June 15, 2009
CBP officers seize more than half a ton of marijuana at El Paso commercial crossings
El Paso, Texas — Within a 24-hour period, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the El Paso Port of Entry discovered 1,090 pounds of marijuana in two commercial trucks when they entered the port from Mexico. The estimated street value of the two seizures was just under $1 million dollars.
The largest seizure of the two occurred Thursday at 12:00 p.m., when a 1993 Freightliner hauling an empty refrigerator trailer arrived at the Bridge of the Americas commercial crossing. The CBP primary officer referred the truck for a non-intrusive inspection. The x-ray scan of the vehicle revealed an anomaly in the floor area of the trailer. The officers continued the exam at the cargo dock and discovered 197 marijuana filled bundles in the man-made compartment. The total weight of the contraband was 750 pounds.
The first seizure occurred Wednesday at the Ysleta commercial crossing also at 12:00 p.m. CBP officers seized 340 pounds of marijuana. The drugs were concealed in the saddle gas tanks of a 1992 International truck that entered the facility from Mexico. The driver was not pulling a trailer.
“Seizing close to 1 million dollars worth of marijuana in a 24 hour window is great work by anyone’s standards,” said Bill Molaski, U. S. Customs and Border Protection, El Paso port director. “Our primary mission is anti-terrorism; however, we are still responsible for narcotics interdiction at the border.”
No arrests have been made at this time. The investigation continues.
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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Deputies Thwart Crime Plot in Fabens, TX / SEVERAL ARRESTED
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: Fabens, TX
DATE / TIME: Thursday night, JUNE 18, 10:40 PM
RESULT: SEVERAL ARRESTED
FABENS, TX- Late Thursday night 06-18-2009 at 10:40 PM, Deputies were dispatched to an alley way north of N.E. Eubanks in reference to subjects disturbing. Information received by Dispatch Operators indicated the subjects were wearing bandanas over their face. Deputies immediately converged in the area of the alley ways where they located approximately 6 juveniles in the alley way between NE Eubanks and NE Fassett. Upon seeing the patrol units, all subjects immediately dispersed - fleeing on foot.
Deputies pursued and apprehended 5 of the subjects in the area of NE 2nd / NE Eubanks. While these subjects were being taken into custody, Sheriff’s Deputies were also called to the area of the 200 block of N.E. Eubanks in reference to a subject hiding underneath a pick up truck. The subject was located by Deputies & also taken into custody. The subject was positively identified as one of the subjects who had fled on foot.
Further investigation revealed several of the subjects detained have a history of Burglaries. Apparently the subjects were preparing to participate in some sort of criminal activity. All subjects detained, ages 18, 17 and 4 others ages 16 & under were arrested & processed. The adult males were identified as EDDIE LUCERO (17) of the 600 block of Main Fabens, TX & HECTOR JAVIER GARCIA (18) of the 200 block of 6th St. Fabens, TX. They were arrested & charged with EVADING ARREST / DETENTION. All of the Juveniles were processed & released to a responsible party.
ARRESTED:
EDDIE LUCERO (17)
CHARGE:
EVADING ARREST / DETENTION- $2,800 BOND HECTOR JAVIER GARCIA (18)
CHARGE:
EVADING ARREST / DETENTION- $2,800 BOND
(NOTE: INDIVIDUAL ARRESTED / SHOWN ABOVE IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW)
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Police seek information
About aggravated robbery
Crime Stoppers of El Paso is assisting officers in the Police Department’s Pebble Hills Region in locating a suspect who robbed an east side store at gunpoint, making this the “Crime of the Week.”
On Tuesday, March 3rd, about 11:15 A.M., the lone suspect walked into the Cash Pawn America store at 1912 N. Lee Trevino, using a cane, and asked to see some jewelry. Instead, the man was interested in something else. He dropped his cane and pulled out a handgun hidden in the waistband of his pants. He then robbed the store of an undisclosed amount of money.
The suspect is described as an Hispanic male, 45-50 years of age, with a medium complexion and wearing a black hat, blue shirt, and faded jeans. Surveillance photos show the man clearly but, so far, no one has identified this suspect. He is believed to have been involved in other aggravated robberies around town.
If you have any information about the identity and location of this suspect, please call Crime Stoppers of El Paso 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 may earn a cash reward up to $1,000.
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Man arrested after robbing three in a park
Date/Time: 06-17-09
Location: 8600 Roseway (Pueblo Viejo Park)
Arrested: 26-year old Juan Carlos Fierro of the 9700 block of Alameda
Victim #1: 14-year old Hispanic male resident of El Paso
Victim #2: 14-year old Hispanic male resident of El Paso
Victim #3: 15-year old Hispanic Female resident of El Paso
EL PASO, TEXAS –A man is arrested after robbing three teens in a park. Mission Valley patrol officers responded to Pueblo Viejo Park on a 911 call and learned an aggravated robbery had just occurred. The victims advised they were in the park together when a Hispanic male threatened them with a screwdriver and demanded their cellular phones. After receiving three phones the suspect fled the area. The Mission Valley TAC Unit (TAC) took over the investigation. TAC officers’ investigation led to the arrest of 26-year old Juan Carlos Fierro and recovery of the stolen phones. Fierro was arrested and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on three counts of Aggravated Robbery with a total bond of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000.00).
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Vehicle stolen in arizona is recovered - one charged
Date/Time: 06/15/09 @ 8:50 p.m.
Location: 5900 Quail St.
Vehicle: 2007 maroon Honda Accord 4dr,
Arrested: Charles Terrance Peace, 35 years of age, 6500 block of Luther St, Ft. Bliss, TX
EL PASO, TEXAS – Officers from the Auto Theft Task Force recover a 07 Honda Accord reported stolen out of Arizona in December of 2008. On Monday, June 15, 2009 Charles Peace was stopped in the 5900 block of Quail while operating a 2007 Honda Accord. Auto Theft investigators determined that the vehicle was the same vehicle reported stolen out of Arizona in December of 2008. Peace, who was in possession of the vehicles keys, was placed under arrest for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. He was booked on that charge and outstanding traffic warrants. A female passenger in the vehicle was not charged.
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Man arrested for dwi after 2 previous convictions
Date/Time: 06-16-2009 @ 10:49 p.m.
Location: 100 Raynolds
Arrested: John William Barrow III, 34 years of age, 700 block of Loretto, El Paso, TX
Vehicle: 2004 Dodge
EL PASO, TEXAS – A late night traffic stop in central area results in an El Paso man being charged with DWI after two previous convictions. Just before midnight Tuesday evening a Traffic unit made Traffic Unit when they observed John William Barrow III speeding. The investigation that ensured revealed that Barrow the operator of a 2004 Dodge was intoxicated and was arrested for DWI. A check on Barrow’s driving history revealed that he had previous convictions in 2002 and 2003 for DWI. Barrow was booked into the El Paso County Jail on charges of DWI (Felony).
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F-150 holds the top spot as the most stolen vehicle in El Paso
Date/Time: 01/01 – 06/17/09
Location: Various
EL PASO, TEXAS – Seven vehicles make the list of El Paso’s top stolen vehicles this week. The top five spots see a tie at the number three and number four spots. The Ford F-150 though, is still the #1 stolen vehicle in El Paso. The top five spots for the most stolen vehicles are as follows:
1) Ford F150 - 61
2) Chevrolet Silverado – 54
3) GMC Sierra – 26 & Honda CIVIC - 26
4) Ford F250 – 23 & Honda ACCORD –23
5) Chevrolet TAHOE – 18
These numbers are provided by The El Paso County Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Task Force and Uniformed Crime Reporting Guidelines are implemented to measure crime. For more information on auto theft prevention contact the El Paso County Auto Burglary & Theft Prevention Task Force at 915-298-9600.
The KEY to stopping Auto Theft is Keep Em Yours! Lock your vehicle and take the KEY!
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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:
Riggs, Sam DOB: 01/05/1967
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Trejo, Claudia DOB: 10/12/1970
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Ontiveros, Ruben DOB: 04/21/1964
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Cisneros, Omar DOB: 08/22/1985
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Monreal, Ramon DOB: 09/07/1973
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
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3 ARRESTED IN SEPARATE INCIDENTS OVER THE weekend
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: EL PASO COUNTY, TX
DATE / TIME: OVER THE WEEKEND JUNE 14-15 2009
RESULT: SEVERAL ARRESTED
INCIDENT # 1 - WOMAN CAUGHT TRYING TO HIDE ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE
FABENS, TX- Early Sunday morning 06-14-2009 at about 3:35 PM, Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a white 4-door Chevrolet Suburban at the 7-11 parking lot located at 720 N. Fabens, Fabens, TX. Upon approaching the vehicle on the passenger side, a Sheriff’s Deputy in plain view, observed the front female passenger (unaware she was being watched) take out a white diamond fold paper out of her pants, and attempt to place it inside the center console. The Sheriff’s Deputy immediately retrieved the diamond fold paper which contained a white powdery substance which later tested positive for Cocaine. While conducting a search of the vehicle, four additional diamond folds containing Cocaine belonging to the same female were recovered as evidence.
The female was charged and arrested for POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (COCAINE) >1g <4g. She was identified as GRISELDA HERNANDEZ (32) of 1100 on NW 1st Fabens, TX.
ARRESTED:
GRISELDA HERNANDEZ (32)
CHARGE:
POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (COCAINE) >1g <4g- $5,000 BOND
(NOTE: INDIVIDUAL ARRESTED / SHOWN ABOVE IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW)
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INCIDENT # 2 – DEPUTIES HAVE TO CUT BOLT TO GET TO VICTIM DURING FAMILY DISTURBANCE
SAN ELIZARIO, TX- Early Sunday morning 06-14-2009 at about 6:00 AM, Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence block 300 Hartley, San Elizario, TX in reference to a Family disturbance in progress. Deputies arrived to the residence to hear the sounds of screaming omitting from inside the home. Deputies had to cut the front pad lock to the front gate to gain access to the front door. Deputies made entry into the residence as the front door was completely open. Deputies immediately took into custody a 22 year-old male subject / Offender. The suspect was arrested & charged with ASSAULT CLASS “A” / FAMILY VIOLENCE. He was identified as ALBERTO EMMANUEL BUENO (22) of the 300 block of Hartley San Elizario, TX.
ARRESTED:
ALBERTO EMMANUEL BUENO (22)
CHARGE:
ASSAULT CLASS “A” FAMILY VIOLENCE- $10,000 BOND
(NOTE: INDIVIDUAL ARRESTED / SHOWN ABOVE IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW)
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INCIDENT # 3 – DRIVER LEADS DEPUTY ON VEHICLE CHASE / ARREST MADE
EL PASO,TX- Late Sunday night at about 11:50 PM, a Sheriff’s Deputy patrolling the area of Loop 375 (southbound) noticed a white pick up truck driving recklessly entering the highway from the Edgemere on-ramp at a high rate of speed. The Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the pick-up but the driver refused to stop continuing southbound & exiting on Vista Del Sol. The truck then traveled west on Vista Del Sol until coming to a stop at about the 12200 block of Vista Del Sol. A male passenger exited the vehicle & fled on foot running north from the location of the stop. The driver was quickly taken into custody before he could flee on foot. The driver was charged and arrested for EVADING ARREST / DETENTION W/ VEHICLE. He was identified as JOHN PAUL HERNANDEZ (19) of the 7900 block of San Jose Rd. El Paso, TX. Deputies searched the area for the passenger but were unable to locate him. Deputies continue with the investigation following several good leads.
ARRESTED:
JOHN PAUL HERNANDEZ (19)
CHARGE:
EVADING ARREST / DETENTION W/ VEHICLE- $3,500 BOND
(NOTE: INDIVIDUAL ARRESTED / SHOWN ABOVE IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW)
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”Operation desert sweep” - 2nd wave
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: EL PASO COUNTY, TX
DATE / TIME: JUNE 2009
RESULT: SEVERAL CITED / ARRESTED
“OPERATION DESERT SWEEP” 2nd WAVE
EL PASO COUNTY, TX- In conjunction with the end of the school year & “GRADUATION WEEK", the Sheriff’s Office Strike Team launched “OPERATION DESERT SWEEP” 2 weeks ago which consists of High Intensity Patrols in desert areas of El Paso County, TX. These areas included the desert area behind the SAC, Red Sands, & other undisclosed locations where recent activity such as shootings, underage drinking parties & other crimes have occurred. The Sheriff’s Office has deemed these desert areas which are frequented by underage party goers as “UNSAFE”. Many of these areas are private properties which have had a significant increase in trespassers & illegal dumping. All underage party goers / graduates are urged avoid these areas as there will be increased patrols.
Among those arrested last week was an individual who was spotted by Strike Team Deputies working “Operation Desert Sweep”, driving a black Ford F-150 pulling a flat trailer with construction material a & dirt / rock mix into the desert area. Deputies commenced a surveillance of the area. The truck then headed west into the desert area near the 600 block of Desert Springs then north into the desert. Strike Team Units converged in the area and began to search the desert area for the truck. Deputies located the truck 0.7 miles north of the location which had backed up into a dirt road. Deputies observed a male subject standing in the trailer shoveling debris from the trailer into the desert. Deputies approached the vehicle and subject who was identified as ERNESTO MARQUEZ (26) of the 700 block of Desert Mist Horizon City, TX. He was charged and arrested for ILLEGAL DUMPING Over 5 lbs. Under 500 lbs.
“OPERATION DESERT SWEEP” was launched 2 weeks ago.
“It’s apparent that even after Law Enforcement advisories, individuals continue to trespass on these private properties- enforcement in these areas will continue in the future”-said Deputy Jesse Tovar EPCSO PIO
Below are the results of the 2nd wave of the operation:
41 TOTAL CITATIONS were issued during this 2nd wave :
11 JUVENILE for Possession of Alcohol
25 JUVENILES for Minor Consumption of Alcohol
5 JUVENILES for Curfew Violation
ARRESTS MADE IN DESERT AREAS:
ERNESTO MARQUEZ (26) of the 700 block of Desert Mist Horizon City, TX
CHARGE: ILLEGAL DUMPING >5lbs.<500lbs.-$300 BOND
VICTOR MACHADO (19) of the 600 block of Poona Socorro, TX
CHARGE: FAILURE TO ATTEND SCHOOL (WARRANT)-$460 CASH FINE JESSE MIRANDA (26) of the 12000 block of Van Gogh El Paso, TX
CHARGE: VIOLATION OF A PROTECTIVE ORDER (WARRANT)- $2,500 BOND ALEJANDRO ACOSTA (18) of the 900 block of Valle Romero El Paso, TX
CHARGE: POSSESSION OF TOBACCO PRODUCT BY MINOR (WARRANT)- $321.70 CASH FINE
FAILURE TO APPEAR- $214.00 CASH FINE
MARCELINO RUIZ (34) of the 200 block of Crosby El Paso, TX
CHARGE:
TERRORISTIC THREAT (WARRANT) $500.00 BOND
ROBERT MARTINEZ (19) of the 1600 block of Chelsea El Paso, TX
CHARGE:
POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA - $300 BOND
EDER RENE ROMERO (17) of the 3700 block of Lee El Paso, TX
CHARGE:
POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA - $300 BOND
ADRIAN PENALOZA (25) of the 11700 block of John Polley El Paso, TX
CHARGE:
POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA - $300 BOND
(NOTE: INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED / SHOWN ABOVE ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW)
End of News Release
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Man dies one week after crashing into rock median
Date/Time: 06-07-2009 @ 8:21p.m.
Location: Loop 375 @ Edgemere(mile marker 38)
Vehicle: 2004 Harley Davidson Night Star, motorcycle, brown
Driver: Raul Rodriguez, 34 years of age, San Elizario, Texas Resident (DECEASED)
EL PASO, TEXAS – A man who was seriously injured after striking a rock median on Loop 375 in East El Paso last Sunday June 7, 2009 died yesterday June 14, 2009. On Sunday June 7, 2009, at 8:21p.m., 34-year old Raul Rodriguez was driving a 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle on Loop 375 South onramp at Edgemere. As Rodriguez was driving on the onramp he struck a rock median that divides the ramp from the freeway. The impact caused Rodriguez to lose control and be thrown off the vehicle. Rodriguez was taken to Thomason Hospital for treatment of serious injuries and is listed in critical condition. Rodriguez was not using a helmet. At this time speed does not appear to be a factor, and any alcohol involvement will have to await test results. The Special Traffic Investigations Unit (S.T.I.), continues their investigation. This incident becomes the 28th Traffic Related death for the year as compared to 24 at the same time last year. This also becomes the 7th motorcycle related death as compared to 6 at this time last year.
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Party in central el paso ends in several arrests and citations
Date/Time: 06-14-2009 @ 12:13a.m.
Location: 4700 block of Frankfort
Arrested: Enrique Gil, 21 years of age, 300 block of Barlett
Arrested: Adrian Porras, 19 years of age, 4700 block of Frankfort
Arrested: Brandon Joshua BUSH, 17 years of age, 700 block of Arredondo
EL PASO, TEXAS – Three are arrested and several cited after a birthday party with underage drinking gets out of control. Just before 10:30p.m. on Saturday June 13, 2009, officers from the Central Regional Command responded to a “Noise Disturbance” call at a home at the 4700 block of Frankfort. Upon arrival the officers met with the home owner and the music was lowered. Almost two hours later at 12:09a.m., additional calls came in again advising about a noise disturbance as well as underage drinking. When officers arrived, they found several more vehicles and a large number of people in the backyard of the home. The homeowner at first did not want the officers present, and then asked for help when several of the individuals began fighting and would not leave the property. As a result, the officers arrested 21-year old Enrique Gil for striking another 21-year old male with a bottle and charged him with Aggravated Assault. As the officers were attempting to break up the multiple fights that had taken place, one individual was being hit by several people and as the officer approached to help that individual, 19-year old Adrian Porras stood in the officer’s path and tried to prevent the officer from assisting the individual. The officer at that time began to give Porras instructions, which he disobeyed. The officer began to take Porras into custody for Interference With Public Duties, at which time Porras did get on the ground. As the officer was going to place handcuffs on him, he pushed up bumping the officer and began to run from the officer at which time the officer was forced to deploy the Taser to complete the arrest. Porras was taken into custody and charged with Interference With Public Duties and Resisting Arrest, Search and or Transport. Another individual, Brandon Joshua Bush was arrested for Criminal Mischief for damage he caused to a police vehicle when placed in the back of the car due to his intoxicated state. In addition 15-citations were issued, 14 of them were for Minor Possession of Alcohol.