. R. Manning, Deputies K. Sims, J. Lewis, Richard Dorman (Crime Analyst) and Deputy J. Guthrie.

Not Pictured are Deputies R. Rincon and B. Zigmont.

Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison
District III

On September 11, 2006, the Northwest Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Flag Ceremony at the Cypresswood Courthouse Annex. The ceremony was held in remembrance of those lost in the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to District 1 were in attendance along with several Precinct 4 Deputies and Cypress Creek EMS. Standing near by, Stephen Cookus, a junior from Klein Collins High School, played Taps on the trumpet. As the flags were being raised, all uniformed deputies and several civilian by-standers stood at attention. It was a somber moment as all reflected on the tragic event where so many lost there lives.

Deputy C. Fisher
MEDIA LIAISON
DISTRICT I & V

On September 16, Deputy Juan Gallegos stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the 5300 Block of Barker Cypress. The first thing the driver said to him was that there were no drugs in the car. Since this seemed an odd thing to say, the deputy checked the identification of all the occupants in the car. Deputy Gallegos found that the passenger, Leo Maguder 24 of Katy, had eleven outstanding warrants for his arrest from another agency. After the deputy took custody of Maguder, the driver of the vehicle told him that if he was going to take Maguder to jail he needed his gun too. He told the deputy that Maguder had shown him the gun and then put it in the truck. The Deputy recovered a 9mm handgun, fully loaded, from the trunk. Maguder was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in addition to the eleven outstanding warrants.




Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

On September 16, Deputy Brady Pullen recognized a juvenile who had been reported as a runaway walking in the 4200 Block of Scone. The juvenile, 16 of Katy, gave the deputy a fictitious name. The deputy was able to identify him from a runaway poster and found that he also had an out of County warrant for Felony Burglary of a Habitation. The juvenile was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center.


Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office participated in a national bilingual initiative to educate the Spanish speaking community in the Houston / Harris County area about the importance of child safety seats and seat belts. This event is the result of the collaboration between the National Latino Children’s Institute (NLCI) and the Ford Motor Company Fund along with safety advocates across the country. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), “traffic crashes are the leading cause of death of young children and car crash injuries are the leading cause of death for Latino children of all ages”. As a result of this program, twenty-four students, Spanish and English speaking, will be trained and certified as child safety seat technicians. Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeffrey McGowan was one of the instructors to participate in this event, which is the first in the country, where English and Spanish classes were taught simultaneously. Major Robert Van Pelt, who represented Sheriff Thomas, spoke of a shared concern about the number of crash related deaths and injuries of children who are either not secured in a child safety seat, or are in an improperly installed seat and or are not using seat belts. He also provided information about storefront locations around the county where trained deputies are available to perform car seat checks. Following the press conference certified safety seat technicians were on hand to perform car seat checks. Deputy Grace Luna and Deputy Sam Cerda, who are both safety seat technicians, participated in the seat checks.

Participation in this event is another example of Sheriff Thomas’ commitment to the safety of the citizens of Harris County by providing safety-oriented programs, free of charge. Other programs include the popular Rape Aggression Defense training and the Citizen’s Police Academy.

For additional information about car seat inspections and other community services programs, visit the Sheriff’s Office Website at www.hcso.hctx.net.


Prepared by: Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas invited prospective applicants to attend a Career Opportunity Day on August 23, 2006. It was scheduled to start at 10 am but by 9:20 am there was already a line forming, a very long line. In all there were over 450 applications given out and of those over 120 applicants opted to take the first test in the series of tests, to become a Detention Officer, while they were there.

Sheriff Thomas was there to greet the applicants as were representatives from the many divisions within the Sheriff’s Office. Applicants received information on career opportunities such as Communication Officers, Detention Officers, Deputy Sheriff, Medical Services and Food Services. Representatives from the Marine Division, Mounted Patrol, and K-9 were also on hand to further demonstrate the department’s many capabilities.

Additional information can be found on the Harris County Sheriff's Office website at www.hcso.hctx.net, or by calling our Recruiting Division at 713-921-8891.



Prepared By: Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Sheriff Tommy Thomas’ Citizen’s Police Academy (C.P.A.) Class #22 began last week. There was so much interest in the class that it quickly filled up and a waiting list is already filling up for the next class. Major Robert Van Pelt, Patrol Support Services Bureau, welcomed students and spoke about the importance of the relationship between C.P.A. and the Sheriff’s Office. He explained that the knowledge they gain from this ten-week class will enable them to work with law enforcement to identify problems and solutions to crime issues affecting our County. Major Van Pelt introduced his staff along with the District IV Commander, Captain Paul Cordova. Members of the C.P.A. Alumni, President Art Hood and District IV liaison Margaret Hooper, explained their function within the district and invited the class to become part of their organization. They encouraged the students, upon graduation, to participate in the ride-along program. This allows them to ride with a deputy assigned to their district, giving them the opportunity to witness first-hand what deputies encounter on a daily basis.

Sergeant Gaisile Kirby and Deputy Paul Brown, with the Community Services Division, coordinated the class with the assistance of Crime Prevention and Storefront personnel. Deputy Brown told the class that a series of guest speakers will cove a broad range of topics over the next ten weeks including Penal Code, Patrol Procedures, Domestic Violence, Terrorism and Crime Scene Investigation. He also told them they will have the opportunity to take a tour of some areas in Sheriff’s Office downtown facilities. A tour of the Inmate Processing Center will give the class the opportunity to see where inmates are booked into and released from jail. The class will tour one of the Inmate Housing Facilities and the Communications Division/911 where calls are taken from citizens and dispatched to Law Enforcement, Fire Department or Emergency Medical Services. Upon completion of the class there will be a graduation ceremony where family members are invited to attend.

For information on upcoming C.P.A. classes contact the Community Services Division of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-759-9454.


Prepared By: Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas' Community Services Division participated in the Pasadena Senior Health and Fitness Fair on August 23, 2006 at the Pasadena Convention Center. Approximately 800 senior citizens from all over Harris County and surrounding areas were on hand for the annual event, sponsored by the City of Pasadena Parks & Recreation Department. Deputy R. Dennis and Deputy D. Brown manned the sheriff's booth with plenty of giveaways. The senior citizen's were pleased to receive safety information, gun locks, magnetic labels with emergency numbers, coin purses, compact mirrors, and pens, just to name a few, all inscribed with Sheriff's Office or 9-1-1 insignia. The seniors were also given stickers and coloring books to pass on to their grandchildren.

The event afforded several of the seniors an opportunity to ask the deputies questions they might never have gotten a chance to ask. The occassion was very informative and fun-filled for all in attendance and Deputies Dennis and Brown look forward to participating next year.

Pictured: Deputy Dennis (standing) and Deputy Brown talk with members of the Armco Retirees Social Club # 2708.

Prepared By:
Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy A. Thompson was on patrol in the 13,500 Block of Alief Clodine on August 20, 2006, when he saw a vehicle approaching him without a front license plate. He stopped the vehicle to ask the driver about the missing license plate. As he was speaking to the driver, identified as Eric Hunt 23 of Houston, he smelled the odor of what he believed to be Marijuana. Deputy Thompson asked Hunt for his consent to search his car. After Hunt consented to the search, Deputy Thompson asked him to step out of his car and asked him to sit in the back of his patrol car while he conducted the search. Since no weapons or illegal drugs were found in Hunt’s car, the deputy released him. When Deputy Thompson checked the back seat of his patrol car for any property that may have been left by the suspect, he found a napkin with what he believed to be marijuana under the back seat. Since it is Deputy Thompson’s practice to check his vehicle at the beginning of his duty hours and after a suspect has been in the backseat, he was certain the marijuana belonged to Hunt.

Deputy Thompson arrested Hunt, and charged him with Possession of Marijuana. He was taken to the Harris County Jail where he is being held on a $500 Bond. Hunt found out that the only return he would get from his deposit was a trip to jail.



Prepared by:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Marin has been named “Officer of the Month” for July, 2006, by the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce. He has earned this recognition through his dedication to the community and his pro-active approach to police work. It is because of this approach that he was able to prevent an armed robbery at an area business.

On May 26, 2006, Deputy Marin saw what he believed to be suspicious activity in the Little Cesar’s Restaurant in the 5500 Block of Fry Road. As Deputy Marin watched, he saw the employees walk towards the front of the business, lie face down on the floor and put their hands behind their heads. He quickly recognized this was an aggravated robbery in progress and requested additional deputies to respond. The suspect, who was behind the counter of the restaurant, saw Deputy Marin and ran out of the rear of the business. The suspect ran into a neighborhood behind the business and jumped several fences in an attempt to escape. As additional deputies arrived, Deputy Marin directed them towards the neighborhood so that a perimeter could be established to prevent the suspect from leaving the area. The suspect was quickly found, identified, taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Robbery.

Deputy Marin’s keen observational skills and decisive actions resulted in the capture of this suspect and prevented possible injuries that could have resulted from this robbery. His professionalism and commitment to service are a positive example for the department and the citizens he has sworn to serve.




Prepared by:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy L. Harry participated in a back to school event at the Mahogany Hair Salon on Creekbend in Houston Friday, August 11, 2006.The purpose of the event was to “kick off” the new school year by offering free dental check-ups from Colgate Bright Smiles and free school supplies courtesy of C V S Pharmacies.

Deputy Harry, who is assigned to the Community Services Division, gave the four and five year-old children Honorary Junior Sheriff’s Deputy Badges, coloring books and informational pamphlets for their parents. Deputy Harry also let the children look inside her patrol car so that she could explain and demonstrate the function of the equipment in her car. Deputy Harry gave the children the opportunity to ask questions and let them operate the emergency lights. Once Deputy Harry demonstrated the siren for the children, none of them asked to hear it again.

These types of events are sometimes the first contact a child has with a law enforcement officer. It gives them the opportunity to have a positive experience that will hopefully leave a lasting impression.

This is the fifth year Catherine Hays, owner of Mahogany Hair Salon, has arranged the event and plans to expand it next year to include free immunizations.



Prepared by:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas was presented with a proclamation for promoting community involvement in crime prevention and safety awareness. The proclamation was presented by Harris County Judge Robert Eckels at the 23rd Annual National Night Out kick-off press conference held July 31, 2006, at the Houston Police Department headquarters. Chief of Police Harold Hurtt and Mayor Bill White extended the invitation to surrounding law enforcement agencies and to Houston City Council Members who were also in attendance for this event.





Prepared by:
Deputy Lisa Martinez
Public Information Section
Posted by:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

On July 11, off-duty Deputy B. Murray was in the 13900 block of Surles cutting grass, when he noticed a brown Plymouth van driving slowly. As the van passed, the rear hatch was open and he could see old tires stacked in the back. The van drove towards the dead end of McDermott which has an excessive dumping problem. Deputy Murray observed as two men exited the van and began rolling tires down the bank and came to rest in the water. As the van left, Deputy Murray was able to retrieve the license plate number from the suspect vehicle.

However, while Deputy Murray was leaving the area, he noticed the same vehicle returning. The rear of the van was extremely low to the ground, indicating it was carrying a heavy load. Again, the vehicle traveled to the end of McDermott and drove down the dirt road leading to the bayou. Deputy Murray dispatched for a unit to come to that location. In the meantime, Deputy Murray used his personal vehicle to block the suspects in. Deputy R. Jenkins arrived on the scene and the two men were ordered out of the van without incident.

Twenty-six tires were floating in the water of Greens Bayou and one tire was resting on the bank. There were several other tires submerged in the water, some of which included rims.

The men were identified as Jason Park, 39, and Kevin Argueta, 27. Both men are residents of the Aldine area. Deputy Jenkins contacted an Environment District Attorney who accepted charges of Illegal Dumping/Disposal of Tires (Health and Safety Code #365) and Water Pollution (Texas Water Code #7), on both suspects. Both Park ($15,000 bond) and Argueta ($5,000 bond) are being held in the Harris County Jail awaiting their trial date set for August 9, 2006.

This should send a message to all persons committing any crime. You never know who is watching. Although, Deputy Murray was off-duty, he was still cognizant of his surroundings and sprank into action for the betterment of Harris County and the Aldine Community.

Prepared By:
Deputy K. Jordan
District II
Media Liaison

Lieutenant Jesse Inocencio began his career at the Harris County Sheriff's Office in May of 1985 where he was assigned to the Detention Center and then to the 1301 Classification. In September of 1997, he was assigned to Patrol working in District I and District II.

In June of 1991, he was assigned to the Harris County Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force as one of six Uniformed Deputies to assist Task Force investigators in arrests and search warrants. In 1994, he transferred to an undercover investigator in the Task Force.

In March 1996, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and assigned to the 701 Jail and Supervisor of the Emergency Response Team (ERT). In March of 1997, he was assigned to the Hot Spot Narcotics Enforcement Team where he worked until November 1999, when he was assigned to the HIDTA Major Drug Squads at the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Group Supervisor over Federal, State and Local investigators.

In June of 2003, he was assigned to the Harris County Sheriff's Narcotics Unit where he worked until June of 2004 when he was reassigned to the Harris County Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force as a Group Supervisor. In May of 2005, the Task Force disbanded and he was moved to Patrol Support Services and shortly after to his most recent assignment to the Patrol Bureau District I.

Lieutenant Inocencio has been married to Brenda, a Detective in the Child Abuse Unit for 27 years and they have three children, Jeremy who is a Sergeant in the United States Army, Kristy who attends Texas State University, and Christopher who is 12.

Lieutenant Inocencio has an Associates of Arts Degree from North Harris Community College and enjoys Camping, attending Christopher's baseball games, playing Chess, and beating his brother, Captain Joel Inocencio in Tennis.

Congratulations Lieutenant on your Promotion!

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas is pleased to introduce the department’s latest addition to proactive policing, S.I.D.N.E. (Simulated Impaired Driving Experience). Through a joint venture with State Farm Insurance S.I.D.N.E. will be used to educate teens, as well the rest of the community, on the dangers of driving under the influence. It looks and operates like a go cart until the deputy puts it in the “delay mode”. The cost of the equipment, roughly $16,000, is divided between the Sheriff’s Office and State Farm Insurance. State Farm actively participates in many of the community oriented programs Sheriff Thomas offers to make our community safer.
S.I.D.N.E. is based on the premise that an impaired driver has a considerably slower reaction time, as long as 2-2 1/2 seconds longer, than an unimpaired driver. S.I.D.N.E. allows the unimpaired driver the experience of driving under the influence in a safe, controlled environment. Deputy Jeff McGowen, one of the four deputies currently trained to operate S.I.D.N.E., is hopeful that this will deter drivers from getting behind the wheel when they are impaired, for any reason. He explained that the instructor has control of the “car” at all times and has the ability to stop and add or remove the impairment. As the driver follows a course of turns, curves and stops, the instructor decides what point to add the impairment. The driver quickly realizes how long 2-2 1/2 seconds is and what could happen in that amount time.
There were four teen aged volunteers present to demonstrate the difference in their driving abilities with and without impairment. Sixteen year-old Brian Delasbour said he was amazed at the difficulty the impairment created. One of the more common reactions the volunteers made was “I lost control of the car”. The deputies are quick to correct them by pointing out they were in control of the vehicle, it was when they decided to get behind the wheel impaired, that they lost control.


For additional information contact Crime Prevention at: 713-759-9454


Prepared by:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas is pleased to announce the graduation of the latest Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class. The class of 23 women was held at the American Kids Academy on Fry Road in Katy. In the course of the five-night class, the students were taught that being aware of their surroundings at all times is one of the most important things they can do to reduce the possibility of becoming the victim of an attack. They were also taught basic self defense techniques and given the opportunity to use those techniques in a controlled exercise on the last night of class.

Sheriff Thomas actively supports the R.A.D. Program and offers it to the public free of charge.


Pictured are R.A.D. Instructors, Deputy Jan Brown and Deputy Paul Brown with their proud graduates.


Prepared by:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office District IV Burglary Apprehension Response Squad (B.A.R.S) has the responsibility to investigate residential burglaries not only for the Sheriff’s Office, but for the Pct. 5 Constable’s Office as well. While they were assisting in the investigation of a Burglary that occurred on June 3, 2006, at a Katy residence in the 500 Block of Houghton Drive, B.A.R.S. Deputy John Borowski discovered information that ultimately led to the apprehension of multiple suspects and the recovery of property taken in this case.
The Katy family whose home was burglarized had returned from a short trip when they made the discovery. This alone is a terrible experience for anyone. Material things can be replaced, right? In this case, it was reported that the property taken was of great sentimental value to the family. The suspects, Jennifer Lewis 19 of Houston, Justin Lawrence 17 of Katy and a 15 year old male juvenile also from Katy, reportedly made several trips to the residence taking guns, jewelry and $1000 in coins from a piggy bank. It was reported that most of the guns had belonged to the deceased father of the complainant. The complainant told the deputy his father died while serving in Vietnam and the guns were among the only things he had to remember his father by. He also said his father’s Military Service Medals from the Korean War, the Vietnam War and his Purple Heart Medal were missing.
Using the evidence obtained at the residence implicating the suspects and information provided by the suspects, deputies located the area where the weapons had reportedly been dumped. The Sheriff’s Dive team was called in to search a man made lake in the vicinity of the Settlers Village Subdivision and successfully recovered eight of the weapons. Unfortunately the weapons were in poor condition from being in the water for several days. None of his father’s medals were found.
As the investigation continues deputies are saying the three suspects could possibly be involved in at least a dozen area burglaries. The suspects were charged with Burglary of a Habitation and given a $10,000 Bond. Jennifer Lewis is out on bond awaiting trial while Justin Lawrence is being held in the Harris County Jail on a $10,000 Bond.
Due to teamwork and cooperation between the Sheriff’s B.A.R.S. Deputies and the Sheriff’s Dive Team, these suspects were caught and the property recovered.

Prepared by:
Deputy D.Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

"Movie Day" sponsored by Sheriff Tommy Thomas was a fun-filled day for all that attended at the Sheriff's Aldine Community Storefront on Wednesday, July 19th. The feature movie of the day was "Cheaper By The Dozen 2". Nineteen area kids enjoyed the movie while feasting on popcorn and drinks provided by the deputies.

The event was a refreshing treat for all that attended. Even the adults had a blast, as you could hear them laughing louder than the kids. Don't fret if you missed it, preparations are already underway for the next "Movie Day".

"High School Musical" will be featured on Wednesday, July 26th, at the storefront located at 5202 Aldine Mail Rt. Kids should arrive at 3:00 p.m. to claim their seat, popcorn and a drink.

"High School Musical" is a Disney Channel movie in which Gabriella Montez is a shy, studious new student at East High School; but that all changes when she is forced to sing at a karaoke contest with Troy Bolton, the captain of the school's basketball team. After spending time with each other, both realize they share a passionate love for music and singing. But will they retain this love when their school is telling them they cannot be together? The movie is sure to have the kids tapping their feet and singing along.

And remember, "Movie Day" is provided by the Sheriff's Office at no charge.

Deputy P. Roy and Deputy L. Bumpers are pictured serving popcorn to moviegoers Elida Borrego and Yinka Ofulana.

Prepared by:
Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison
District II

On July 9, 2006, at 10:30 pm, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call in the 2000 Block of Westborough Dr. in Katy. The deputies were told there were two small children who were reportedly screaming, crying and knocking on the door of a neighbor in their apartment complex. Deputy Victor Gamboa found the children with the neighbor who had called the Sheriff’s Office. The neighbor told him they were not sure what apartment the children lived in but they thought it was on the floor below them. Deputy Gamboa, along with Sergeant Kinnard-Bing, checked the floor below and found an apartment with an open door. When they received no response from inside the apartment, they went in to check to make sure there was no one injured or unable to respond. They found a television on in a bedroom but found no one home. As the result of good police work they were able to locate the parents of the children, a four year old female and a three year old male. The deputy spoke to the mother, Maria Dejesus, 36 of Katy, by cell phone and asked if she knew where her children were. She told him the children were at home. He asked who the children were with she told him they were alone. When Deputy Gamboa asked where she was, she said she and the children’s father, Jose Vazquez 26 of Katy, were at a birthday party and were planning to go to a “club” after that. Deputy Gamboa asked why they left the children home alone and Dejesus reportedly told him they had been unable to find a babysitter and “when the children go to sleep they do not wake up until the next day”.
Deputies reportedly waited for about an hour for the parents to return home. Both were charged with Abandoning/ Endangering a Child with the Intent to Return and are currently being held in the Harris County Jail on a $10,000 Bond. Child Protective Services took custody of the children.
Sheriff Tommy Thomas commented, “There have been a number of recent incidents such as this where small children were left alone for several hours, and some of these cases have ended tragically.” Sheriff Thomas added that parents will be held criminally responsible in cases where children were harmed as a result of being left home alone.


Prepared by:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

On Friday, May 26, 2006, just after midnight in the 5500 Block of N. Fry Road, the trained eyes of Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Marin spotted activity inside the Little Caesar’s Pizza Restaurant that looked very suspicious. The lights were on and all the employees were walking towards the front of the business. As he drove closer, he saw the employees beginning to lie face down with their hands behind their heads. He also saw someone behind the counter who appeared to be attempting to hide. This suspect was wearing a black hooded sweat shirt with his face partially covered. Deputy Marin immediately advised communications that this appeared to be an aggravated robbery in-progress. As he was relaying this information, the suspect ran toward the back of the business. Deputy Marin ran after the suspect who jumped a wooden fence into a yard of a house in the neighborhood behind the business. As other deputies responded, Deputy Marin directed them in the direction the suspect had fled.
Deputy Ronnie Bunch responded to the location and began a search of the neighborhood. Deputy Bunch saw a vehicle with the lights off driving in the area. When he stopped the vehicle he found a female driver with a male passenger who appeared to be out of breath and sweating profusely. Deputy Bunch immediately ordered him out of the vehicle and onto his stomach. The suspect initailly complied but suddenly got up and started running. Deputy Bunch ran after the suspect but was unable to catch him. Deputy Gary Morrison, who was also in the area, heard Deputy Bunch call for assistance and drove toward his location. He saw Deputy Bunch who told him that the subject was jumping fences into back yards in an attempt to evade deputies. Deputy Morrison ran into a back yard ahead of the suspect and waited for him to jump the fence into the back yard where he was standing. When the suspect jumped into the yard Deputy Morrison ordered him to stop and surrender but he refused and attempted to jump the fence. Deputy Morrison chased the suspect, was able to stop him from jumping the fence and succesfully secured him. The suspect, later identified as Scott Travis, 24 of Katy, was charged with Aggravated Robbery with a deadly weapon and received a sentenance of nine years in prison.
Each of these deputies acted acted in a well coordinated effort to detect, pursue, and arrest the suspect of this aggravated robbery. Due to Deputy Marin’s attention to detail, the quick response time and teamwork on the part of Deputies Bunch and Morrison, the suspect was apprehended before he could make good his escape. They are all to be commended for their performance and dedication to duty as they serve to protect the citizens of Harris County.



Prepared by:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

On Saturday, June 10, 2006, at 00:57 hours, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 15550 Block of Kingfield at the Colonies Landing Apartment complex where a reported aggravated robbery had occurred. Two male complainants reported they were robbed at gun point by two male suspects who took their wallets and cell phones. Within minutes Deputy Shane Rigdon arrived at the location and found one of the complainants. The complainant, 17 year old Katy man, gave the deputy a complete description of the suspects. The complainant also told him that after the suspects robbed him they ran through an apartment access gate beside the 700 building of the complex. As Deputy Rigdon was directing responding units to set up a perimeter, he saw two males who appeared to match the description of the suspects near the access gate the suspects reportedly used when they fled from the scene. Deputy Rigdon, concealed from view, cautiously moved along side one of the buildings against some landscaped bushes. He was able to surprise the suspects, who attempted to run but were now cornered within a stairway vestibule. Deputy Rigdon was able to secure both suspects and return them to the scene where they were both identified as the suspects who robbed the two complainants. The weapon used to commit the robbery was found and the stolen property recovered.
The suspects were identified as Cesar Delgado, 18 of Houston, and a 16 year old juvenile also of Houston. Both were charged with Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon. Delgado was taken to the Harris County Jail where he is being held on a $30,000 bond. The juvenile, who was reportdly identified as the suspect who displayed the weapon, was also charged with Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon and was taken to a juvenile facility.
Deputy Rigdon’s quick actions and attention to detail resulted in the capture of these suspects. He has proven himself to be a true professional who presents a positive image for the Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Harris County he has sworn to serve.



Prepared by:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

On June 30, 2006, Lt. Richard Sangemino retired after more than 27 years of Law Enforcement.

Richard Sangemino served three years in the Army as a Military Police Officer in the early 1970’s. When he returned home to Brooklyn, New York, he went to college on the G.I. Bill and received his Bachelors Degree from the State University of New York in 1977 where he graduated with honors. Richard moved to Texas in 1978 and was hired by the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department. In 1979 Richard went to work for The State of Texas. He returned to Harris County in 1982, this time as a Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy. His first assignment was in the Central Jail. He was transferred to District 4 Patrol in 1984. Deputy Sangemino was promoted to Sergeant in 1988, at which time he was transferred back to the Jail. Sergeant Sangemino was transferred to District 1 in 1989 where he assumed the duties of Night Shift Supervisor. Sergeant Sangemino was promoted to Lieutenant in 1991, and he was again transferred back to the Jail. Lieutenant Sangemino returned to District 1 for the final time in 1993. During his 13 plus year tenure as a Lieutenant in District 1, Lieutenant Sangemino served as the Watch Commander of each of the three shifts, most recently serving as the Day Shift Watch commander.

Lieutenant Sangemino has been very active in the community, both off-duty as well as on-duty. He has served on numerous committees on the North Side, and he has been active in several political campaigns. He was a member of the Willowbrook Annexation Task Force, a sworn member of the Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas, a member of the Great Northwest 2000 Committee, a member of the board of directors of Bridges Community Friends, a Friend of the Court of Precinct 4 Position 1, and a strong supporter of the Northwest Security Coordinators Association. Lieutenant Sangemino is a Life Member of the 100 Club of Houston, and is also a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Lieutenant Sangemino has plans to work on several local and national political campaigns in his spare time, and he will spend the bulk of his retirement traveling, fishing, and growing old with his wife Nancy.





DEPUTY COLEEN FISHER
MEDIA LIAISON
DISTRICT I

After 37 years of Law Enforcement, Deputy Ron Cunningham is still going strong.
Ron joined the United States Navy in 1961. After serving his full term he began his career in Law Enforcement May 1, 1967 with the Houston Police Department. During his tenure with HPD, Ron was a Patrol Officer, Criminal Investigator, Background Investigator, one of the first Field Training Officer’s, and a member of the first tactical squad known as T.A.C. which has evolved into what is now known as S.W.A.T. Ron was also one of the original officers to man the HPD storefronts when they opened. When he retired from HPD he was on patrol out of the Northwest Substation. After retiring from HPD he spent 2 years in the corporate sector as Regional Security Investigator for First City Bank of Texas. He investigated bank robberies and was head of security training. During this time he maintained his commission with the Precinct 2 Constables office as a reserve process server. In January 1991, Ron became a full time Deputy with The Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Due to his experience with HPD, Ron was assigned to the Training Division of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. As with HPD, Ron was one of the original Deputies to help launch the first storefront which was in District 1. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office currently has 5 such storefronts throughout Harris County. Ron is currently assigned as Media Liaison in District 1 and has served as such for the past 9 years. When District 5 opened, he covered the media for that district as well.

Ron and his wife Patti have lived in North Houston for 32 years. They have two grown children, Melynda and Darren. Melynda lives in Georgetown Texas with her husband and daughter. Darren lives here in Houston, with his wife and two sons. Darren has followed his father’s footsteps and is a HPD Officer.

Even though Ron is leaving the Harris County Sheriff’s Office after 15 years of service, he still can not call it quits. Deputy Ron Cunningham accepted the appointment as the new Chief of Police for the City of Magnolia. Ron will take office July 1, 2006, after his official retirement from The Harris County Sheriff’s Office on June 30, 2006.

DEPUTY COLEEN FISHER
MEDIA LIAISON
DISTRICT I

June 27th proved to be a busy day at the Crosby Community Center located at 409 Hare Road for Deputy T. Douthit and Deputy G. Luna of the Sheriff's Office Highlands Storefront. The deputies graduated two RAD Kids classes.

RAD Kids is a program that was developed to teach kids how to get away from an abductor. They are taught three basic principles.

HIT HARD! YELL LOUD! RUN FAST!

The dynamic and exciting program provides children the opportunity to learn about safety awareness and physical defense. Some of the topics include school, home and vehicle safety, along with strangers, dog defense and public areas. Students are also taught how to distinguish between good, bad, and uncomfortable touches.

Deputy P. Roy of the Aldine Community Storefront portrayed "the bad guy" giving students a chance to practive the physical techniques that were taught in the class.

Sheriff Tommy Thomas is a strong supported of this program and offers the class free of charge. He is dedicated to keeping the kids of Harris County safe from child predators.

Pictured is the 8-11 year-old graduates Johnathon McMullen, Tabitha McMullen, Brian McMullen, Krista Fails, Clayton Jones, Marshall Jones, Ashton Walker, Daniel Bowles, Ewurama Quausah, David Feather, Jordan Powell, Taylor Keene, and Sheree Fails, along with Deputies Douthit, Roy and Luna.

June 27th proved to be a busy day at the Crosy Community Center located at 409 Hare Road for Deputy T. Douthit and Deputy G. Luna of the Sheriff's Office Highlands Storefront. The deputies graduated two RAD Kids classes.

RAD Kids is a program that was developed to teach kids how to get away from an abductor. They are taught three basic principles.

HIT HARD! YELL LOUD! RUN FAST!

The dynamic and exciting program provides children the opportunity to learn about safety awareness and physical defense. Some of the topics include school, home and vehicle safety, along with strangers, dog defense and public areas. Students are also taught how to distinquish between good, bad, and uncomfortable touches.

Deputy P. Roy of the Aldine Community Storefront portrayed "the bad guy" giving students a chance to practice the physical techniques that were taught in the class.

Sheriff Tommy Thomas is a strong supporter of this program and offers the class free of charge. He is dedicated to keeping the kids of Harris County safe from child predators.

Pictured is the 5-7 year-old graduates Clay Weaver, Hannah Weaver, Darian Aulds, Branden Keene, Megan Remkes, Michaela Smith and Drayton Sherill, along with Deputies Douthit, Roy and Luna.

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy, Warren Conner, was honored at Raveneaux Country Club on June 20, 2006, by the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce as Officer of the Month of June.
Deputy Conner patrols Northwest Harris County, District V, and is assigned to the zero tolerance traffic Unit. This specialized assignment is designed to enforce traffic laws in problem area’s of Northwest Harris County. Deputy Conner, on his own initiative, has deployed two traffic speed limit indicator signs in specific target areas in an effort to reduce the speeders, making our streets safer for motorist and pedestrian traffic. The sole purpose of this initiative is to reduce the number of crashes on our roadways resulting in saving lives.
In addition to his duties as a specialized traffic unit, Deputy Conner is also the President of the Harris County Junior Mounted Posse. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse is a 54 year old private mounted drill team sponsored by the Sheriff’s Office. Kids from 6 to 18 years of age, represent the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Harris County in parades, rodeos and special events. As president of this organization, his leadership has made this organization grow in numbers and professionalism and is a great asset in the area of public relations for the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Conner does this on his own personal time for the benefit of the children involved in our community and the Sheriff’s Office.

When Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy K. Hudson responded to a reported disturbance in the 23400 block of Fernhurst, he had no idea that he was about to catch a “video pirate” red-handed. What Deputy Hudson discovered would turn out to be one of the largest video piracy operations in the Katy/ Houston/ Harris County area. The suspect, Derrick Harrison 29 of Katy, was in possession of 4,067 DVDs and 407 CDs valued at $79,000. Harrison also had $692 in cash in his pocket in rolls by denomination. Harrison had invested $8400 in the computer equipment needed to mass-reproduce movies and music. He had four CD/DVD recorders with the capability to make eight copies of a DVD at a time as well as several computers used to send and receive videos and music over the internet. All of these are considered tools of the trade for piracy. Among the videos recovered were first run movies currently at theaters such as “Cars”, “X-Men” and “Over the Hedge”. The damage resulting from creating and dispersing illegal copies of videos and music can be felt all the way down to the person who buys a ticket at a movie box office.
When law enforcement agencies find what they believe to be evidence of piracy, a representative of the Motion Picture Industry is contacted for verification that the material has been pirated. Because of the size of this operation a representative, Chris Meisenhalder, responded to the residence and verified that Harrison was in possession of copies of movies and music that had been illegally obtained. Pirated films can come from any number of sources, a bootlegger who secretly videotapes a new movie at a pre-screening, or an insider who takes a copy meant for a reviewer. Meisenhalder said that until September 2005, there was nothing that prohibited video recorders in movies. Since then the Family Entertainment and Copyright Act was passed and made video recording in a theater a federal felony and establishes new penalties for pirating works that have not been released commercially. First-time violators can be given a sentence of three and five years, respectively, for these crimes and fined up to $250,000. The same protection can be found on the State level in the Texas Business and Commerce Code. Movie pirating is a serious problem that costs the Motion Picture Industry about $250 million domestically and $2 billion to $3 billion internationally and affects the economies on all levels.
Harrison was charged with Sale or Possession of Unlabeled Recording, a recording that does not clearly and conspicuously disclose the name of the manufacturer or performer or group, and other unrelated charges and was taken to the Harris County Jail where he is being held on a 50000 Bond.

The Cooley Multilingual Education Center held a Health Fair in the Heights on June 15, 2006. Deputy G. Luna, from the Highlands Storefront, manned a table that featured informative handouts on such topics as Juvenile Curfew Ordinances, Identity Theft, Carjacking, and Crime Prevention. Cooley is a Houston Independent School District Campus specializing in Elementary and Middle School migrant education.

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas has appointed 27-year Sheriff’s Office veteran Michael J. O’Brien to the position of Major of the newly created Homeland Security Bureau. His duties will entail handling terrorism issues and working with Federal and Local jurisdictions on deterrence and interdiction. Major O’Brien will also represent the Sheriff’s Office as the Deputy Director of Homeland Security for Harris County Judge Robert Eckels’ office in the development of increased security measures for the Port of Houston and the Harris County area. He will also act as incident commander and coordinate Sheriff’s Office functions in relation to natural disasters and other catastrophic events as it relates to law enforcement response and evacuation.

Major O’Brien began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1980 after receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force. His well rounded career has included a variety of assignments involving detention, patrol, and criminal investigations. He was promoted to the rank of Detective in 1984 where he worked in Criminal Warrants, Burglary, Child Abuse and Sex Crimes. In 1989 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the Planning and Evaluations Bureau and the Patrol Bureau until 1995, when he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. As Lieutenant he was assigned to the Detention Bureau, the Patrol Bureau and to the Human Resources Bureau.

While assigned to the Human Resources Bureau, Captain O’Brien’s primary assignment was to modify policies and ensure compliance in all law enforcement operations functions with the goal of bringing the Harris County Sheriff’s Department in line with international standards of performance in order to meet the stringent standards required for accreditation established by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is the largest Sheriff’s Office in the nation to achieve accredited status, as well as the largest law enforcement agency in Texas to receive this prestigious designation. In 2000, O’Brien was promoted to the rank of Captain and in 2002, returned to the Patrol Bureau where he served as commander of the Wallisville Station located on the east side of Harris County, and later at the Clay Road station on the west side where remained until his appointment as Major of the Homeland Security Bureau.

Major O’Brien’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Houston/Clear Lake where his major was in Public Management. He also holds an Associates of Arts Degree in law enforcement from San Jacinto College. Major O’Brien is also a graduate of Sam Houston State University’s prestigious “Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas.” He holds a Texas Master Peace Officer Certification, as well as a Texas Peace Officer Instructors License. Major O’Brien is also certified assessor for Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. He served as a Councilman, Mayor Pro Tem, and Mayor for the City of El Lago, Texas from 1993 – 2001. Major O’Brien is the father of a son, John and a daughter, Kristen and recently became a grandfather to Zachary.

Deputy B. Brown of the Aldine Improvement District Contract and Sergeant B. Burks participated in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the districts newest business, Whataburger. The restaurant is located in the parking lot of Home Depot at 4040 Little York at Eastex Freeway. Deputy Brown met with the manager and are both eager in establishing a productive relationship between Whataburger and the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Pictured with Sergeant Burks and Deputy Brown are Gerald Overturff (Aldine Improvement District Board Member) and Mike Ledbetter (Aldine Improvement District Director of Services).

Captain M. Talton and all of District III would like to thank all those that made the fundraising benefit for Deputy Keith Thornton a huge success.

After suffering a stroke and having had open heart surgery, Deputy Thornton was able to return to work on light duty. However, the stroke he suffered on New Year's Day 2006 was not so kind. Deputy Thornton was forced to take a Medical Retirement. During the last couple of months, he has been on unpaid medical leave until his retirement kicks in.

The HCSO Citizen's Police Academy and the Deer Park Masonic Lodge #1362 co-hosted fundraising benefits in May, honoring Keith. On June 8th, Keith and his wife Jennifer was presented with a check for $7,501.49 raised at the benefits. The money was raised through brisket sales, BBQ dinners and a silent auction. On hand for the presentation were Keith and Jennifer Thornton, Lieutenant Moneyhun, Sergeant Manning, Deputy John Guthrie, Sally Jo Harrington and Dennis Cude.

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas sponsored a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class for children, 5-7 years of age, at the Bear Creek Community Center this week. This was the first R.A.D. Kids class sponsored by the Sheriff’s Office this summer and the response was tremendous. A R.A.D. Kids class is considerably shorter than an adult R.A.D. class and includes age sensitive material and technique. The instructors, Deputies D. Esquivel and D. Johnson, with the assistance of Detective J.T. Dousay and Deputy P. Roy taught the students about strangers, both good and bad, and stranger danger. This is sometimes the first time a child learns that there are times when they not only can, but should say “no” to an adult. They also learn what constitutes an emergency and when and how to make a 911 call on a cell phone, a home phone or a pay phone. At the end of the class the students are given the opportunity to use what they learned in a safe, controlled exercise.
The next R.A. D. Kids class will be offered on July 24, 25, 26, and 27 from 1pm- 3pm for 8-10 year olds and will be held at the Bear Creek Community Center.


For registration call: Deputy Dolores Esquivel at: 281-564-5988. The class is offered free of charge by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.



Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Sgt. Samuel Joseph began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in August of 1992. He was assigned to the Detention Bureau until February 1996. He then transferred to the Patrol Bureau where his first assignment was to the Motorist Assistance Program. After a short time he transferred to District II in the Humble area. Sgt. Joseph remained in District II until July of 2002 at which time he transferred to the Inmate Processing Center. After five months he transferred to the Detective Bureau and was assigned to the Sex Offender Registration Unit. On October 4, 2003 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and returned to the Detention Bureau until May 13, 2006. At that time he transferred to the Patrol Bureau and was assigned to District IV.
Sgt. Joseph has been married to wife Stefani for 16 years and is father to son Christopher, 11, and daughter Kaitlyn, 8. He said his only hobby is fishing and he goes as often as he can.



Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson

Deputy K. Jordan
Media Liaison
District II

The Sheriff's Office rounded off its tour of Harris County at the District II Sub-station at 7900 Will Clayton Parkway, on Saturday, June 10th. The Harris County Sheriff's Office and Shred-It Mobile Paper Shredding and Recycling partnered together, offering free document shredding for residents. The event featured drive-thru shredding and information on how to prevent identity theft, which is one of the fastest growing and most costly crimes in the country.

The overwhelming response of the public shows they are fed up and will not take Identity Theft lying down. There was a constant flow of cars during the 3-hour event that serviced a total of 87 vehicles.

Sergeant Kirby (Community Services Division) adds that final arrangements are being made, that will continue the Shred-It campaign for 2007.

Lieutenant W. Gray has become the newest addition to the District IV team. He began his career with the Harris County Sheriff's Office in October of 1985. He attended the Basic Peace Officer's class #B4-87 at the Harris County Sheriff's Academy and graduated in December of 1987. He holds a Master Peace Officer certification, a TCLEOSE Instructor's License, and a Firearms Instructor License.

Lieutenant Gray was first assigned to the 1301 Jail Facility. In 1989, he transferred to the Rehab Center on Atascocita Rd. In late 1989, he transferred downtown and assisted in the opening of the refurbished 301 Jail Facility. In 1991, Gray transferred to the Patrol Bureau and was assigned to District 2, where he remained until 1997. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1997. As sergeant he was assigned to the 701 Jail Facility and the Emergency Response Team before returning to the Patrol Bureau. During this time, he was assigned to district's 2 and 3 until his promotion to Lieutenant.
Pictured are Lieutenant Gray and his wife Brenda. They have two daughters, Kelli 14 and Jaimie 12. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.
District IV welcomes Lieutenant Gray.



Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson

There is a familiar face in the Captain’s Office at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Clay Road Substation located at 16715 Clay Road.
Captain Cordova began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1982. His first assignment was to the Detention Bureau where he remained until 1984 when he transferred to the Patrol Division. His first patrol assignment was to District III which covered the Channel View, Baytown and Clear Lake areas. He remained there until 1989 when he transferred to the Motorist Assistance Program. In 1992 he was promoted to the rank of Detective and was assigned to Criminal Warrants, the Pawn Shop Detail and the Robbery Division. It was during this time that he was first assigned to District IV where he remained until his promotion to Sergeant in 1992. He returned to District IV as a Sergeant in 1996 and remained here until 1998 when he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. As a Lieutenant he was assigned to the Detention Bureau, the Public Services Bureau and the Inmate Processing Center. In 2003 he was promoted to the rank of Captain and remained at the Inmate Processing Center for eight months. Captain Cordova returned to District IV in 2004 and remained here until he was transferred to District II in the Humble area. In 2006, Captain Cordova returned to District IV in May, following the promotion of the previous Captain.
Captain Cordova is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has a Bachelor’s Degree from the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University. He is the father of two daughters, Monica and Victoria.
Captain Cordova said he is “very glad to return to familiar territory”. He also said he plans to continue his commitment to make public safety his number one priority. District IV welcomes Captain Cordova back.

During the early morning hours of July 24th, 2005, Sergeant Dorothy Dehnert was on her way home from an extra job, traveling northbound on the Gulf Freeway. The sight of a vehicle narrowly missing a U-Haul van caught her attention. It was obvious to her that the driver was impaired, as he could not maintain the vehicle in a single lane. Using her cellular phone, Sergeant Dehnert contacted Houston Police Dispatch, relaying their ever changing location. She continued to observe from a safe distance as other innocent drivers escaped near misses.

The suspect vehicle eventually exited Allen Parkway, turning left onto Waugh Drive. It was during that turn, that the suspect driver almost collided with an HPD marked patrol car. That unit along with the help of Sergeant Dehnert, was able to get the suspect stopped and out of the car. It was very apparent at that time that the driver, identified as Wayne Dee Binford, was intoxicated. There was a male passenger in the vehicle, found also to be intoxicated. The men admitted to have been drinking at a club in Webster since noon, on the day before.

Binford, a Master Electrician, is no stranger to DWI’s. He was sentenced to DWI in 1982 and was convicted to 4 years TDC. He received another DWI conviction in 1989, pleading guilty and was sentenced to 2 years probation. The next conviction came in 1993, when Binford was sentenced to 9 years. However, the Katy resident won’t be home for some time. Judge Mantooth-Stricklin recently sent a message that DWI will not be tolerated in Harris County, sentencing Wayne Dee Binford to 30 years prison time.

The Exxon-Mobil Corporation held a Rape Aggression Defense class for some of its employees last month. The ladies were taught that being aware of their surroundings at all times is one of the most important things they can do to reduce the possibility of becoming the victim of an attack. They were also taught basic self defense techniques and given the opportunity to use those techniques in a controlled exercise on the last night of class.
Pictured are Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies J. Brown and P. Brown who are assigned to the Community Services Division, along with the proud graduates.
Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas offers the R.A.D. program to the public free of charge.


Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson
Media Liaison

The ladies of St. Justin’s Church know how important the Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) program is. They sponsor at least two classes a year and have waiting lists in just days following the announcement of an upcoming class. The students were taught that being aware of their surroundings was one of the most important things they could do to remove the “opportunity” needed for them to become the victim of an attack. They were also taught basic self defense techniques and given the opportunity to use those techniques in a controlled exercise on the last night of class.
Pictured are Harris County Sheriffs Deputies D. Esquivel and D. Johnson, assigned to the Patrol Support Services Division, and the proud graduates of their most recent class.
The R.A.D. program is actively supported by Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas who offers the class to the public free of charge.



Prepared By:
Deputy D.Johnson
Media Liaison

The end of the school year usually brings about an enormous amount of requests for deputies to attend Career Days at local schools. This year was no exception. One of the schools, known to have an exceptionally organized Career Day is Black Elementary, located at 160 Milstream. Deputy Jeff McGowen is seen here with Ms. Calixto's class, following his presentation. Deputy McGowen explained to the kids what motivated his decision to choose law enforcement for his career path. He then went on explaining the array of assignments available with the Sheriff's Office and how education plays an intricate part in his daily work assignments.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association recently celebrated being in existence for 10 glorious years. Since its inception, 21 classes have been completed with over 600 graduates countywide. A celebratory Banquet was held at the Spaghetti Warehouse, in downtown Houston, marking this festive occasion. President Ralph Storemski showed the organizations gratitude by presenting an award for their Appreciation and 10 Years of Outstanding Service to Sheriff Tommy Thomas. Chief Deputy Danny Billingsley accepted the award on behalf of the Sheriff. Chief Billingsley in turn presented to Mr. Storemski a certificate making him an Honorary Deputy Sheriff. Others in attendance included Major Van Pelt, Captains Hitchcock, Cordova, Talton and Hughes, and Lieutenant Casteel, all assigned to the Patrol Bureau, along with many deputies that have so diligently worked side-by-side with the CPA's.

Jacque Vickers, wife of the late Reserve Chief Ray Vickers, was honored as a HCSO/CPAAA LIfe Member. Deputy Daniel McCool was made an Honorary Life Member.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Police Academy was begun to provide citizens information to develop a realistic view of the activities and responsibilities of a deputy sheriff. It is expected that graduates of this Academy share this information to help the effectiveness of law enforcement in their neighborhoods. An expert in a specific topic teaches each block of instruction. Training includes patrol procedures, emergency communications, crime prevention, homicide, shoot-don't-shoot, patrol driving skills, gang recognition, domestic violence, jail operations, AFIS, vice narcotics, ERT and many other topics including the Ride-Along Program.

Anyone interested in participating in an upcoming Academy should pick-up an application at any nearby Sheriff's Sub-station or Storefront.

An employee from the Marathon Oil Company participated in a Rape Aggression Defense Class (R.A.D.) in her subdivision and told some of her co-workers about the experience. Many of the women expressed interest in the class. Since Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas has offered the classes to a variety of groups at various locations, a class was scheduled on site at Marathon Oil. The interest was so great that there was a waiting list of women wanting to take the class. Deputies F. Fisher and A. Cross taught the students basic self-defense tactics they could use should they become the victim of an attack. R.A.D. is also designed to heighten a woman’s awareness of her surrounding which reduces the opportunity of her becoming a victim.
The R.A.D. program is offered by the Sheriff’s Office to the public free of charge.

Deputy D. Johnson
District IV Media Liaison

Sheriff Tommy Thomas is committed to keeping the kids of Harris County safe. One way of accomplishing this task is educating parents on the importance of properly using child safety seats. Did you know that 4 out of 5 car seats are used wrong?

Deputies certified as car seat technicians, recently assisted in a car seat check held at the Ripley House, near downtown. The event was sponsored by State Farm, Safe Kids, Texas Children's Hopital and the Harris County Sheriff's Office. 117 vehicles were inspected and 50 seats were deemed unusable and confiscated for destruction. They were replaced and 77 new seats were given out.

When a parent/guardian comes to an inspection, several things take place. Technicians make sure that the seat currently being used is the proper type for that child. The seat is checked for recalls and they make sure the seat has never been involved in a crash. Finally, the parent/guardian are taught how to properly install the seat.

Deputy Luna and Deputy Roy are shown going over details with a parent.

Willowbrook Mall sponsored a salute to Law Enforcement on Saturday, May 6, 2006. Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies from the Patrol Support Services Bureau participated in the activities. Outside the mall, State Farm Insurance sponsored a Car Safety Seat Check where deputies from the Community Services Division checked car seats to insure they were correctly installed and offered assistance in making any necessary changes. As a rule, about 99% of car seats inspected are installed incorrectly. In some cases new seats were provided at no cost to the public. Deputies completed over 77 inspections.
Inside the mall, deputies representing Crime Prevention, D.A.R.E. and Storefronts offered “goodies” to both parents and children. The ever-popular Robot Gizmo was present to greet visitors. Other agencies participating included the Katy Independent School District Police, Department of Public Safety, Houston Police Department, Harris County Constables, area Fire Departments and Texas Department of Corrections.



Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson
Media Liaison

Sergeant Gray began his career with the Harris County Sheriff's Office in October of 1985. He attended the Basic Peace Officer's class #B4-87 at the Harris County Sheriff's Academy and graduated in December of 1987. He holds a Master Peace Officer certification, a TCLEOSE Instructor's License, and a Firearms Instructor License.

Sergeant Gray was first assigned to the 1301 Jail Facility. In 1989, he transferred to the old Rehab Center on Atascocita Rd. In late 1989, he transferred downtown and assisted in the opening of the refurbished 301 Jail Facility. In 1991, Williams transferred to the Patrol Bureau and worked District 2. In 1997, he was promoted to Sergeant and fulfilled assignments in the 701 Jail Facility, the Emergency Response Team, and the Patrol Bureau in District's 2 and 3.

Sergeant Gray and his wife Brenda (pictured together) have two daughters, Kelli 14 and Jaimie 12. He enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

Congratulations to Sergeant Gray on his promotion to Lieutenant!

Thursday May 4, 2006, Harris County Sheriff's Office District IV Deputies,assigned to the Community Services Division,sponsored a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class for the ladies of the Greater Rosehill Baptist Church. Deputies Coleen Fisher and Adell Cross taught the class with the assistance of Deputy Linda Harry. Deputies Anthony Lemon, Paul Brown and Brian Barrier also participated in the fight simulation as R.A.D. aggressors. The ladies were given the opportunity to use the skills they had learned in a controlled exercise. This class, offered to the public by Sheriff Tommy Thomas free of charge, gives women the opportunity to learn self-defense techniques and survival skills they can use should they become the victim of an attack.


Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson
Media Liaison

The Harris County Sheriff's Office participated in the High School for Law Enforcement Annual Career Day with a strong show of force.

The outside display consisted of several marked vehicles, including a Mobile Command Post. Students were allowed to enter the vehicles as deputies pointed out the many features. There was then four 30 minute sessions in which speakers from all entities of law enforcement made presentations to the students in their classrooms. Harris County had 7 deputies making presentations. Some were on-duty and others volunteered their personal time to this invaluable event.

The deputies were extremely impressed by the questions that arose throughout the day and the students enthusiasm was well received.

Once again the Harris County Sheriff's Office Team EX-Treme bowling team participated in the "Mary Debo Law Enforcement and Greater Houston Youth Bowling Tournament. This was the 11th annual tournament and Harris County Team Extream has participated in every one sice its inception. This tournament pits different local Law Enforcement Agencies against the top youth bowlers in the city of Houston.

The purpose of this tournament is to introduce the Houston youth to some incredible Law Enforcement Officers and to show them that Officers are more than a badge,gun and uniform.In addition, by the Officers caring to be involved on their own timw, you helped remind us of your ever constant presence while we are able to show the Officers that Houston still has some great kids. By the end of the tournament all the participants were able to walk away with more respect for one another.

Team EX-Treme members included Sergeant Dennis Brown(B.A.R.S.) Pamela Brown,Deputy Greg Wilbanks(Traffic Enforcement Division), Dennis Wilbanks and Detective Patrick Walker(Forgery Detective). Team Extreme claimed top Law Enforcement team with a 3 game total of 3.091 pins.Fun was had by all and plans for the 12th annual tournament are underway.

Each year The Katy Independent School District invites members of the community to “Walk A Mile In My Shoes” and trade places with a teacher or administrator. The participants are paired according to common interests and curriculum, giving each the opportunity to experience the workday of their partner. The business partners visit the teacher’s classroom for an hour and actually teach one of the day’s lessons. The business partners then arrange for the teacher to participate in their workday activities, as appropriate. The location of the host campus changes each year. Exley Elementary, located on Westheimer Parkway, was chosen to host this year’s event. Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy D. Esquivel, who is assigned to the Community Services Division, has participated in the program for the last five years and finds the experience very rewarding. This year, the Kindergarten class she was invited to teach was learning about butterflies. Deputy Esquivel read a story to the class and supervised as they colored a picture of a butterfly. She included an important lesson on gun safety, explained the function of each item on her gun belt and allowed time for the class to ask questions. The hour was over before either the class or Deputy Esquivel realized and clearly the class was disappointed to see her go.
The Katy Business Promise originally sponsored the Walk A Mile program, which began in 1997. The program is now coordinated by Katy ISD Partners in Education. The Katy community actively supports the program, as does the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.



Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson
Media Liaison

The East End Chamber of Commerce / Saluda Law Enforcement invited all area law enforcement to attend their special event held at Gulfgate Center. The Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit passed out safety literature to adults and children. Recruiting was also present, looking for qualified applicants.

Deputy Ed Aldridge is pictured deputizing a small child with a badge sticker.

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies D. Esquivel and L. Harry who are assigned to the Mission Bend Store Front, participated in the MI Swaco Company’s Health Fair on Thursday, April 20, 2006. They provided informational pamphlets and answered questions about some of the many programs offered to the public by the Sheriff’s Office.



Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson
Media Liaison

Tuesday, April 18, was District 3's turn to assist a fellow deputy. As you may have heard, Deputy Fernando Mireles of District I Patrol is in need of a Bone Marrow transplant. A Bone Marrow Registry representative came out to the Wallisville Sub-Station and explained the process during the day shift roll call. D3 was pleased to find out the procedure was simplified, since being done in District 2 the previous week. The deputies were allowed to "swab" their month for DNA. NO NEEDLE PRICKS!

All in all, a total of 18 registered on this day. Regretfully, the BMR rep had to leave before 2nd shift arrived but plans to come back on Thursday, April 27th.

Theiss Elementary school located at 17510 Theiss Mail Route in district#1, put on a program called "THE MAIN EVENT". Deputies Benny Parsley and Steve Fontenot with the Harris County Sheriff's Office D.A.R.E. unit along with their Guitars put on a great show for the entire 5th grade classes. A good time was had by all.

Once again, deputies step up to the plate in an effort to assist a fellow deputy. Representatives were on hand at the Aldine Storefront on Monday, April 10th, to collect samples for a possible bone marrow match. Deputy Fernando Mireles is scheduled for a bone marrow transplant if a match can be found. Nineteen fellow employees showed up for testing and several others lent moral support being that they are already on the National Registry. Deputy Mireles was present and is grateful to all.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office completed a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class at the Aldine Community Storefront on March 30, 2006. Congratulations to C. Ruthie Ames, Elida Borrego, Olivia Carrizales, Helen Christie, Cathy Gonzales, Leola Stonecipher and Ann Westphal. Their successful completion of the class has equipped them with knowledge and tools to help keep them safe from would be attackers. The ladies were able to use all the techniques taught to them on the final night of the class. Sheriff's deputies acting as assailants were brought in during several scenarios. Instructors for the class include Deputies Paul Brown, Parnell Roy, Goree Allen and Deputy Bobby Brown (not pictured).

Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Adell Cross, who is assigned to the Community Services Division, is just one of many Deputies who teach Junior Achievement in area schools throughout Harris County. Junior Achievement is a program that consists of two thirty-minute sessions twice a week, in which the deputy teaches age and grade appropriate lessons. The kindergarten level is about “Ourselves”, the first grade level is about “Family”, and the second grade level is about “Community”.

During his last assignment, Deputy Cross taught Jr. Achievement at Petrosky Elementary, and was assigned to teach Ms Doyle’s second grade class. Because Deputy Cross has a great sense of humor and a love for teaching children, the second graders learned something new and had fun while doing it. It was also an opportunity for the students to have a positive experience with an officer in law enforcement that will leave a lasting impression. It was obvious that Deputy Cross made a connection with Ms. Doyle’s class because the day of graduation, all of the students were saddened that Deputy Cross would no longer be there to teach their weekly lessons.

The Junior Achievement Program is one of many programs that are offered by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office free of charge.




Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson
Media Liaison

The Kindergarten classes at Walnut Bend Elementary had a visit from Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy D. Esquivel on Thursday April 6, 2006. Deputy Esquivel, who is assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Community Services Division, was there to teach a very important lesson about gun safety. The students learned what they should do if they find a gun: Stop, Don’t Touch, Walk Away and Tell an Adult. The students then watched a short, animated video that reinforced those four things. This program is presented throughout the schools in Harris County by the Sheriff’s Office to reduce and hopefully prevent incidents involving children and guns.



Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson
Media Liaison

Mikeal Smith joined the Harris County Sheriff's Reserve in January 1977 and rode patrol in District III. He hired on full time in May of 1981 and was assigned to the 301 Jail, where he booked and released. He then transferred to District III Patrol in June of 1983 and was honored by the 100 Club as Rookie of the Year. Mike also recieved commendations from Sheriff's Heard and Klevenhagen.

He and wife Debbie have been married for 10 years. He has two children, Angela (27), Justin (22) and a 7 year old grand-daughter, Briana.

Mike is an advanced Scuba diver and his hobbies include riding motorcycles and fishing. He owns his own construction company and when asked what he was going to do in retirement, he responded, "Make some serious money!"

Mike is pictured showing off his knife that was presented to him by Captain Talton on behalf of Dist. 3.

The Katy Elk’s Club, Lodge 2628, has named Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeurel Sims Officer of the Year for 2006. On June 11, 2005, Deputy Sims responded to a weapons disturbance involving a child who had been threatened by a neighbor with an unknown weapon. When Deputy Sims arrived, the complainant told him her seven-year-old son walks the family dog every night at about the same time. This time her son came running in the house shaking and screaming, “He’s trying to kill us”. When she was finally able to calm her son down, he told her a man with a big stick with a large object attached to it was standing on his porch yelling at him. The man continued to yell, telling the child he needed to go home. As the child turned to go home the man ran toward him yelling and swinging what was later identified as an axe over the child’s head. In fear for his life, the child ran home and told his mother what had happened. A witness told Deputy Sims he too was afraid the man was going to harm the child and that he recognized him as a neighbor. Deputy Sims was able to quickly locate the suspect and detain him before he was able to seriously harm anyone. The suspect was later charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
Deputy Sims has distinguished himself as an outstanding law enforcement officer worthy of this recognition. He is a true professional who presents a positive image to both the department and the community he has sworn to serve.


Prepared By:
Deputy D. Johnson
Media Liaison

The Sheriff's Aldine Community Storefront held its Annual Festival on Saturday, March 24th. Money raised at this event assists deputies with programs that are done in the community throughout the year. The Thanksgiving and Christmas season is especially dependent on the money raised by the festival. Families are adopted and presented with food, toys and clothing. This often serves as the only gifts these children will see. The storefront serviced over 50 families during the 2005 holidays. The deputies wish to thank all those who generously participated in making the festival a great success.

Pictured: Aldine I.S.D. School Board Member Steve Mead made a hefty donation by purchasing a Bar-B-Que pit donated by Pitt's & Spitt's for $1,000. On hand receiving the check is Shirley Reed, Deputies P. Roy, G. Murray, G. Allen and Sergeant G. Kirby.

The Harris County Sheriff's Academy recently held its first Ground Fighting / Weapon Retention Class. The class was held at the new facility located at 2316 Atascocita. Students were taught techniques to use when they find themselves fighting on the ground with an aggressive subject. They were also taught techniques for protection and retention of their weapons. The Academy would like to give a special thanks to Instructors Deputy Anthony Bernabeo, Alvis Solis, and Robert Soliz. All techniques were provided by Alvis Solis Martial Arts of Humble, Texas.

Pictured in Photo:
Alvis Solis, Anthony Bernabeo, and Robert Soliz

Thursday, March 23, 2006, District IV Storefront Deputies sponsored a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) class at the Glencairn Community Center. There were 16 students in the class, including members of an area Girl Scout troop. The class was taught by two of the best R.A.D. instructors in the district, Deputies Paul Brown and Jan Brown. Upon conclusion of the class, students are given the opportunity to use the skills they learned in a controlled exercise. The deputies who participated in the fight simulations were A. Cross, A. Lemon and P. Roy. In addition to the deputies there were Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni members and a R.A.D. Grad there to help the students as they participated in the scenarios. These classes offer women the opportunity to learn self-defense techniques and survival skills they can use should they become the victim of an attack.

There could not have been better weather for the first annual Alief Community Festival. Deputies L. Harry and C. Fisher represented the Sheriff’s Office at this event sponsored by the Houston Community College Southwest and the Alief Community. The deputies passed out “goodie bags” to the kids, spoke to parents about safety issues and answered questions. The festival atmosphere allowed for positive contact between law enforcement and the public. There was live entertainment, free food and fun for all.

Saturday’s combined efforts between the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Community Services/ Store Front Deputies and the Shred-It Company was a tremendous success. With the alarming rise in the number of Identity Theft crimes, this event offered area residents a safe way to dispose of those old documents containing personal identification numbers that can leave them vulnerable should they fall into the wrong hands. There was a steady line of almost 100 cars throughout the day up until the last minutes of the event as area residents took advantage of this opportunity to have boxes of documents shredded free of charge. Members of the Sheriff’s Citizens Police Academy Alumni were present to hand out additional information about Identity Theft.

The next event will be held on Saturday, April 8, at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Substation located at 6831 Cypresswood. For additional information about this event call 281-537-9492.

Police Officers touch and make an impact on other peoples lives sometimes without even knowing. Deputy John Guthrie came to know a female witness during the course of an investigation. However, her life took a turn and a judge ordered her to wear an ankle monitor. Being confined to her residence during the Christmas holidays, made a revolutionary impact on her life. She knew in her heart this would be the last time she would have to go before a judge. Although, she had fallen on hard times, she wanted to salvage Christmas for her two grandchildren that she was raising. The only person she knew to call on was Deputy Guthrie. In the midst of him about to leave for a hunting trip, Deputy Guthrie telephoned a friend of his that works at Enterprise Bank on the North Loop West. She spoke with her bank President M. Dale McGill who quickly committed himself to the mission. Enterprise Bank and its employees collected enough money to purchase two bicycles for the family. Thanks to Deputy Guthrie and Enterprise Bank, this family will recall fond memories of Christmas 2005.

Prepared By:
Deputy Karen Jordan
Media Liaison

On February 7, 2006, Deputy H. Quiroz spotted a vehicle without a front license plate in the 7000 Block of Eldridge in Southwest Harris County. As he followed the vehicle, the driver committed several other traffic violations before turning into a service station parking lot. Deputy Quiroz conducted a traffic stop that he thought would end with writing several traffic citations. This was not the case, far from it in fact.
When Deputy Quiroz completed his investigation he found two loaded handguns, 1904 grams of Ecstacy tablets,9.2 grams of marijuana, 38 grams of cocaine and $19,900 in cash. The suspect was charged with two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver.
Deputy Quiroz's instincts and attention to detail resulted in the arrest of this dangerous felon. He is to be commended for his performance.

For the 13th consecutive year, The Sheriff's Office has given support to the Houston Hispanic Forum. Sheriff Thomas recognizes the importance of offering students and their parents an opportunity to learn about rewarding careers, the college application process, college financing and much more to achieve their dreams of higher education. More than 16,000 participants attended the 20th Annual free event at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 4th. A Command Post was set up to govern all security details for the occasion. The Sheriff's Office allocated 3 Supervisors and 45 Deputies to assist organizers, along with 2 Citizen Police Academy graduates. Several deputies were staged outside to aid in the orderly loading and unloading of buses. Other deputies were strategically placed all over the complex, to insure the safety of all those attending. Major Robert Van Pelt represented the Sheriff's Office during the Opening Ceremony, when Special Invitees were acknowledged.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce its new contract in the Airline area. State Representative Kevin Bailey was the author of the legislation that made the Airline Improvement District possible. The residents and businesses within the contract are excited about having deputies assigned to them, policing in a proactive manner.

The Sheriff's Office found two very qualified deputies to tackle the task. Deputy James Malinowski has been with the Sheriff's Office for over 16 years, 10 of which he patrolled in District 2. Deputy Joseph Shriver brings to the table almost 15 years of service and has patrolled in District 2 since 2001. However, Deputy Shriver is no stranger to Airline. He grew up and attended schools in the Airline Area.

Congratulations Deputy Shriver and Malinowski on your new assignment!

Pictured: Deputy Shriver, Teri Koerth (Airline Improvement District Business Manager), and Deputy Malinowski.

Deputy Kroeger began his career with the Sheriff's Office in October of 1991, after returning from Operation Desert Storm, with the U.S. Army. He graduated from the Sheriff's Academy in April 1994. Kroeger is a Nationally Registered E.M.T., a Master Peace Officer, a TCLEOSE Instructor, TCLEOSE Firearms Instructor, ALERRT Instructor, and is a graduate of several S.W.A.T. Schools.
Kroeger's assignments have included the 1301 Jail, 701 Jail, Adult Boot Camp (Drill Instructor), Patrol, O.C. and Narcotics Task Force (uniformed), Hot Spot, K-9, and was an original member of the Emergency Response Team. At the time of his promotion, Kroeger was assigned to the Crime Control Division.
Sergeant Kroeger and wife Crystal have been married for 5 years. He is the proud father of two daughters, Courtney 14, and Erin 4. He enjoys hunting, shooting, tactical training, and spending time with his family.

On June 24, 2005, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Harris County Sheriff's Deputies Greg Nason and James Lewis responded to a house fire in the 100 block of Del Monte. Initial reports indicated that a woman was trapped inside the burning residence.

Upon arrival, the Deputies could see the woman through a window on the east side of the house, which was already engulfed in flames. Without regard for his own safety, Deputy Nason broke out the window nearest the woman with his bare hands, suffering cuts and abrasions. Deputy Lewis helped Deputy Nason lift the woman out of the window, mere seconds before a flash fire erupted in the room in which she was standing. Overcome by smoke, the woman collapsed just after being carried to safety. She was later transported by Life Flight to Hermann Memorial Hospital, where she made a full recovery.

Deputies Nason and Lewis are credited with saving a woman's life that day and are commended for their heroic actions.

John L. Morrison began his career with the Harris County Sheriff's Office in July of 1990. He holds a Master Peace Officer certificate and a T.C.L.E.O.S.E. Instructor's License. John is currently attending the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas' Leadership Command College.

As a deputy, he was assigned to the 1301 Jail facility and transferred to the Patrol Bureau in 1992. Morrison was promoted to Sergeant in February of 1999. As a Sergeant, his assignments have included 1301 Jail, Fire Suppression Supervisor, and Emergency Response Team Supervisor. At the time of his promotion, Sergeant Morrison was assigned to the Patrol Bureau as a District III day shift field supervisor.

Sergeant Morrison and his wife Shirley have a daughter Kaitlyn, age 10 and a son Duncan, age 3.

On January 26,2006, the Gulf Coast Criminal Investigator Association at their monthly meeting, presented Detective Tom Keen of the Harris County Sheriff's Department attached to Sex Crimes division pesented him an award for his dedication and service to this organization. Detective Keen has been a member of the GCCIA since 1976 and served as Vice Chairman for the last nine years.

Detective Tom Keen deserves this honor and recognition for his professionalism and dedication to his job and promoting a closer working relationship between Law Enforcement and local businesses. Detective Keen is a credit to Law Enforcement and the Harris County Sheriff's Department.

Canine Deputy Paco entered into service in April of 1995 and was handled by Deputy Ben Murray until March of 1996 when Deputy Doug Levy took possession of him until his demise on January 22, 2006.

His career with the department is remarkable. His seizures include 25,405 pounds of marijuana, 250 kilos of cocaine, 9.5 kilos of methamphetamines, 3 kilos of heroine, and $5,483,595 of money seized. Paco made 42 captures and found 15 lost persons (adults and children).
He also helped in the education of children and adults through public demonstrations. Paco was given several accommodations for his work and one of his captures was of a capital murder of a police officer suspect.

Deputy Paco will be greatly missed by this department.
Job Well Done Fellow Brother!

After 26 years of faithful service, Deputy Charles "Chuck" Whitsey calls it quits.

Deputy Whitsey began his Law Enforcement career with the Harris County Sheriff's Department on December 26, 1979. He worked at the old Rehab until January 1982, when he accepted a transfer to District 3 Patrol. In September of 1991, he transferred to "Hot Spot", a uniformed street level Narcotic Unit. Then, in January 1994 he moved to the Organized Crime Narcotic Task Force of the Detective Bureau where he performed "undercover" narcotic investigations. In January 1997, Whitsey transferred back to his District 3 home. He was then assigned to B.A.R.S.(Burglary Apprehension Response Squad). In September 2002, he transferred to Central Patrol (Community Service Bureau) where he was assigned to the District 3 Highlands Storefront. Deputy Whitsey retired from the Sheriff's Office in January 2006.

Chuck will be greatly missed!

The Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit has a new crime-fighting tool, aimed to keep our children safe. The Law Enforcement Officer's Custom Identification System (called LEO) is now being used to fingerprint and capture a still color photo of children.

Deputy Jeff McGowen, of Crime Prevention, spearheaded the collaborative efforts of State Farm Insurance and the Sheriff's Office. After completing a grant process, State Farm issued a check in the amount of $4,995. This money was used to purchase the software (through McGruff), a scanner, and a camera. The Sheriff's Office purchased the computer, printer, and extra paper.

Thank you State Farm, for partnering with the Harris County Sheriff's Office, in bringing this new technology to our parents, helping to insure the safety of our children.

On January 21, 2006, Deputy Frank Donaldson responded to a major accident in the 8400 Blk of Windfern. The original call information was broadcast as a one vehicle accident, with an entrapment and that the vehicle was on fire.

Upon his arrival and seeing that someone was still inside the vehicle, Deputy Donaldson immediately took action and attempted to extinguish the flames with his patrol car's fire extinguisher. Due to the growing size of the fire, Deputy Donaldson was unable to extinguish the flames and entered the burning vehicle to try and pull the driver to safety. Once inside the vehicle Deputy Donaldson discovered that the driver's legs were pinned in the wreckage. Although Deputy Donaldson was pulling vigorously, he was unable to pull the driver's legs free, until he was assisted by a citizen (Carl Brodehausen).

Together Deputy Donaldson and Citizen Brodehausen were then able to free the driver's legs and pull him to safety. Upon the arrival of EMS the driver was ta

On Thursday, January 6, 2006, the Harris County Sheriff's Office Covert Operations Vice Unit executed a search warrant at the Game Room located at 2206 FM 1960 East. The search warrant was the result of a vice investigation.

Covert Operations units along with HCSO patrol units from District II entered the business at approximately 12 Noon and executed the search warrant. The business was secured without incident. Five customers were checked for warrants and issued citations for gambling by vice personnel. One of the five was arrested by patrol for outstanding traffic warrants. The other four were released upon explanation of the citations issued.

Only one employee was in the business at the time the search warrant was executed. The employee called her boss who refused to come to the location. A total of thirty-five (35) machines and monies were seized at the game room.

The Mexican American Sheriff's Organization (M.A.S.O.) held its 17th Annual Banquet honoring Hispanic deputies and civilian personnel.

Johnny Alanez of Harris County Dispatch, received the Service Award for his diligent work as a 9-1-1 educator to school children and for his professionalism as a dispatcher serving the community.

Twenty-five year veteran, Mary Ortiz received the Service Award for her dedication to law enforcement and for her professionalism working with 9-1-1.

Deputy L. Figueroa received the "Hispanic Deputy of the Year" Award. He is assigned to Patrol District II and was also recognized for the apprehension of several armed homicide suspects.

Deputies Eduardo Rivera, Russell Rocamontes and Donald Hess were the recipients of the "Life Saving" Award. These deputies were accredited in saving the lives of two Harris County residents.

Pictured L to R: Deputy L. Figueroa, Mary Ortiz, Johnny Alaniz and Major Robert Van Pelt.

The North Houston Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Public Safety Awards Luncheon on September 1, 2005 at the Wyndham Greenspoint. Among those honored were Deputies Parnell Roy and Karen Williams, of the Sheriff's Aldine Community Storefront.

There is a special character and quality of those who provide community services, and it is true about these two as well. They were described in their nominations as courteous, cheerful, responsive, in tune, and invaluable in the way they handle a variety of tasks each day. They provide many services, including crime prevention tips and techniques, home security surveys, speaking engagements, coordination and participation in community events or programs, Junior Achievement, and child safety. It is hard to measure how many kids chose not to take the path to prison or have prevented themselves from becoming a victim by the work and effort of these deputies. Awarding them shows, their work is valued and appreciated.

The North Houston Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Public Safety Awards Luncheon on September 1, 2005, at the Wyndham Greenspoint. Many officers were honored from several different agencies, serving and array of Houston areas.

The Harris County Sheriff's Department, District Two B.A.R.S. Unit was awarded a UNIT CITATION AWARD. The Burglary Apprehension Response Squad, is a specialized unit focused on investigating residential burglaries. They are trained to conduct initial and follow-up investigations, collect and process evidence, and their very favorite - interrogating suspects. Incidentally, 85% of their suspects confess! 560 suspects have been charged and almost $1 million worth of property recovered.

Those honored from this unit were Sergeants Nat Gutierrez and Kenny Allee; and Deputies John Johnson, Bill Beezley, Mike Zaicek, Brian Quiser, Lisa McCool, Raul Cardona, Jeff Manning, Chris Gwosdz, and David Rodriguez.

Deputy Wolfe began her career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in October of 1991. She attended the Basic Peace Officer’s Academy Class #114 at the University of Houston-Downtown and graduated in June of 1994. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Radio and TV, Communications and a Minor in Journalism from the University of Houston Central in December of 1990. Deputy Wolfe also holds a Master Peace Officer’s License, is a Crime Prevention Specialist, a licensed TCLEOSE instructor, a certified R.A.D Instructor, and is also a certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician.

At the time of her promotion, Deputy Wolfe was assigned as the Media Liaison for Districts II & III.

Congratulations to Deputy Wolfe on her promotion to Sergeant.

Photo from l-r: A.J. Harris (Wolfe's father),Jailer A.
Harris(Wolfe's brother), Sgt. D.M. Wolfe & Sheriff Tommy
Thomas
############################END##########################

Deputy Conrad began his career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in December of 1992. He attended the Basic Peace Officer’s Course at the University of Houston-Downtown and graduated in December of 1993. He currently holds an Advanced Peace Officer certificate, a TCLEOSE Instructor’s License, and is a Field Training Officer.

Deputy Conrad was first assigned to the old 1301 Jail facility as a jailer, where he remained after he became certified. In 1995, he transferred to the Patrol Bureau, where he worked in District II.

Deputy Conrad and his wife have two children ages 6 and 13.

Congratulations to Deputy Conrad on his promotion to Sergeant.

Photo l-r: Sergeant Conrad & Sheriff Tommy Thomas

Lieutenant Louis Guthrie reported for duty Friday, August 12, 2005, to the District IV Substation of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office located at 16715 Clay Road. He began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1991. He was assigned to the Detention Bureau until transferring to the Patrol Bureau, District III, where he spent five years as a patrolman. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was transferred to the Detention Bureau for one and a half years. He promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was assigned to the Patrol Bureau, District I, for two years. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and is assigned to District IV. He will be responsible for the management of his Watch and the personnel under his command. Additionally, he will be responsible for investigating citizen complaints and other incidents occurring in his district.
Lieutenant Guthrie and his wife are the proud parents of an eighteen-month-old Basset Hound named Sarge.

On June 24, 2005, at approximately 8:42 p.m., Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies Greg Nason and James Lewis responded to house fire located at 107 Del Monte in Highlands in which they rescued a female that was trapped inside.

Deputies Nason and Lewis entered the burning residence and physically removed Mrs. Diana Whisenhant. The deputies exited the house with Whisenhant right before a flash fire occurred. Because Whisenhant was overcome by smoke, she collapsed right after being carried out of her burning home by Deputies Nason and Lewis.

Whisenahant was transported to Hermann Memorial Hospital by Life Flight and was later released on June 26, 2005.
Deputy Nason was treated for minor cuts to both of his hands.

Congratulations to Deputy Nason and Lewis for a job well done.

(Photo l-r: Lt. Clay, Deputy Nason, & Sgt. W. Hogue
Deputy Lewis as unavailable for photo.)

District IV Sergeant Michael Harvey received a commendation from Sheriff Tommy Thomas for his role in the capture of a notorious felon. This suspect, who is believed to have been responsible for numerous aggravated robberies, had eluded law enforcement for some time. This proved no match for Sergeant Harvey. His attention to detail and keen observation skills paid off when he spotted a vehicle with two occupants who seemed nervous and appeared to sink down in their seats when he passed them. When the suspect was apprehended, it was discovered that he had committed another armed robbery, only moments before his capture.

The District IV Day Shift Supervisors have selected Deputy J. Parrish Deputy of the Shift for July 2005. On July 6, 2005, Deputy Parrish spotted a car matching the description of a vehicle used in a robbery that had just occurred in the area. He successfully detained the suspect who was later identified by the man he had attempted to rob. The suspect was armed with a shotgun and extra ammunition. This incident could have had a very different ending had it not been for Deputy Parrish’s keen observation and quick actions. There is no way to determine how many other victims there would have been had Deputy Parrish not located the suspect when he did.

The Williamsburg Hamlet Security Coordinator Patti Nelson presented Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy Jimmy Byrd with a plaque, during the National Night Out festivities,in appreciation of the job he does keeping the streets of their neighborhood safe. The Harris County Mounted Patrol was on hand for the presentation.

There is a new Captain at the helm of the District IV Substation of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, located at 16715 Clay Road. District IV is pleased to announce that Captain Michael J. O’Brien has taken command of our district as of Saturday, July 30.
Captain O’Brien began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1980 and was assigned to the now defunct 301 Jail. In 1981 he transferred to the Patrol Bureau and was assigned to District III located in South Harris County. He was promoted in 1984 to the rank of Detective where he worked in Warrants, Burglary, Child Abuse and Sex Crimes until he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1989. As a Sergeant he was assigned to the Planning and Evaluations Bureau before returning to the Patrol Bureau, first in District IV for six months and then to District III. In 1995 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned to the 701 Jail Facility, the Patrol Bureau, and Human Resources Bureau.
While assigned to the Human Resou

On June 10, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy L. Drury was dispatched to Parker Music Store located at 9941 North Freeway in reference to a theft.

The storeowners Rudolph and Linda Kroger advised Deputy Drury that Mr. Kroger had received and anonymous email informing him that employees had been stealing miscellaneous musical equipment.

Mrs. Kroger stated, “When Deputy Drury showed up on the scene, she took charge and let them (the employees) that there would be a full blown investigation. She was impressive, effective, persistent, and outstanding.” Mrs. Kroger said that because people are always complaining about police officers not being there when you need them, she and her husband erected a sign outside of their business that says, “For a good cop call Officer Drury, 713-221-6000.”

As a result of Deputy Drury's actions, other employees confessed, and thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise has been recovered.

Deputy Jerry LaSalle on Saturday,May 28,2005 was dispatched to the Windcrest apartments, 10455 Green's Crossing, apartment #814 regarding an in progress disturbance in which the male subject was allegedly breaking out windows in the apartment.

When Deputy Lasalle arrived at apartment#814, he heard glass breaking and a female's voice yelling, "STOP! STOP!" as he looked through the apartment window,the deputy observed the suspect holding a knife to the neck of the female complainant. He also observed that both parties had an extensive amount of blood on her upper body. Deputy LaSalle immediately ordered the male to drop the knife and walk outside the apartment. The suspect replied to the deputy,"If you come in here, I amgoing to kill her!" The female yelled at the deputy"He is trying to stabme with the knife!" The male suspect continued to hold the female at knifepoint,stating, he was going to kill her with the knife,"and I want you to see it!"Deouty LaSalle then kicked the door, push

The District IV Supervisors have named Deputy Willie Thornton Deputy of the Month for June 2005. When Deputy Thornton responded to a Criminal Trespassing call on March 8, 2005, he had no idea he was about to make an arrest that would result in the identification of a Sexual Assault suspect Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Detectives had sought since January of this year. The fingerprints taken, as the result of Deputy Thornton’s arrest of suspect Joel Briones, were entered into the AFIS System. The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Detectives received a confirmation of a match between Briones’ prints and the prints taken from one of their crime scenes. An interview with Briones conducted by Fort Bend Sheriff’s Detectives resulted in his confession in at least two Sexual Assaults and one Lewd Conduct. He is also a suspect in two cases in Harris County.
Deputy Thornton is to be commended for his professionalism and attention to duty. His actions thwarted this sexual predator’s attempt to lo

District IV Supervisors would like to commend Deputy Quiroz for his performance in the month of March 2005. Deputy Quiroz was instrumental in the capture of a notorious suspect who was wanted for several aggravated robberies in the Mission Bend area. This suspect is also believed to be responsible for numerous cases in Harris County, Fort Bend County and Houston.
Deputy Quiroz was also responsible for 11 misdemeanor arrests, 134 traffic stops, 44 citations for 74 violations, 34 warnings, 17 reports and was dispatched to 476 calls. Deputy Quiroz has distinguished himself as a true professional and presents himself with a positive image for both the Department and his community. Deputy Quiroz was also chosen as District IV's overall Deputy of the Month for his exceptional work performance.

On June 9, 2005, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon to honor Peace Officers and Fire Fighter of the Year. Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy T. Faughtenbery was an award recipient for his consistent quality of service to the citizens of the Highlands community.

On March 30, 2005, Deputy Faughtenbery responded to a call for service regarding an aggravated assault. A citizen was seriously injured when he was shot by the suspect. The deputy summoned assistance for the injured citizen and was able to obtain suspect information. Deputy Faughtenbery searched for the suspect who fled the scene in a vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle was located and a pursuit ensued. The deputy quickly and effectively notified additional officers of the pursuit for added assistance. The suspect was apprehended without further incident and the weapon used in the assault was recovered.
*Photo from left to right:
Deputy Faughtenbery, Lt. Moneyhun, & Judge Mike Parrott

Each year The 100 Club Of Houston selects twenty-five to thirty officers throughout Houston and the unincorporated areas of Harris County who go beyond the call of duty. Two of these officers are from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Patrol District IV.

Deputies Tim Bell and Joseph Smith received 100 Club Awards for rescuing a citizen in a perilous situation. The citizen they rescued had been involved in a traffic accident, which left his vehicle overturned in a ditch filled with water. With no regard for their own safety they managed to pull the citizen from his vehicle saving his life.

Deputies Bell and Smith, through clear thinking and fast action, were able to prevent injury and quite possibly loss of life. They have distinguished themselves as true professionals who are dedicated to the Sheriff’s Office and the community they are sworn to serve.

These deputies have proven themselves worthy of the recognition they have received from their supervisors and

The District IV day watch Supervisors have named Deputy Gale Johnson Deputy of the Month for April 2005. Deputy Johnson’s keen observation skills paid off when he noticed the nervous behavior of a driver as he was patrolling an area known for traffic violators. When he checked the license plate he found the vehicle had been reported stolen. With the assistance of other deputies he was able to conduct a felony traffic stop and take the two occupants into custody without incident.

Deputy Johnson has a positive attitude and a good work ethic. He is commended for his performance in the month of May.

On March 26, 2004, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Harris County Sheriff’s Deputy J. Spanos, who is assigned to District III, was traveling in the 15700 block of Highway 249 when he observed a 15-year-old male juvenile attempting to jump from the concrete retaining wall of the overpass on Gessner located in far northwest Harris County.

Deputy Spanos had observed that a crowd had gathered at the bottom of the overpass and were pleading for the young man not to jump. Deputy Spanos also began a dialogue with the teen for him not to jump, but the teen was unresponsive.

While the juvenile was distracted by the pleads from the crowd, Deputy Spanos grabbed the juvenile’s arm and neck and pulled him from the railing and secured the teen in handcuffs.

After the incident, Deputy Spanos was able to contact the teen’s parents and also transported him to the Ben Taub Neuro-Psychiatric Center for evaluation and treatment.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and District IV would like to congratulate Captain Paul Cordova on the completion of his Bachelor’s Degree from the College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University. It should also be noted that he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Considering his busy schedule this was in no way an easy feat, balancing work, family and school. Captain Cordova’s next challenge will be to complete his Master’s Degree.

The South Pasadena Rotary Club presented the “Officer of the Year Awards” to Deputies Thomas Smith and Don McCall.

On November 21, 2004, Mrs. Latanya Zilton had reported her 12-year-old daughter as a runaway to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. On November 25, deputies Smith and McCall received information regarding the whereabouts of the juvenile.

The juvenile had been in the company of 33-year-old Lonnie Hilson who was later charged with aggravated sexaul assault of a child. On April 22, 2005, Hilson plead guilty and is currently serving a 12-year sentence.

(Photographed from left to right Deputy Don McCall, Thomas Smith, and Captain Michael J. O'Brien)

AWARD NOMINATION
HUMBLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PEACE OFFICER OF THE YEAR


Weed and Seed is a nation wide strategy initiated by the 1st President Bush. The goal is to help economically depressed areas help themselves by reducing crime and increasing accessibility to social services. The main goal of Law Enforcement is to focus efforts to reduce gang and drug crime in a targeted area.

In July of 1999, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office entered into partnership with Harris County Community Development and established a Weed and Seed site in the Aldine area of northeast Harris County.

Year to date, they have arrested 2662 felony suspects, 4153 misdemeanor suspects, cleared 7126 warrants, seized $782,116 in cash, taken 221 firearms from the hands of criminals and removed over 20 million dollars worth of illegal drugs and narcotics from our streets.

Lieutenant Radabaugh began his career with the Harris County Sheriff's Office on September 1, 1984. He had previously served with another local law enforcement agency and attended Basic Peace Officer Class #449 at the Harris County Sheriff's Academy and graduated in July of 1982. Kevin received his Bachelor of Arts in Law Enforcement and Police Science in 1981 from Sam Houston State University. In 1987, he completed the Master of Science program in Criminal Justice Management, also at Sam Houston State. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a Master Peace Officer Certificate as well as an Instructor and Mental Health Officer licenses.

Kevin has five children: two daughters, Ashley and Lyndsay, and three sons, Sean, Taylor and Evann. Kevin enjoys riding his motorcycle, camping and playing the trumpet in his spare time.

Congratulations to Lieutenant Radabaugh on his promotion to Captain.

Deputy Trejo began his career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in January of 1991. He attended the Basic Peace Officer’s Academy at the Lower Rio Grande Valley Regional Police Academy in Cameron County, the Basic 49th and graduated in June of 1985. Adan holds a Master Peace Officer Certification, and is a TCLEOSE licensed instructor.

Adan is a member of the Mexican American Sheriff’s Organization. His peers at the Office of the Attorney General nominated him as “Officer of the Year” in September of 1990. He was a recipient of a safe driving and perfect attendance service award in March of 2004.

Deputy Trejo and his wife Gracie have two children, daughter Desiree (20) and Adan, III (4). He enjoys collecting old coins, the outdoors and spending time with his family.

Congratulations to Deputy Trejo on his promotion to Sergeant.

Two of District IV’s finest were promoted to the rank of Sergeant this week. Grady Castleberry and Darren Chambers were presented their badge and Identification by the Sheriff on April 18 and 19 2005. Grady has been assigned to District IV since February of 1996. He became a field-training officer in 2002. Darren transferred to District IV from District I in August of 2001. Congratulations are in order for both and we wish them the best of luck in their new assignments.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office would like to commend Deputy Jesus Marin for his performance in the month of February 2005. Deputy Marin has proven himself to be a hard worker. He was responsible for 158 calls for service, four arrests, 33 offence reports and 62 traffic citations.

Deputy Marin’s enthusiasm, positive attitude, and strong work ethic have distinguished him as a true professional. He presents a positive image for both the Sheriff’s Office and the community he has sworn to serve.

The District IV supervisors have named Deputy James Flynt nightshift Deputy of the Month for April 2005. A man with a knife, claiming he was going to commit suicide, had barricaded himself and his family in a bedroom of his residence. Once the family members were safely removed deputies attempted to convince the man to come out. Several unsuccessful attempts were made, using OC spray and simunitions. The man continued to behave in a threatening manner. He finally told deputies he would only surrender to one person, his cousin who works for the Sheriff’s Office, James Flynt. Deputy Flynt, who was off duty, was contacted and even though he had not had contact with the man in for several years, agreed to come talk to him. Deputy Flynt was able to take the man into custody without further incident.
Deputy Flynt responded without hesitation or question even though he was off duty at the time. Had it not been fro his assistance the outcome may have been very different. Deputy Flynt’s ac

On Thursday, February 24, 2005, Pct. #2 Commissioner Sylvia Garcia presented letters of appreciation to District III supervisors and deputies for the selfless acts of kindness they all displayed in regards to a fire at the Gentry Apartments on Christmas Eve 2004.

The deputies, supervisors, and other members of the
community went "that extra mile" to help the families that had been displaced by the fire. Some personnel that responded to the emergency were scheduled to be off that evening, but took time to help the displaced families by assisting them with food, temporary shelter, and clothing. The families were also provided with Christmas presents.


The following District III personnel that was recognized included Lt. Randall Casteel, Sgt. Richard Manning, Deputies Lee Bumpers, Brian McNabb, Daniel McCool, Donald Tipps, Tommy Wilks, Kathy Wilson, and Scott Talbott.

(Lt. Casteel & Commissioner Garcia)

Sgt. Richard Manning was recognized by Commissioner Garcia for assisting the displaced families on Christmas Eve 2004.

Deputy Lee Bumpers was one of the many deputies who went "that extra mile" to assist the families that were displaced as a result of the fire at the Gentry Apartments on Christmas Eve 2004.

(The other deputies' photos were unavailable.)

Friday, September 10,2004, Harris County Sheriff's Deputy S. Spillers, was dispatched to the 10500 block of LineCamp in reference to two black males stealing mail from the neighborhood mail boxes. Witnesses stated that they observed two men pull up to a neighbors mail box and take the mail out and drove off in a gold colored Chevrolet S10.

Deputy Spillers, while checking the area for the vehicle, observed two black males in a gold colored Chevrolet S10 traveling west in the 9300 block of Jones Road. Deputy Spillers made a traffic stop and identified the driver as Charles Smith. He was wearing a white baseball cap and a grey T-shirt matching the description given by the witnesses. A second black male was sitting in the passengers seat and identified as Ronald Thibodeaux. Deputy Spillers observed several opened envelopes laying on top of the center console between the driver and the passenger seat. The suspect's were placed into custody and transported back to the scene where thet

Ronald Groves began his career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in December of 1989. He attended the Basic Peace Officer’s class # B4-90 at the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy and graduated in December of 1990. Groves holds an Advanced Peace Officer Certificate.

Groves was first assigned to the 1301 Jail facility. He was assigned to the Master Control Center, the Clinic, Night Court, and Recreation during his tenure in the Housing Bureau. In February 1995, he transferred to the Patrol Bureau where he was assigned to District III as a patrolman at the time of his promotion.

Groves has been married to his wife Shannon, who works as a Communications Officer with the Harris County Sheriff's Office for six years. In his spare time, Groves enjoys weightlifting, traveling and spending time with his family.

Congratulations to Ron Groves on his promotion to Sergeant.

On June 28, 2004, Harris County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an assault at a local bar located in the 17500 block of West Little York. The complainant stated he had been inside the bar for a while and when he left to retrieve his wallet from his vehicle he was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint by two men. One was described as a white male approximately 5’7”, 150pounds, wearing an orange “Astros “ cap and jersey. The second suspect was described as a Hispanic male approximately 6’2”, 180 pounds wearing a blue shirt and jeans. The complainant was stuck in the back of the head by an unknown object and was struck several more times after falling to the ground.

On July 1, 2004, Deputy B. Curtis responded to a meet the citizen call. When he arrived at the scene he was met by the complainant that was assaulted and robbed at the pub on West Little York. He told Deputy Curtis that he was approached by a witness and told that she may have seen on of the suspects that assaulted him on June 28, 2004. The witness was able to get the license plate of the vehicle in which he was riding. Deputy Curtis ran the license plate and found the vehicle registered to an address in West Harris County. Deputy Curtis asked the Complainant if he would accompany him to that address to verify the person was indeed one of the suspects. The Complainant agreed to do so. Deputy Curtis contacted his supervisor to inform him of his actions and ask for additional units to accompany him to the address. When they arrived at the address they found no one home, but as they were leaving the vehicle was spotted making a U-Turn. A traffic stop was initiated and the Complainant identified the suspect as one of the men that robbed him.

Due to Deputy Curtis diligence and quick action, this case was resolved, and the suspect apprehended.

The suspect was identified as David Balkum, 18 years of age of Houston. He was charged with Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon and is currently being held on $30,000.00 Bond.

On September 2, 2004, Sheriff's Deputy C. Hughes, A.D. Rodriguez and Crime Analyst Betty Fussell were award recipients at the North Houston Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce Public Safety Recognition Luncheon.

Sheriff's Deputy C. Hughes received the Distinguished Service Award for apprehending a sexual predator. In July 2004, Deputy Hughes interrupted a sexual assault in progress. While on routine patrol, the deputy made a security check of Keith Weiss Park located in northeast Harris County. Upon further investigation, the victim had been kidnapped while walking down the road. The suspect was charged with kidnapping and sexual assault.

Sheriff's Deputy A.D. Rodriguez received the Special Recognition Award for his commitment to improve the quality of life in the Aldine area. Deputy Rodriguez has taken the initiative to enforce the nuisance abatement laws of the state of Texas to assist Harris County residents who do not live in a deed-restricted subdivision. His efforts began in March 2002, with the assistance of Animal Control, Health Department and the County Attorney's Office. Over 400 junked vehicles have been moved, 200+ stray animals picked up, 50+ condemned houses/buildings demolished and over 40 salvage yards inspected. His commitment to the Harris County residents that want a cleaner neighborhood and his dedication to make a difference is worthy of recognition.

Crime Analyst, Betty Fussell is a 23-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office. Mrs. Fussell brought her analytical skills to the East District in October 2001. On average she reviews over 450 reports on a monthly basis. This information is entered into a database and utilized for statistical and predictive analysis. The database assists Mrs. Fussell in creating crime bulletins, forecasts, trends and patterns. This information is shared with our detective bureau and surrounding law enforcement agencies as well. Mrs. Fussell was presented with the Special Recognition Award.

On August 5, Deputy Christopher Montemayor was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Montemayor began his career with Harris County Sheriff’s Office in June 1991. He attended the Basic Peace Officer’s Class of B3-93 at the Harris County Sheriff’s Academy and graduated in August 1993.

Montemayor was assigned to the old 1301 jail facility and assisted in the opening of the 701 jail facility, where he was assigned to the Visitor Control Center. While assigned to the Detention Bureau, Montemayor was a member of the newly formed Emergency Response Team.

In 1995, Montemayor transferred to the Patrol Bureau where he was assigned to District III. While in District III as a patrolman, Montemayor has worked in different positions including Field Training Officer, an investigator with the Burglary Apprehension Response Unit, and lastly, served as a contract deputy for the Heritage Park Subdivision located near Friendswood.

Montmayor is a member of the Mexican American Sheriff’s Organization, and in December of 1997 received a Harris County Unit Commendation for the cases that were cleared while he was a part of the Burglary Apprehension Response Unit. Montemayor also achieved a First Degree Black Belt with the American Karate Association.

Off duty, Montemayor enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. He also enjoys sports and being in the great outdoors.

Congratulations to Montemayor on his promotion to sergeant.

######################END#########################

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office would like to commend Sgt. Joseph “Al” Blendermann for his outstanding services as the District IV Field Training Supervisor.
Sgt. Blendermann was appointed to the committee responsible for researching Tasers in May of 2003. The committee was established to review and make recommendations as to whether or not the Sheriff’s Office should authorize Tasers to be included as a form of non-lethal weapons arsenal. Since being chosen as a committee member, Sgt. Blendermann has personally met with the representatives of Taser International and volunteered to experience the debilitating effects of the Taser. After these initial meetings, Sgt. Blendermann wrote a proposal recommending that the Taser be adopted by the Sheriff’s Office. After receiving permission from the Patrol Bureau Major, Sgt. Blendermann wrote the initial request for the purchase of Tasers. In addition, Sgt. Blendermann made arrangements with Taser International to train Harris County

On April 17, 2004, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Harris County Sheriff`s Deputy K. Tarrance responded to 7315 Millbrea Lane in the Chimney Hills Subdivision in regards to a weapons disturbance. When Deputy Tarrance turned on Millbrea Lane, he saw a man in the street on his knees along with several other people standing around him. As it was dark, Deputy Tarrance utilized his patrol car’s spotlight to illuminate the scene. As he approached the man he noticed that he had blood on his face. Deputy Tarrance immediately notified Harris County Sheriff`s Office Dispatch and requested that EMS respond to the scene. In an effort to determine exactly what had occurred, Deputy Tarrance began questioning the group of people who were standing in the street. He was advised that there was a drive by shooting. As other deputies began to arrive, and witnesses were being questioned, Deputies were able to develop a description of the suspects and their fleeing vehicle. A BOLO (Be On the Look Out) broadcast was immediately made over the police radio with the suspect information.

With the information dispatched, Deputy B. Cross responded to the Jersey Acres Subdivision to search for the suspects. Deputy Cross quickly identified a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle parked on a side road with the parking lights on. As he approached the vehicle, the lights on the car were turned off and the vehicle sped away in an attempt to evade Deputy Cross. Deputy Cross was able to keep up with the fleeing vehicle until it stopped whereupon the three Hispanic male occupants jumped out of the car and ran away in different directions. Deputy Cross dispatched these actions to the responding patrol units. A perimeter was immediately established and all three suspects were quickly and safely apprehended. A shotgun was recovered in the back floorboard of the vehicle. After further investigation, it was determined that this drive by shooting was gang related. The suspects were identified as Omar Garcia, Francisco Soria, and Joseph Hernandez, all of Houston. Garcia and Soria are charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and held with No Bond. Hernandez was charged with Evading Arrest and held in lieu of a $5,000.00 bond.

District IV would like to commend Deputy B. Cross on his outstanding duty performance. His quick thinking and diligence were directly responsible for the apprehension of the suspects. Deputy Cross brings credit upon himself and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

On March 25, 2004, District IV, Field Taining Officer, Gary Rodgers, initiated a traffic stop after noticing the vehicle had an expired license plate. While interviewing the suspect, Deputy Rodgers noticed inconsistencies in his responses. After checking the suspect, identified as Vincent Lopez, on the car computer, he discovered Mr. Lopez matched the description of a fugitive murder suspect out of California. Deputy Rodgers was unable to make a positive identification given the information from the computer. He detained Mr. Lopez and transported him to the Clay Road Substation so he could be fingerprinted and his true identity verified. After fingerprinting Mr. Lopez, it was confirmed he was indeed the fugitive wanted for murder out of California. Modesto Police Department, Detective A. Brocchini, informed Deputy Rodgers he has been searching for Lopez for three years. Detective Brocchini also advised Deputy Rodgers that Lopez was wanted for a total fo seven drive by shooting