CBP officers at El Paso port seize 4.5 tons of marijuana in one bust
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 9,084 pounds of marijuana in a single bust Wednesday. The drugs were hidden in a commercial shipment of auto parts. The estimated street value of the seized marijuana is $7,267,200.
The seizure occurred shortly before noon Wednesday at the commercial cargo facility at the Ysleta international crossing. A CBP officer referred a 1995 GMC tractor that had entered the bridge through the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lane hauling a 1999 Utility trailer laden with a shipment of auto parts for secondary inspection. A non-intrusive imaging system scan indicated anomalies within the shipment. CBP officers conducted an intensive examination of the tractor trailer at the cargo dock and discovered bundles commingled with the shipment of auto parts. CBP officers removed 6,640 bundles containing a total of 9,084 pounds of marijuana from the trailer.
“In order to maintain the integrity of the FAST program, CBP officers will verify that the system is not compromised by smuggling organization through targeted and random exams,” said William Molaski, U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso Port Director. “We trust but we also verify. Our recurring review of the trusted shipper program, through various layers of enforcement, ensures compliance.”
The driver of the truck had his FAST crossing privileges cancelled. No arrests were made at the time, and the investigation is continuing. The FAST program is designed to ensure security and safety of trans-border commercial shipments at selected cargo ports of entry. Eligibility for the FAST program requires participants (carriers, drivers, importers and southern border manufactures) to submit an application, agreement and security profile. The FAST program allows known low risk commercial cargo shipments to received expedited border processing at cargo ports.
In addition to the previously mentioned seizure, CBP officers at the El Paso port of entry recorded five more drug busts on Wednesday, seizing an additional 1,335 pounds of marijuana. The total for the day was 10,419 pounds of marijuana.
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MAN DIES IN MOTORCYCLE COLLISION
Date/Time: 04-09-09
Location: US 54 North Exit Ramp 28 (Diana)
Vehicle: Black 2002 Honda Goldwing
Operator: 53-year old Keith Jackson of the 8900 block of Echo
EL PASO, TEXAS –A man dies in a motorcycle collision. The Special Traffic Investigations Unit (STI) responded to US 54 and Diana to assist Northeast Patrol with a traffic fatality. The preliminary investigation revealed 53-year old Keith Jackson rode a 2002 Honda Goldwing north on US 54 and began to exit on the Diana off ramp. The exit sign broke, possibly due to high winds, and swung into the exit lane striking Mr. Jackson. Mr. Jackson, who was wearing a helmet, died at the scene. Speed is not a factor in this collision. The investigation continues.
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MAN CHARGED IN CITY’S LATEST MURDER
Date/Time: 04-08-09 @ 10:36 a.m.
Location: 12000 block of Miguel Varela
Victim: 66-year old Jose Pichardo of the 12000 block of Miguel Varela
Arrested: 47-year old Hector Enrique Astorga of the 1200 block of Miguel Varela
EL PASO, TEXAS –A man is charged in the city’s latest murder. Crimes Against Persons Detectives arrested 47-year old Hector Enrique Astorga and booked him into the El Paso County Detention Facility on one count of Murder with a three hundred fifty thousand dollar ($350,000.00) bond. Through their investigation Detectives learned Astorga, who rented a room from the victim, killed the victim after an argument inside the residence. The investigation continues and a cause of death is not being released until the autopsy is completed.
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April 8, 2009, Bank Robbery/Village People Bandit
The First Federal Bank, 2290 Trawood, El Paso, Texas, was robbed about 10:15 this morning. The initial description of the bank robber is:
-Hispanic Male in his 40s
-5'5", heavy build
-Wearing: yellow hard hat, blue jacket, dark gray shirt and jeans
We have no photos at this time or other information. If anyone has information about the city's fifth bank robbery, please contact the FBI at 915-832-5000.
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April 7, 2009
Bank robber identified
The subject of El Paso’s fourth bank robbery was identified today. Russel Deck, 33 years old, of the 9800 block of Montana, El Paso, Texas, is wanted for one count of bank robbery.
Deck, who is unemployed, is accused of robbing the Capital Bank, 8700 Montana, El Paso, Texas, on Friday, April 3, 2009. The FBI is actively looking for Deck. His photo will also be featured on local Clear Channel digital billboards this evening and tomorrow. If anyone has information on his whereabouts, please contact the FBI at 832-5000.
The case is being worked by the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force which includes members of the FBI, El Paso Police Department and El Paso Sheriff’s Department.
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CBP sweeps up cocaine smuggler
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the El Paso port of entry seized 15 pounds of cocaine Monday morning. CBP officers discovered the drug load during a pre-primary sweep of vehicles that were waiting in line at the Ysleta international crossing. The estimated street value of the seized cocaine is $450,000.
“The cocaine was concealed deep within the engine of a van,” said William Molaski, U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso Port Director. “The smugglers went to considerable lengths to conceal this load however CBP’s layered enforcement approach stopped the smuggler cold in his tracks.”
The seizure happened at approximately 8:45 a.m. Monday during an enforcement sweep of vehicles in the queue leading to the primary inspection booths at the Ysleta crossing. CBP drug sniffing dog “Outlaw” alerted to a blue Chevrolet Astro Van that was in the line. CBP officers interviewed the driver of the van and noticed that he was nervous during routine questioning. CBP officers moved the van to a secondary search area and initiated a thorough exam. CBP officers removed 12 cocaine-filled bundles from the engine block of the van.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents arrested the driver in connection with the failed smuggling attempt. He is identified as 34-year-old Erasmo Antonio Armendariz Banuelos of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
In addition to the cocaine seizure, CBP officers at the El Paso port also seized 143 pounds of marijuana in two busts, captured two fugitives, and identified a dozen immigration violations on Monday.
While anti-terrorism is the primary mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the inspection process at the ports of entry associated with this mission results in impressive numbers of enforcement actions in all categories.
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Three people are hospitalized in motorcycle collision Sunday
Date/Time: 04-05-2009 @ 2:48p.m.
Location: I-10 West Mile Post 19 (Just after Downtown Mesa Exit)
Vehicle 1: 2002 Yamaha, Sport Motorcycle, Black
Driver: Roberto Ponce, 32 years of age, Chaparral, New Mexico Resident
Vehicle 2: 2007 Kawasaki, Sport Motorcycle, White
Driver: Cesar Alberto MARTINEZ, 20 years of age, 12000 block of Jose Cisneros
Passenger: Victoria Falcon, 20 years of age, 11800 block of Henry Phipps
Vehicle 3: 2008 Toyota Camry, 4 door, Grey
Driver: Carlos Azcarate, 25 years of age, El Paso Resident
Vehicle 4: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, SUV, Black
Driver: Laura Rebeca OKUBO, 32 years of age, El Paso Resident
Passenger: Hispanic female, 13 years of age, El Paso Resident
Passenger: Hispanic female, 6 year s of age, El Paso Resident
EL PASO, TEXAS – Three are hospitalized after two motorcycles collide with two other vehicles on I-10 West near downtown. On Sunday April 5, 2009, a group of eight motorcyclists were traveling on I-10 West near the Downtown exit. At that time, a 2002 Yamaha motorcycle, driven by 32-year old Roberto Ponce, and a 2007 Kawasaki motorcycle, driven by 20-year old Cesar Alberto Martinez, collided with a 2008 Toyota Camry that was also traveling on the I-10. That collision caused both motorcyclists to lose control and collided with each other. That second impact caused Ponce to strike a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was traveling on the far left lane of I-10 West. Martinez struck the concrete barrier on the far right of I-10 West. Ponce, Martinez, and Martinez’s passenger, 20-year old Victoria Falcon received serious injuries in the collision and were all taken to Thomason Hospital. Martinez received the most serious injuries and is considered critical. Ponce and Falcon are considered stable. During the initial investigation, the six other motorcyclists that were traveling with Ponce and Martinez were detained for questioning regarding the serious collision and later released. No charges have been filed and no other injuries were reported in the crash. The El Paso Police Department’s Special Traffic Investigations Unit (S.T.I.) is investigating. Contributing factors to the collision are still being investigated, however speed is suspected as one of the factors.
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FBI Continues Shooting Investigation at Ft. Bliss 4.4.09
On Saturday, April 6, 2009, Kevin Patrick Beckel, 23 years old, shot and killed his 19-year-old wife, Cassaundra Nichole Beckel, inside the Ft. Bliss Post Exchange (PX).
The wife, a soldier, had been at Ft. Bliss less than two weeks for training. The husband, who was from Gurnee, Illinois, had lived in Washington State for about a year and had recently moved to El Paso, Texas. According to witnesses, the two had experienced some marital problems recently.
Kevin Beckel, who was unemployed, was seen at the Post Exchange before his wife entered the PX around 4 pm Saturday. The two exchanged some conversation inside the PX then Kevin Beckel pulled out a gun and shot his wife at close range before turning the gun on himself. A suicide note was found at Kevin Beckel’s El Paso residence.
Cassaundra Beckel was pronounced dead at 4:45pm Saturday. Kevin Beckel was pronounced brain dead at 10:55am Sunday, but was kept on life support until this morning.
The FBI continues to work this case with the US Army’s Criminal Investigation Division. The FBI has primary jurisdiction whenever a civilian crime occurs at a federal reservation (Ft. Bliss, in this case).
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Crime stoppers family violence assaults 4.6.09
EL PASO, TEXAS –
Crime Stoppers of El Paso is asking for the media’s help in publicizing the persons listed below who have outstanding warrants for Family Violence assaults.
These are offenders who have already been found guilty of injuring a family member, and they are still at large within our community. With your assistance, we can bring them to justice.
If you are a victim of or a witness to family violence, report it immediately at 911. Or you can call Crime Stoppers at 566-TIPS (566-8477) to report on-going concerns. You will remain anonymous, and you could receive a cash reward if your information proves useful in apprehending these offenders:
Valdivieso, Maria DOB: 08/22/1949
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Caton, Debbie DOB: 05/14/1959
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Munoz, Jose DOB: 05/09/1972
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Pequeno, Aurelio DOB: 05/29/1970
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Rodriguez, Juan DOB: 07/02/1978
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
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Monday, April 6, 2009 wanted fugitive:Bernie Robert Ortiz
FUGITIVE INFORMATION:
NAME: ORTIZ, BERNIE ROBERT (21)
AKA:
MARTINEZ, BERNIE
RESIDES: CENTRAL- EL PASO, TX
DOB: 01-19-88
HEIGHT: 5'8"
WEIGHT: 220 lbs.
HAIR: Brown
EYES: Brown
PLACE OF BIRTH:
El Paso, Texas
TATTOOS:
RIGHT ARM- “ORTIZ”
UPPER RIGHT ARM- “VERONICA”
LEFT ARM- “GOOD TIMES” w/ faces (smile now / cry later)
UPPER LEFT ARM- 2 SKULLS
CHEST- FEMALE CLOWN
CHIN - TRIANGLE
HEAD- “ORTIZ”
The Manhunt is on for BERNIE ROBERT ORTIZ.
ORTIZ is wanted for the OFFENSE of:
MOTION TO ADJUDICATE GUILT - ( 2 COUNTS of AGGRAVATED ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON) **NO BOND**
MAY 2006- On MAY 7, 2006, BERNIE ROBERT ORTIZ and his acquaintances assaulted 2 male subjects while at Grahams Central Station nightclub located at 1850 Lee Trevino, El Paso, TX. During the assault, ORTIZ & company struck the victims several times with their fists & used a broken beer bottle during the commission of the assaults. The Victims suffered several injuries & lacerations. ORTIZ & the assailants were later arrested after being positively identified by several witnesses.
AUGUST 2008-The 41st District court has issued an arrest warrant for BERNIE ROBERT ORTIZ for failing to comply with the terms of his probation.
ORTIZ knows he is wanted & is currently on the run eluding capture. ORTIZ remains in the “SUN CITY” hiding from authorities.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts or has seen BERNIE ROBERT ORTIZ or other fugitives featured on “MANHUNT MONDAY” is urged to call Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 566-TIPS (8477). Callers will remain anonymous & may be eligible for a reward if the information provided leads to the apprehension of the individuals featured.
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Ft. Bliss shooting investigated by FBI 4.4.09
At approximately 4pm today, a white male fired a handgun inside the Ft. Bliss Post Exchange killing a white female soldier who was his wife. The man then turned the gun on himself, attempting to commit suicide. The female, who was shot at close range in the head, was pronounced dead at 4:45pm at Thomason Hospital. The shooter, a civilian, was also taken to Thomason Hospital and his condition is unknown. No names will be released until Ft. Bliss has located and notified the next of kin.
The motive for the shooting is not known at this time. FBI agents responded to the scene, along with its Evidence Response Team, which is processing the crime scene and a vehicle.
The FBI has primary jurisdiction whenever a civilian crime occurs at a federal reservation (Ft. Bliss, in this case). The FBI will work with Ft. Bliss’s Criminal Investigation Division and Military Police.
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Crime stoppers most wanted files (week of apr. 5, 2009)
EL PASO, TEXAS –
The El Paso Police Department is currently looking for the following individuals who have outstanding warrants (current as of Saturday, Apr. 4th, 2009) in the El Paso County. Listed below is this week’s most wanted and Crime Stoppers is asking for the community’s help in locating.
Crime Stoppers CAN NOT clear any warrants. Individuals featured need to contact the El Paso Police Department (Fugitives) to CLEAR an existing warrant, NOT CRIME STOPPERS!
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Hernandez, Venessa dob 05/14/76 w/f
5’06” 177 lbs. Brown Hair Brown Eyes
Theft by Check over $50 under $500
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Villegas, Juan dob 07/24/78 h/m
5’10” 210 lbs. Black Hair Brown Eyes
Assault/Family Violence
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Cordova, Esequiel dob 11/06/81 h/m NEW
5’10” 270 lbs. Black Hair Brown Eyes
Evading Arrest/MV, Resisting Arrest
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Santos, Dominique dob 05/21/89 h/m
5’08” 185 lbs. Brown Hair Brown Eyes
Agg Assault w/Deadly Weapon
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Borjon, Jr., Jose dob 06/29/73 w/m
5’11” 220 lbs. Black Hair Brown Eyes
Robbery
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Police investigate man stabbed in hand 4.4.09
Date/Time: 04-04-2009 @ 12:05 a.m.
Location: 1781 Zaragoza (On The Rocks Bar)
Victim: Male, 32 years of age, El Paso resident
EL PASO, TEXAS – Mission Valley Police officers were sent to a fight in progress call just after midnight Saturday morning. Officer investigation revealed that the victim was engaged in an altercation with individuals in the parking lot of the “On The Rocks Bar,” when he was cut. The victim received injuries to his right hand and was transported to R.E. Thomason Hospital for treatment. This investigation continues…
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Three charged for burglary after northeast patrol investigation 4.4.09
Date/Time: 04-03-2009 @ 8:00 p.m. – 10:45 p.m.
Location: 5700 block of Fairbanks
Arrested 1: Eduardo Martinez, 25 years of age, 5200 block of Wren
Arrested 2: Jorge Moreno, 20 years of age, 5200 block of Wren
Arrested 3: Luis Escarcega, 19 years of age, 5200 block of Wren
EL PASO, TEXAS – Northeast Patrol officers respond to a Burglary of Habitation late Friday evening. A Northeast Patrol officer sent to the scene of a Burglary late Friday evening in a Northeast apartment complex begins an investigation that recovers stolen property taken in the burglary and charges three men. Officers and Investigators from Northeast TAC begin an investigation which revealed that Eduardo Martinez, Jorge Moreno and Luis Escarcega entered into an apartment in the 5700 block of Fairbanks and removed a television game station without the consent of the owner. Officer’s investigation revealed that Martinez, Moreno and Escarcega working together entered the apartment and removed the property. Officer’s investigation led to the recovery of the property and the arrest of all three men. The men were booked into the El Paso County Jail on charges of Burglary of Habitation.
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Northeast officers arrest wanted man who is found in possession of crack cocaine 4.4.09
Date/Time: 04-03-2009 @ 11:02 a.m.
Location: 8409 Dyer
Arrested: David Pacheco, 38 years of age, 3600 block of Sheppard, El Paso, TX
EL PASO, TEXAS – Northeast Patrol Officers arrest a wanted man who is in possession of crack cocaine early Friday. Northeast officers saw a man who was wanted for outstanding municipal warrants walking at 8409 Dyer. As Officers approached David Pacheco he immediately placed a white rock substance (later identified as crack cocaine) into his mouth. Officers began arresting Pacheco when in an attempt to flee from the officers he began to physically resist the officers. As Pacheco struggled with the officers in his attempt to get away, officers gave orders for him to spit out what was in his mouth. After a short struggle Pacheco did spit out the crack cocaine (3 rocks) which was recovered from the asphalt. Pacheco was charged with outstanding Municipal Warrants, Resisting Arrest, Tampering with Evidence and Possession of Cocaine. Pacheco was booked into the El Paso County Jail on a bond of $9,216.00.
