MOTORCYCLE DEATH WEST EL PASO
Date/Time: 07-24-2009 @ 6:06a.m
Location: 100 Artcraft (West Access Road)
Vehicle: Suzuki, Sports Motorcycle, Black
Driver: Hispanic male, 29-years of age, Northeast El Paso Resident
EL PASO, TEXAS – The Special Traffic Investigations Unit was called out to assist Westside Officers with a motorcycle related death. Just minutes after six this morning, a 29-year old man was found dead in a dirt area off of 100 Artcraft. Investigators learned that the man was traveling on a Suzuki sports motorcycle at a high rate of speed and lost control striking a curb and being thrown from the motorcycle. It is believed that the collision may have happened earlier in the morning. This becomes the 37th traffic death for 2009.
FYI: A FORMAL PRESS RELEASE WILL BE SENT LATER TODAY WITH MORE INFORMATION AND THE NAME OF THE DRIVER.
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CBP officers at area ports of entry make 26 drug busts this week
EL PASO, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at ports of entry in El Paso, west Texas and New Mexico made a total of 26 drug seizures during the last seven days. CBP officers seized 1,675 pounds of marijuana in 22 seizures, 25 pounds of methamphetamine in a single seizure, and less than an ounce of cocaine and heroin in three additional busts. In addition to the drug seizures, CBP inspections at El Paso area ports uncovered almost 150 more violations including fugitive apprehensions, agriculture seizures, and immigration violations.
“CBP officers in El Paso and the outlying ports of entry encounter numerous violations every day,” said Ana Hinojosa, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Director of Field Operations in El Paso. “The challenges are significant, however the commitment to the CBP mission is being demonstrated on a daily basis by our employees.”
CBP officers at El Paso area ports of entry made a total of 26 fugitive apprehensions during the last seven days including a pair of high profile apprehensions earlier this week. CBP officers at the Columbus port nabbed 36-year-old Fernando Lopez Villegas as he entered the U.S. from Mexico Monday. He was being sought by New Mexico authorities in connection with the July 4 killing of another man. On Tuesday, CBP officers at the Paso Del Norte crossing arrested 67-year-old prison escapee Reymundo Holguin. He fled from a California facility in 2000.
CBP officers recorded 98 immigration violations at area ports this week including 27 intended immigrants. In these cases, individuals will use a legally issued border-crossing card (laser visa) to live or work in the U.S., which is not authorized. They also lose their documents and are generally returned to Mexico.
CBP officers stopped 47 imposters because of thorough document exams. Imposters generally will use a legitimate entry document assigned to another person and present it as their own. Violators generally lose their documents, can be prosecuted and go to jail and/or are returned to Mexico. Area CBP officers also identified 24 people who made fals claims to U.S. citizenship, attempted to enter with counterfeit or altered documents, visa overstays and those who entered without inspection.
CBP officers working at area ports made a total of 20 agriculture seizures during the previous seven day period. Violators paid $4,000 in fines associated with the seizures. Prohibited agricultural items seized this week included chorizo, bologna, ham, raw chicken, oranges, mangos, peaches, pears, figs, sugar cane, guavas, limes, pomegranates, and live plants. Failure to declare prohibited items can result in a $300 penalty for an initial offense and $1,000 for a repeat violation. If properly declared, prohibited food items can generally be abandoned at the port of entry without consequence.
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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SPEED LEADS TO ANOTHER MOTORCYCLE DEATH
Date/Time: 07-23-2009 @ 11:33p.m
Location: 11100 Montwood
Vehicle: 2007 Suzuki, GSR600, Black
Driver: Cesar Perez, 30 years of age, 9400 block of Turrentine
EL PASO, TEXAS – Speed is among the preliminary contributing factors that resulted in another motorcycle related death. Just after 11:30 last night Pebble Hills Patrol Officers and members of the Special Traffic Investigations Unit responded to a motorcycle collision that resulted in a death. Officers learned that 30-year old Cesar Perez was riding a 2007 Suzuki sports motorcycle westbound on the 11100 block of Montwood. Perez was traveling at a high rate of speed and drove over a puddle of water as he was approaching a curve on the roadway, which combined with the speed caused him to lose control of the motocycle. As a result Perez went on to the curb and into a parking lot of a Circle K Store where he struck a 2003 Yamaha motorcycle that was parked and was thrown from the motorcycle. Perez was wearing a helmet, however it fell of during the collision. Investigators currently suspect speed and alcohol to be factors in this collision. Investigators will have to await toxicology reports to confirm any suspected alcohol involvement. This is the 36th traffic fatality of the year as compared to 28 at this time last year.
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Fort Bliss Soldier pleads guilty
FORT BLISS, Texas—Pvt. Deandrez Robertson, 21, pleaded guilty today to Non-Premeditated Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Escape from Custody, Absence without Leave, and Obstruction of Justice. The charges stem from an altercation which later resulted in the death of Pvt. Pernell R. Flowers II. Presiding Judge Col. Ted Dixon sentenced Robertson to 40 years confinement, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and reduction to E-1.
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Organizing for America Launches “Health Care Reform” Week of Action in Texas
Events Will Highlight the Urgent Need Among Texans to Pass Health Care Reform This Year
Texas’ Organizing for America (OFA), a grassroots project of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) dedicated to supporting the President’s agenda for change, will be hosting events throughout Texas next week as part of OFA’s ‘Health Care Reform’ week of action.
From Saturday, July 18th through Sunday, July 26th OFA’s volunteers and supporters will participate in a series of events across the state – including door-to-door canvasses, phone banks, roundtable discussions with real people and community gatherings – designed to build grassroots support for President Obama’s plan and amplify the call for the House and Senate to pass health care reform bills before the August congressional recess. These events will be another opportunity for Americans across the country to voice their support for President Obama’s health care reform principles and urge their Senators and Representatives to reform health care this year.
“Across America, over 45 million people currently go without health care insurance, including 5.5 million in Texas. The time to change the status quo has come,” said OFA Texas State Director Luke Hayes. “The number of health care declarations and stories that we have gathered in Texas has been overwhelming. It’s so exciting to watch the support build for President Obama’s principles for health care reform. This week of action is an opportunity for Texans and Americans across the country to continue amplifying the urgency of getting health care reform passed this year.”
Organizing for America is building grassroots support for health care reform in communities across the country. Tens of thousands of people in all 50 states participated in OFA’s June 6th Health Care Kickoff events and in the June 27th National Health Care Day of Service. OFA recently launched Health Care Stories for America, an innovative online tool where hundreds of thousands of health care stories can be shared, found and read – by city and state – from all across the country. Earlier this week, OFA released its first television ad in support of health care reform called "It's Time" featuring the real health care stories of five Americans which are emblematic of the urgent need to reform America's health care system. The ad was released on the heels of six web videos – “The Faces of Health Care Reform” – each featuring a personal health care story.
Currently, Organizing for America volunteers in all 50 states are conducting door-to-door canvasses, phone banks and press events in support of President Obama's push for health care reform. In addition, the OFA and DNC email lists have been used to urge Americans to call members of Congress in support of health care reform, to write letters to the editor and to sign and collect declarations in support of health care reform. To date, tens of thousands of Americans have participated in thousands of events since our kick off on June 6th highlighting the urgent need to reform America's broken health care system this year. Through this work, we have collected hundreds of thousands of stories from people struggling with the health care system and several hundred thousand declarations of support for the President's three principles for reform.
For more information on events in your community please contact Ricardo A. Ramírez 202-863-8188
El Paso Canvass
Saturday, July 25th
9:00 a.m.
Yucca Park
Intersection of Yarbrough and Carolina
El Paso TX, 79925
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ARREST MADE IN MURILLO MURDER
(Carlsbad, NM) – On 7/20/09, Fernando Lopez, age 36, turned himself in to the New Mexico State Police at the Columbus point of entry. Lopez was transported to Carlsbad and detained at the Eddy County Detention Center. On 7/21/09, Lopez was arrested on the arrest warrant issued in this case for an Open Count of Murder in relation to the death of Rudolfo Murillo on July 4, 2009. Lopez is currently being held in lieu of a $200,000 cash bond.
Any information should be directed to Detective Sergeant David Gonsalez at 575-885-2111 # 240. You can also contact the Eddy County Crime Stoppers at 887-1888, where you could receive payment for valuable information. Questions regarding this case should be directed to Detective Captain Daniel Fierro at 575-885-2111 # 240.
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Man sought on homicide charges surrenders at Columbus port of entry
COLUMBUS, NEW MEXICO - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Columbus port of entry Monday took custody of a man being sought on homicide charges in New Mexico. CBP officers arrested 36-year-old Fernando Lopez Villegas of Portales at approximately 12:05 p.m. after he entered the U.S. from Mexico to surrender to New Mexico law enforcement officers.
CBP officers were notified by New Mexico State Police that Lopez was expected to arrive at the port of entry Monday afternoon to surrender. He was being sought in connection with a shooting death that occurred in Carlsbad earlier this month. When Lopez arrived, CBP officers confirmed his identity using the Automated Fingerprint Index System (IAFIS). Because Lopez is a citizen of Mexico with no legal entry documents, CBP officers prepared paperwork to ensure that Lopez would be returned to CBP to face formal removal proceedings following the conclusion of legal matters connected to the homicide charges. CBP officers then turned Lopez over to New Mexico State Police officers who were waiting for Lopez to arrive at the Columbus crossing.
“This case was somewhat unusual because the man surrendered to CBP officers. In most fugitive cases, CBP officers identify the suspect through a thorough inspection process and interview,” said Charles Wright, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Columbus Port Director. “Fugitive apprehensions are another way CBP is protecting America and keeping our communities safe.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.
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67-year-old man who escaped California prison in 2000 nabbed by CBP Officers at the El Paso port of entry
EL PASO, TEXAS -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the El Paso port of entry this morning apprehended a man who escaped from a California prison in the year 2000. The apprehension was made at the downtown Paso Del Norte international crossing just before noon today.
CBP officers performing inspections at the pedestrian facility encountered 67-year-old Reymundo Holguin as he entered the facility from Mexico. CBP officers at the primary inspection station performed a name query on Holguin and found that he was being sought by U.S. Marshal’s in connection with his escape from the Taft Correctional Facility in Taft, California on January 27, 2000. Holguin had been sentenced to 121 months of incarceration in relation to possession with intent to distribute cocaine charges that were brought against him in 1996. He was taken into custody today without incident and turned over to the U.S. Marshal Service.
“CBP inspections generate numerous fugitive apprehensions in El Paso and other ports of entry,” said William Molaski, U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso Port Director. “Our officers do a great job in finding those people who are trying to evade law enforcement by fleeing to another country.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.
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CALL LEADS OFFICER TO SHERIFF’S OFFICE “MANHUNT MONDAY” FUGITIVE AND RECOVERY OF STOLEN TRUCK
Date/Time: 07-21-2009 @ 2:15a.m.
Location: 7700 block of Luz De Camino
Arrested: Adrian Castillo, 46 years of age, 7700 block of Luz de Camino
EL PASO, TEXAS – A call leads a Westside Patrol Officer to the capture of a fugitive featured on the Sheriff’s Office “Manhunt Monday” feature, and the recovery of a stolen truck. Just after two this morning a Westside Officer responds to an “Information on a Theft” call, which lead the officer to the 7700 block of Luz Del Camino on a wanted subject, 46-year old Adrian Castillo. The officer could observe lights on and a television on at the home and proceeded to knock at the door to make contact. After multiple attempts to make contact, the officer had Communications check the registration of a brown Nissan Titan. The officer learned that the truck had been reported stolen. At that time the officer noticed the lights go off in the house, and someone attempting to see what the officer was doing from inside the home. Additional Units responded to assist. During this time Castillo opened the back door to the home and was ordered to stop. Castillo at that time ran from his back yard jumping over a wall in an attempt to evade the officers. The first responding officer gave chase to Castillo and continued giving him verbal commands to stop. During the foot pursuit, Castillo jumped over other walls and during one attempt lost his footing and struck a pine tree knocking him to the ground. Castillo quickly got up again and continued to run. He attempted to jump one last wall were he lost his balance and landed face first into a rock landscaping of another home. The officer quickly placed Castillo into custody without any further incident. Castillo was taken for treatment of injuries sustained from his fall to Las Palmas and then booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility. Castillo was charged with Evading Arrest and or Detention(Class B Misdemanor) in addition to four outstanding criminal warrants(Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Credit Card Abuse, Tampering With a Governmental Document, Secure Execution of a Document by Deception).
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CENTRAL OFFICERS NAB AGGRAVATED ROBBERY SUSPECT
Date/Time: 07-20-2009 @ 1:20a.m.
Location: 200 E. Paisano
Victim: Ricardo Jaramillo, 21 years of age, Central El Paso Resident
Arrested: Edward LEWIS, 42 year old, 1949 w. Paisano
EL PASO, TEXAS – Teamwork by Central Officers leads to the arrest of an aggravated robbery suspect. At approximately 1:20a.m., officers responded to the 200 block of East Paisano on a “Robbery Just Occurred” call. When the officers arrived they learned that 21-Ricardo Jaramillo had been approached by 42-year old Edward Lewis and asked for his wallet. Jaramillo refused and was pushed to the ground and threatened with a handgun. Lewis fled the scene with Jaramillo’s wallet. Officers were able to get a good description to put out to area units. One area unit observed Lewis at 1001 S. Santa Fe and after an investigative detention learned he had been involved in the robbery. Lewis was arrested and charged with Aggravated Robbery. Jaramillo was not hurt in the incident and Lewis was booked into the El Paso County Detention facility for Aggravated Robbery(1st Degree Felony).
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TWO DIE IN ROLLOVER
Date/Time: 07-19-09 @ 4:27 p.m.
Location: 2100 W. Paisano
Vehicle #1: Green 1994 Dodge Ram Pickup
Driver: 46-year old Sergio Garcia of the 100 block of Del Prado, Sunland Park, NM
Passenger #1: 52-year old Javier Herrera of the 1200 block of Myrtle
Passenger #2: 47-year old Sergio Rocha of the 1200 block of Myrtle
EL PASO, TEXAS –Two die in a rollover. The Special Traffic Investigations Unit (STI) responded to 2100 W. Paisano to assist Westside Patrol with a traffic fatality. The preliminary investigation revealed 46-year old Sergio Garcia drove a 1994 Dodge Ram westbound on Paisano when he lost control leaving the road, causing the vehicle to rollover. Garcia and a passenger, 52-year old Javier Herrera, died at the scene. A second passenger, 47-year old Sergio Rocha, was transported to University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Garcia and Rocha were both wearing seatbelts. Investigators believe speed and alcohol were factors in this collision
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“BEER RUNNERS” CAUGHT IN ACT BY MISSION VALLEY OFFICERS
Date/Time: 07-20-2009 @ 1:03a.m.
Location: 7879 North Loop (7-11 Store)
Arrested: Mario Alberto QUINONES, 17 years of age, 200 block of Elder
Arrested: Rene Daniel CHACON, 19 years of age, 7900 block of Knights
Arrested: Joanna HERNANDEZ, 20 years of age, 7900 block of Knights
Detained: Hispanic male, 16 years of age, Mission Valley Resident
EL PASO, TEXAS – Surveillance work by officers of the Mission Valley Regional Command Center lead to the arrest of three people and detention of one juvenile. Just after one this morning, an officer conducting surveillance of a 7-11 store located at 7879 North Loop noticed a four door, black, 1996 Acura Vigor turn its life off and park on the 400 block of Gallagher. The officer then witnessed 17-year old Mario Alberto Quinones and a 16-year old juvenile exit the car and enter the store. The pair took two 30-packs and two 12-packs of Budlight and proceeded to exit the store without any attempt to pay for the items. To their surprise, Mission Valley officers were waiting outside and took the pair into custody. At that time 19-year old Rene Daniel Chacon and 20-year old Joanna Hernandez, who were in the car acting as lookouts fled the scene. An unmarked unit followed them to Yarbrough and Carolina where assisting marked police units conducted a traffic stop. At that point Chacon and Hernandez were taken into custody without incident. All four were charged with Theft Over $50(Class B Misdemeanor). Quinones, Chacon and Hernandez were booked into the El Paso County Detention facility. The 16-year old juvenile was turned over to J.P.D.
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CRIME STOPPERS FAMILY VIOLENCE ASSAULTS
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:
Acosta, Michael DOB: 12/16/1985
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Aguirre, Arturo DOB: 05/24/1986
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Alcala, Jesus DOB: 11/29/1952
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Aragon, Frank DOB: 01/06/1982
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Aranda, Juventin DOB: 11/27/1966
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
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MANHUNT MONDAY 07/20: JOSE ADRIAN CASTILLO
WANTED FUGITIVE:
JOSE ADRIAN CASTILLO
FUGITIVE INFORMATION:
NAME: CASTILLO, JOSE ADRIAN (46)
AKA’s: CHAVEZ, JOSE
ZARAGOSA, JOSE
”EL PESADO”
DOB: 11-24-62
HEIGHT: 5’10”
WEIGHT: 200 lbs.
HAIR: Brown
EYES: Brown
BUILD: Medium
COMPLEXION: Light
TATTOO’S:
Upper Right Arm- picture of an Eagle
PLACE OF BIRTH: El Paso, Texas
WANTED FOR:
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF VEHICLE- **NO BOND**
TAMPERING WITH GOVERNMENT RECORDS- $41,000 BOND
SECURE EXECUTION DOCUMENTS (DECEPTIVE) > $20,000 <$100,000- $41,000 BOND
CREDIT CARD or DEIT CARD ABUSE- $41,000 BOND
The Manhunt is on for JOSE ADRIAN CASTILLO
CASTILLO is wanted for the OFFENSE of:
1. UNAUTHORIZED USE OF VEHICLE- **NO BOND**
2. TAMPERING WITH GOVERNMENT RECORDS- $41,000 BOND
3. SECURE EXECUTION DOCUMENTS (DECEPTIVE) > $20,000 <$100,000- $41,000 BOND
4. CREDIT CARD or DEBIT CARD ABUSE- $41,000 BOND
EL PASO, TX - This week’s Manhunt Monday fugitive is a local CON-ARTIST who continues to deceitfully scheme people or businesses out of $MONEY$.
JOSE ADRIAN CASTILLO has a long wrap sheet of Forgery, Tampering with Government Records, Deceptive Business Practices, numerous Thefts & even Falsely Holding himself out as a Lawyer.
November 2007- CASTILLO was profiled as Crime Stoppers of El Paso “Crime of the week” WANTED FUGITIVE. CASTILLO at the time was approaching elderly women and playing on their sympathies by deceitfully telling them he had terminal cancer and was trying to “tie-up loose ends” before he died. CASTILLO would gain their sympathy & ask to borrow their credit card. On one occasion, he used a borrowed credit card to rent a BMW automobile which was never returned. On another occasion, he placed more than $25,000 in merchandise purchases on the targeted individual’s credit card.
February 2009- CASTILLO was residing at an apartment complex in west El Paso, TX where he befriended a neighbor & told him he was from a prominent family and was in the process of building a home off of Stanton Street. CASTILLO borrowed the Victim’s 2005 Nissan Titan truck to move his belongings & was never seen from again.
Recent Events- CASTILLO was recently drumming up support for downtown revitalization among downtown businesses. CASTILLO is said to have recently solicited thousands of dollars in donations for this cause.
JOSE ADRIAN CASTILLO is 46 years of age, described as Hispanic male, 5-foot 10-inches tall, 200 pounds, with a light complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. CASTILLO is charming & is known to claim numerous business relationships with prominent members of society. In some cases, CASTILLO claims to be diagnosed with terminal illnesses in an effort to receive sympathy from his Victims.
A WARNING TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC / BUSINESSES- IF APPROACHED BY CASTILLO FOR BUSINESS INVESTMENTS OR MONETARY DONATIONS- **DO NOT PROVIDE PERSONAL BELONGINGS, CREDIT CARDS OR PROVIDE MONEY $$ TO THIS INDIVIDUAL.
Sheriff’s Officials are asking the Public if anyone has seen or knows the whereabouts of JOSE ADRIAN CASTILLO they are 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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CRIME STOPPERS CRIME OF THE WEEK 07/17: FATAL HIT & RUN ACCIDENT ON DONIPHAN
SHERIFF’S OFFICE SEEKS SUSPECT IN FATAL HIT AND RUN
EP SHERIFFF patch color small2 Crime Stoppers of El Paso is assisting Deputies from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Special Traffic Investigations (S.T.I.) unit in identifying the person who hit a motorcycle in Canutillo and fled the scene, leaving the driver of the motorcycle to die from his injuries, and making this the “Crime of the Week.” EPCSO STI
On Sunday night, July 5th, about 11:15 P.M., Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident involving a motorcycle at the intersection of Doniphan and Holguin in Canutillo. There they found a red 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle laying on its side, and an unresponsive male with serious injuries lying nearby. The second vehicle in the collision left the scene prior to the arrival of the Deputies. The driver of the motorcycle was identified as 38-year-old Juan Antonio Contreras of the 300 block of Miller in Anthony, N.M. Sadly, Contreras died at the scene before he could be airlifted to a hospital.
S.T.I. investigators believe the motorcycle was traveling north on Doniphan and that the 7-17-09 Hit Run Vehicle Photo second vehicle was traveling west on Holguin when it entered the intersection and was violently impacted by the motorcycle. The second vehicle is believed to possibly be a light gray or silver Chevrolet 1500 series pickup truck, late 1990’s or early 2000 model. It is believed that this vehicle will show red paint and damage on its left side. The investigation continues.
If you have any information at all about this crime, either the vehicle or the suspect driver, call Crime Stoppers of El Paso immediately at 566-TIPS(8477) or submit your tip online at www.crimestoppersofelpaso.org. You will remain anonymous and, if your tip leads to an arrest, you could earn a cash reward up to $1,000.
Crime Stoppers of El Paso, Inc. is a private non-profit corporation that brings together the community, law enforcement and the media to solve crime.
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Fishy ice chest yields marijuana load at the El Paso port of entry
EL PASO, TEXAS -- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the El Paso port of entry made an unusual marijuana seizure Thursday afternoon. CBP officers discovered 28 pounds of marijuana hidden inside the walls of a cooler that was filled with frozen fish.
“This seizure serves as a reminder that people will use any means available in their attempts to smuggle drugs into the United States,” said William Molaski, U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso Port Director. “The CBP officers who made this seizure looked beyond the obvious to stop this drug smuggling attempt. The attention to detail they demonstrated is admirable and should be commended.”
The seizure happened just after noon Thursday at the Ysleta international crossing when a female pedestrian pulling an ice chest entered the port from Mexico. A CBP officer at the primary inspection booth asked the woman what the cooler contained and she told him fish. The officer inspected the cooler and saw that it contained a few fish and some ice but seemed heavier than it should be. CBP officers continued their exam and determined that the cooler’s insulation had been removed and replaced with marijuana. CBP officers removed a total of 27 marijuana filled bundles from the walls of the cooler.
CBP officers arrested a 19-year-old resident of Juarez, Mexico in connection with the failed drug smuggling attempt. She was turned over to the El Paso Police Department for prosecution and booked into the El Paso County Jail. She is being held on a $45,000 bond.
CBP Field Operations is responsible for securing our borders at the ports of entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers’ primary mission is anti-terrorism; they screen all people, vehicles, and goods entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel into and out of the United States. Their mission also includes carrying out traditional border-related responsibilities, including narcotics interdiction, enforcing immigration law, protecting the nation’s food supply and agriculture industry from pests and diseases, and enforcing trade laws.
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SHERIFF'S NEWS: DEPUTIES THWART POSSIBLE ESCAPE PLOT OF CONVICTED FELON / BROTHER ARRESTED
Contact: Deputy Jesse Tovar / PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Direct: (915) 538-2119
Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5370)
EMAIL: jtovar@epcounty.com
WWW.EPCSO.ORG
Release Date / Time: Friday, July 17, 2009 11:00 AM
SECTION: El Paso County Sheriff's Office – LOWER VALLEY PATROL DIVISION
EVENT: DEPUTIES THWART ESCAPE PLOT OF CONVICTED FELON / BROTHER ARRESTED
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 1650 Horizon El Paso County , TX (Intermediate Sanction Facility)
DATE / TIME: Thursday, 07-16-09 10:23 PM
RESULT: Arrest Made / Investigation continues
Sheriff Badge El Paso County, Texas- Late Thursday night 07-16-2009 at approximately 10:23 PM, a Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to the Intermediate Sanction Facility (ISF) located at 1650 Horizon, El Paso County, TX in reference to pick up a wanted subject. the Deputy arrived a short time later and contact with a correctional officers at the facility. The Deputy then took custody of the inmate / wanted subject for a Parole Violation proceeded to escort him out of the facility. The wanted subject had a history violence & is was a confirmed MEXICAN MAFIA (EME) gang member. As they exited the facility, the Deputy observed a silver Chrysler 300 M stopped outside in the ISF parking lot. The Deputy observed that the vehicle was occupied by several subjects & observed two unknown males outside of the vehicle, at which time the inmate began pulling away from the Deputy. The Deputy immediately sensing something was wrong, forcibly had to escort the inmate back into the facility & releasing him to the custody of correctional officers while he called for assistance.
The Sheriff’s Deputy with the assistance of correctional officers approached the vehicle when suddenly the two subjects standing outside the vehicle fled on foot into the desert. The Deputy approached the vehicle where 3 occupants remained inside (female driver, backseat female passenger, backseat male passenger). The male subject sitting in the back seat kept telling the female driver to drive off saying “just go”. The Sheriff’s Deputy ordered the female driver to turn off the vehicle & she complied as the male passenger continued to yell at her to drive away. All subjects were then ordered to put their hands up & exit the vehicle. The 2 female occupants exited the vehicle & were taken into custody. The male subject refused to exit the vehicle & had to forcibly be removed being extremely combative with the Sheriff’s Deputy & correctional officers. Assisting Deputies arrived moments later to help subdue the subject who continued to put up a struggle with Deputies. A search of the immediate desert area for the two male subjects that fled on foot commenced immediately.
Air support was requested to search for the fleeing subjects. United States Customs & Border Protection Air Support responded to the area & assisted authorities on the ground in searching for the suspects. Several shoe impressions were found & tracked in the desert area but were lost once entering the Sparks area. The intense search was called off a short time later.
Further investigation by Deputies revealed the backseat male passenger in custody was in fact brother of the inmate that was to be transported. The subject was identified as ARMANDO MARTINEZ (27) of the 1800 block of Andalucia El Paso, TX. MARTINEZ continued to be combative the entire time in custody spitting and threatening Deputies. MARTINEZ was also identified as a confirmed MEXICAN MAFIA (EME) gang member with an extensive violent criminal history with previous arrests such a ENGAGING IN ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY (2) & a MURDER conviction . MARTINEZ was arrested & charged with multiple offenses & remains incarcerated at the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility.
ARMANDO’S brother (inmate) was identified as ROLANDO RAMOS MARTINEZ (36) of Corpus Christi, Texas. ROLANDO is also a confirmed MEXICAN MAFIA (EME) gang member.
ARRESTED:
ARMANDO MARTINEZ (27)
CHARGES:
INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC DUTIES- $2,500 BOND
OBSTRUCTION / RETALIATION- $12,000 BOND
RETALIATION- $12,000 BOND
ROLANDO RAMOS MARTINEZ (36)
ADDED CHARGES:
PAROLE VIOLATION –**NO BOND**
MORE CHARGES / ARRESTS MAY BE PENDING
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
NO OTHER INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED AT THIS
(NOTE: INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED / SHOWN ABOVE ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW)
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