June 22, 2009
Police seek suspect in fatal hit & run
Crime Stoppers of El Paso is assisting officers from the Special Traffic Investigations Unit (STI) of the El Paso Police Department in identifying and locating a suspect who ran down an elderly gentleman on a bicycle, killing him and fleeing, making this the Crime of the Week.
On Sunday, June 21st, just before 7:00 A.M., S.T.I. investigators responded to assist Pebble Hills Patrol with a traffic fatality. Their investigation revealed that 67-year-old Heinz Duerkop was riding a bicycle south in the 3400 block of George Dieter, when he was struck from behind by a vehicle. Duerkop was thrown from the bicycle and died at the scene.
The vehicle’s driver failed to stop and render aid, instead fleeing the scene. At this time, the vehicle is believed to be white in color and possibly sustained damage to the front end and hood. The victim came to El Paso as an officer in the German Army, settled here, became a U.S. citizen, and had been a volunteer at Hueco Tanks Historical Site for the past ten years.
If you have any information at all about this crime or the vehicle in question, 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 may 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.
Crime Stoppers of El Paso ’09 stats / Since inception (1978)
Subjects arrested 19 3,652
Cases 36 4,428
Narcotics recovered $0 $ 47,615,646
Property recovered $53,000 $4,153,456
Rewards issued $4,750 $846,850
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2ND ARREST MADE IN SOCORRO, TX DOUBLE HOMICIDE
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: Fabens, TX
DATE / TIME: Thursday, JUNE 25, 2009
RESULT: ARREST MADE / INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
FABENS, TX– Overnight, Thursday 06-25-09, Sheriff’s Detectives arrested a 2nd subject involved in the homicides that occurred in Socorro, TX early Monday morning 06-22-09. The suspect was identified as JOSE GUADALUPE CORDERO (24) of the 1200 block of Powell Fabens, TX. He was booked and remains in the El Paso County Detention Facility charged with CAPITAL MURDER under NO BOND.
ARRESTED:
JOSE GUADALUPE CORDERO (24)
CHARGE: CAPITAL MURDER-**NO BOND**
A REMINDER FROM SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATORS; ANYONE CAUGHT HINDERING OR AIDING ANY FUGITIVE WILL BE PROSECUTED.
BACKGROUND ON CASE:
SOCORRO, TX– Early Monday morning 6-22-2009 at approximately 2:00 AM, Sheriff’s Deputies along with the Socorro police Dept. are dispatched to the A & M Bar located at 11638 Alameda Socorro, TX in reference to a shooting with subjects down. Authorities arrive to find two victims - shot once each. Preliminary investigation reveals that prior to the incident, approximately 40 individuals were inside the bar when an argument ensued among some patrons. The argument led to a confrontation outside the bar where reports indicate over 20 individuals were seen outside the establishment as events unfolded. The argument resulted in a physical altercation leading to “shots fired”.
Crimes Against Persons Detectives were summoned to the scene & launched a full scale investigation of the incident. The two Victim’s shot were brothers – they both died due to the wounds sustained. They were identified as Jose Vargas (37) who died at the scene & Jesus Vargas Jr. (46) who died at the hospital – both from Socorro, TX.
Late Monday night 06-22-09, after actively working this case for several hours, CID Detectives apprehended one of the subjects involved . The suspect was identified as VICTOR IGNACIO GOMEZ (28) of the 12900 block of Harnose El Paso County, TX. He remains in the El Paso County Detention Facility charged with CAPITAL MURDER under NO BOND.
The “shooter” has been identified as RICARDO ZUNIGA (29) who was said to have fled the scene in a dark colored passenger vehicle, described by witnesses as possibly being a Dodge Intrepid with unknown registration. The motive for the violent murders is still unclear at this time.
ZUNIGA is believed to remain in the Borderland & shows a previous address in San Elizario, TX. Zuniga has several contacts in the El Paso area & knows he is wanted. He is currently on the run eluding capture from authorities.
ARRESTED:
06-22-2009
VICTOR IGNACIO GOMEZ (28)
CHARGE:
CAPITAL MURDER
**NO BOND** WANTED:
RICARDO ZUNIGA (29)
CHARGE:
CAPITAL MURDER
$500,000 BOND
CID Detectives continue with this investigation as more arrests are forthcoming. Sheriff’s Investigator’s are asking the public - if anyone has any information pertaining to these Homicides to please contact the Sheriff’s Office (915) 546-2280 or 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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Amnesty Period and Warrant Roundup
EL PASO, TEXAS- The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the El Paso County Justices of the Peace and El Paso County Constables, are working to reduce the large number of outstanding traffic warrants in El Paso County.
The Justices of the JP Courts are offering those individuals with outstanding traffic warrants the opportunity to receive a waiver for the Failure to Appear fine during an amnesty period which ends today June 26, 2009 at the end of the business day. Individuals who believe they have an outstanding warrant as a result of a citation from a Sheriff’s Deputy, Deputy Constable, or Texas DPS Trooper should contact the appropriate Justice of the Peace Office. If you believe you may have a felony or misdemeanor warrant for your arrest, contact the Sheriff’s Office Warrants Section at 915-546-2214.
On Sunday, July 5th, 2009 names of those who have failed to pay their traffic warrants will have their names published in the El Paso Times and El Diario de El Paso. From Monday June 29th thru Friday July 3rd one can still on pay their fine(s) & avoid jail time, however their name will still be published in the El Paso Times & El Diario.
Contact the Justice of the Peace in the precinct where you received the citation. A warrant round-up will follow the amnesty period and at that time there will be no exception to the Failure to Appear fine as well as any other associated fees.
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Sheriff’s Office 2009 - 4th of July Operations & Public Advisories
4th of JULY HOLIDAY DWI ENFORCEMENT 2009:
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation will be utilizing a Impaired Driving Mobilization Grant for additional patrols for traffic enforcement. The purpose of this program is aimed at getting speeding & impaired drivers off the roadways. Extra Deputies Officers will be out on the streets during the Independence Day Holiday period. The push is to deter drunk driving. The enforcement program begins today Friday, June 26th, 2009 through Sunday, July 5th, 2009.
Statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation indicate Texas leads the nation when it comes to the number of traffic fatalities where the driver or motorcycle operator was legally drunk. Last year over 1,500 people died in alcohol-related crashes in Texas.
Penalties for a first-time DWI offense include :
Up to $2,000 fine
72 hours to 6 months in Jail
Driver’s license suspension for up to one year
$1,000 annual fee for 3 consecutive years to retain drivers license
We will also be focusing on other law enforcement issues:
Possession of Alcohol by a Minor
Purchase of Alcohol by a Minor
Attempt to Purchase Alcohol by a Minor
Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor
Misrepresentation of Age by a Minor
Driving Under Influence of Alcohol by a Minor
Sale to a Minor
Purchase of Alcohol for a Minor
Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor
Montana Ave. Street Closures:
Just like last year for the 4th of July holiday, the El Paso County Sheriff's will be closing off several intersections along Montana Ave. Each intersection will have barricades & some will have a Sheriff Deputy assigned. The public will not be allowed to travel into these residential areas. Only residents of this community will be allowed to pass.
The following streets will be blocked off:
Flager St.
Suwannee St.
Vista del Este St.
Las Casitas Ave.
Krag St.
Buntline Dr.
Desert Meadows Rd.
Oshea Dr.
Acacia Dr.
Century Dr.
Edward Williams Dr.
Snoqualmie Dr.
O'Leary
A reminder to the public that parking is not allowed along Montana Avenue (Highway 62/180) or on the shoulders or medians. These areas must be cleared for traffic & emergency vehicles. ALL TRAFFIC LAWS & TRAFFIC SIGNS MUST BE OBEYED.
(Map courtesy EPSO)
Montana Street Closures
Our Agency will patrol and arrest / ticket drivers who ignore traffic laws. We continue to enforce the zero tolerance on seat belt/child safety seat use and drinking and driving. We will also focus on aggressive driving, and those who fail to obey the speed limit.
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LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: EL PASO COUNTY, TX
DATE / TIME: JUNE 2009
RESULT: SEVERAL ARRESTS MADE
“OPERATION DIESEL”
EL PASO COUNTY, TX- Earlier this week, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Strike Team conducted "OPERATION DIESEL". The Operation was concentrated in and around the truck stops of Horizon Blvd and Interstate 10. The efforts of the operation focused on the sale of street level narcotics. During the operation several people sold narcotics to Strike Team Deputies working in undercover capacity. While on surveillance during the operation Deputies also encountered several other criminal offenses which are now being investigated. Below are some results of the Operation / more arrests are forthcoming:
• 13 arrest warrants for various offenses were obtained for 6 different people,
• A total of 25.5 grams of cocaine was seized
• A total of 0.56 ounces of marijuana was seized
ARRESTS MADE:
EDWARD HULETT (41)
CHARGE: Delivery of Controlled Substance (Cocaine) - $3,500 BOND
ANDREW LeBLANC (51)
CHARGE: Criminal Trespass-$1,500 BOND
TINA BOMMARITO (47)
CHARGE: Criminal Trespass-$1,500 BOND
PETE VASQUEZ (49)
CHARGE:
RETALIATION- $3,500 BOND
Criminal Trespass-$1,500 BOND
?TINA THOMAS (40) ?CHARGE: ?POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA - $300 BOND
Delivery of Controlled Substance (Cocaine) -$2,500 BOND ?Prostitution -$1,500 BOND ?Delivery of Marijuana under 1/4 ounce -$1,500 BOND
Possession of Controlled Substance (Cocaine) Over 4 grams Under 200 grams-$20,000 BOND
ANDRES ORNELAS (19)
CHARGE:
Possession of Controlled Substance (Cocaine) Over 4 grams Under 200 grams-$10,000 BOND
Delivery of Controlled Substance (Cocaine) - $3,500 BOND
(NOTE: INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED / SHOWN ABOVE ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW)
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ICE deports fugitive wanted for murder in Mexico
The man is the latest of 11 deported this year who were wanted for serious crimes in Mexico
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers deported an illegal alien Wednesday who is wanted in Mexico for a 1999 murder.
Hugo Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 36, aka Alvaro Gonzalez Andrade, was turned over to Mexican authorities at 10 a.m. at the Port of El Paso’s Stanton Street Bridge. ICE Denver Fugitive Operations officers arrested him June 3 at a mattress factory where he was working under an assumed identity. A federal immigration judge in Colorado signed Gonzalez-Gonzalez’ removal order June 15; he was transferred to El Paso June 19.
According to Mexican authorities, Gonzalez-Gonzalez arrived at a neighborhood grocery store Jan. 10, 1999, in Rancho de San Cristobal, Guanajuato, Mexico, and fired a gun into the air. He later fired at a group of people gathered outside the store, though no one was injured. The shooting triggered a heated discussion between Gonzalez-Gonzalez and Soledad Robles Mendez, who was in the group. The argument ended when Gonzalez-Gonzalez allegedly shot and killed Robles Mendez.
“The return of this man demonstrates once again how ICE is working to keep our communities and the homeland safe,” said Robert Jolicoeur, field office director for the ICE Office of Detention and Removal Operations in El Paso.
The Office of the Attorney General of Mexico in El Paso contacted the local ICE office last week and asked for assistance in returning Gonzalez-Gonzalez to Mexico. Gonzalez-Gonzalez, who remained at large for more than 10 years, is the 11th fugitive wanted for serious crimes in Mexico that ICE has deported this year as part of a bi-national agreement between ICE and the Office of the Attorney General of Mexico.
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WANTED FOR CAPITAL MURDER: RICARDO ZUNIGA
NAME: ZUNIGA, RICARDO (29)
AKA’s: HERNANDEZ-VARGAS, ARTURO
DOB: 10-24-79
HEIGHT: 5’7”
WEIGHT: 160 lbs.
HAIR: Black
EYES: Brown
BUILD: Medium
COMPLEXION: Medium
PLACE OF BIRTH: Los Angeles, California
TATTOOS: CHEST - “Mi Madre Lucia”
BACK- “ENANO”
SOCORRO, TX– Early Monday morning 6-22-2009 at approximately 2:00 AM, Sheriff’s Deputies along with the Socorro police Dept. are dispatched to the A & M Bar located at 11638 Alameda Socorro, TX in reference to a shooting with subjects down. Authorities arrive to find two victims - shot once each. Preliminary investigation reveals that prior to the incident, approximately 40 individuals were inside the bar when an argument ensued among some patrons. The argument led to a confrontation outside the bar where reports indicate over 20 individuals were seen outside the establishment as events unfolded. The argument resulted in a physical altercation leading to “shots fired”.
Crimes Against Persons Detectives were summoned to the scene & launched a full scale investigation of the incident. The two Victim’s shot were brothers – they both died due to the wounds sustained. They were identified as Jose Vargas (37) who died at the scene & Jesus Vargas Jr. (46) who died at the hospital – both from Socorro, TX.
The “shooter” has been identified as RICARDO ZUNIGA (19) who was said to have fled the scene in a dark colored passenger vehicle, described by witnesses as possibly being a Dodge Intrepid with unknown registration. The motive for the violent murders is still unclear at this time.
Late Monday night 06-22-09, after actively working this case for several hours, CID Detectives apprehended one of the subjects involved . The suspect was identified as VICTOR IGNACIO GOMEZ (28) of the 12900 block of Harnose El Paso County, TX. He remains in the El Paso County Detention Facility charges with CAPITAL MURDER under NO BOND.
ZUNIGA is believed to remain in the Borderland & shows a previous address in San Elizario, TX. Zuniga has several contacts in the El Paso area & knows he is wanted. He is currently on the run eluding capture from authorities.
CID Detectives continue with this investigation as more arrests are forthcoming. Sheriff’s Investigator’s are asking the public - if anyone has any information pertaining to these Homicides to please contact the Sheriff’s Office (915) 546-2280 or 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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HISTORICAL CHURCH IN CLINT, TX / SUSPECT CAUGHT AFTER FOOT CHASE
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: SAN LORENZO CATHOLIC CHURCH CLINT, TX
DATE / TIME: TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2009 1:35 AM
RESULT: ARREST MADE
CLINT, TX– Early Tuesday morning 06-23-09, at approximately 1:35 AM, Sheriff’s Deputies patrolling the area Clint, TX were flagged down by a town resident at the San Lorenzo Catholic Church’s office building located at 13029 Center, Clint, Texas. The Reporter advised authorities a shirtless male subject was seen banging on a box with what appeared to be a sledgehammer in the rear of the office building. The Sheriff’s Deputy began to walk toward the office building and heard a noise coming from the northwest area of the church. The Deputy observed a male subject running through the canal bank at the end of Church Street. A foot chase ensued through the canal banks leading to a property near a residence. Deputies began tracking the shoe impressions to a residence nearby. Deputies knocked on the front door to the residence & were met by a male subject wearing no shirt in shorts. Deputies noticed the resident appeared to be nervous & observed several superficial cuts to his knees, hands, and redness to the right side of his torso.
After further investigation, it was determined that the resident was the same subject who led Deputies on the foot chase. The subject was positively identified & later admitted he had broken into the church. The church safe had been damaged.
The suspect was arrested & charged with BURGLARY OF BUILDING & EVADING ARREST / DETENTION. He was identified as ANDREW BORREGO (17) of the 700 bock of Center Clint, TX. He remains at the El Paso County Detention Facility.
ARRESTED:
ANDREW BORREGO (17)
CHARGE:
BURGLARY OF BUILDING - $10,000 BOND
EVADING ARREST / DETENTION - $1,500 BOND
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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:
Cabral, Mario DOB: 09/19/1963
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Melendez, David DOB: 08/16/1984
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Ramos, Monica DOB: 07/05/1971
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Cavazos, Ricardo DOB: 04/28/1963
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Cordova, Isidro DOB: 05/15/1989
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
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Police identify officer involved in shooting
Date/Time: 06-19-09 @ 11:54 p.m.
Location: 2500 N. Mesa
Suspect: 31-year old Ruben Troncoso of the 3100 block of Rockwall
Officer: Sergeant Louis C. Johnson 12-year veteran assigned to WSRC
EL PASO, TEXAS –Police identify the officer involved in Friday’s shooting. The officer involved was Sergeant Louis C. Johnson a 12-year veteran of the El Paso Police Department assigned to the Westside Regional Command Center.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS RELEASE JUNE 22, 2009
Last night at approximately 2213 hours 7 units with the El Paso Fire Department responded to a call of a fire in a residence on the 3300 block of Mike Godwin in east El Paso. First units on the scene reported heavy smoke and flames coming from a front bedroom and placed a condition II on the fire.
No one was home at the time of the fire and firefighters had to use forcible entry to enter the home. Two persons, both civilians, at the scene were treated by Fire Medical personnel for injuries but both patients refused transport to the hospital. The fire was placed under control at 2322 hours.
Investigators with the Fire Marshals Office responded to the scene and conducted an investigation. Investigators determined that an overheated electrical cord in the bedroom was the cause of the fire and ruled it as accidental. Total damagers were estimated at over $20,000. There were no reported injuries to firefighters and the Red Cross was called out to the scene to assist the 4 adult occupants of the home.
Fire Officials Offer these electrical cord safety tips:
1. Keep unprotected cords out of the path of foot traffic and furniture to prevent fraying, overheating, and tripping.
2. Never run a cord under a rug. It prevents the cord from releasing its heat and could lead to a fire.
3. Don’t leave cords dangling anywhere where they can be pulled down and tripped over.
4. Make sure there is no crimping or pressure on cords, and don’t force them into small spaces or behind furniture. Over time this could lead to a breakdown of the cord’s insulation. When using cord-bundling devices, such as Cable Turtles or plastic spiral wire wrap, avoid cramming too many cords together. Keep it loose.
5. Never use staples or nails to attach cords or cord bundlers to a surface, such as a baseboard or a wall. They could puncture the insulation and create a shock or fire hazard.
6. Don’t overload outlets or extension cords with too many appliances, or appliances with too much wattage (space heaters, microwave ovens). Check the maximum capacity of an extension cord, and make absolutely sure you don’t exceed it.
7. Don’t use an adapter to get an extension cord with a three-prong plug into a two-prong outlet.
8. Don’t plug extension cords together. Instead use one long enough for your purpose.
9. Don’t use an extension cord to plug in a power strip. Instead buy a strip with a longer cord.
10. If a cord is hot to the touch, don’t use it.
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MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2009 WANTED FUGITIVE: MARCOS CORONEL
FUGITIVE INFORMATION:
NAME: CORONEL, MARCOS (35)
AKA’s: PROVENCIO, ANTHONY
PROVENCIO, MARCO
DOB: 06-19-74
HEIGHT: 5’4”
WEIGHT: 200 lbs.
HAIR: Black
EYES: Brown - (1) Cataract Eye
BUILD: Medium
COMPLEXION: Medium
PLACE OF BIRTH: JUAREZ, MEXICO
TATTOOS: Upper Right Arm- “Isaiah”
Upper Left Arm - “Anthony”
Back- “Coronel”
WANTED FOR:
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT - NO BOND
SEXUAL ASSAULT - $51,000 BOND
The Manhunt is on for MARCOS CORONEL.
CORONEL is wanted for the OFFENSE of:
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT - NO BOND
SEXUAL ASSAULT - $51,000 BOND
EL PASO, TX 2003- Back in 2003, Marcos Coronel Sexually Assaulted a woman. CORONEL failed to appear in court for these charges and has not been seen since 2005. Over the past few years, Law Enforcement has continued to actively look for CORONEL.
In the past few weeks, an individual identified as the father of the Victim to these crimes - & is terminally ill, contacted the Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division & requested that his last wish before he passes is for this fugitive to be shown on “Most Wanted” & “Manhunt Monday” in an attempt to bring this individual to justice & bring closure to his family.
CORONEL is believed to have fled to Mexico but has several relatives in the El Paso area & is known to cross back & forth between Mexico & the United States.
CORONEL knows he is wanted & is currently on the run as he continues to elude capture.
If anyone has seen or knows the whereabouts of MARCOS CORONEL, 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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Fire Department NEWS RELEASE June 20, 2009
Each year, nationwide, more than 300 children under 5 years old drown in residential swimming pools, usually a pool owned by their family. In addition, more than 2,000 children in that age group are treated in hospital emergency rooms for submersion injures.
Swimming Pool Safety
With child drownings in Texas reaching 50 this week, El Paso Fire Department Officials would like to offer these swimming pool safety tips:
To prevent swimming pool drownings and accidents, layers of protection are essential. Closely supervising young children and being prepared in case of an emergency are two very important things to remember. In addition:
1. If a child is missing always look in the swimming pool first. Seconds count!
2. Knowing how to swim doesn’t make a child drown proof.
3. Never use a floatation device as a substitute for supervision.
4. Keep rescue equipment and a phone next to the pool.
5. Install barriers around the pool. Fences and walls should be at least 4 feet high.
6. Gates should be self-closing and self-latching.
7. Never leave toys floating in the pool. They attract young children who might try to reach for
them.
8. Use a pool cover when the pool is not in use.
9. Learn Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The life you save might be your Childs.
FACTS AND FIGURES
• Seventy-five percent of the submersion victims studied by CPSC were between 1 and 3 years old; 65 percent of this group were boys. Toddlers, in particular, often do something unexpected because their capabilities change daily.
• At the time of the incidents, most victims were being supervised by one or both parents. Forty-six percent of the victims were last seen in the house; 23 percent were last seen in the yard or on the porch or patio; and 31 percent were in or around the pool before the accident. In all, 69 percent of the children were not expected to be at or in the pool, yet they were found in the water.
• Submersion incidents involving children usually happen in familiar surroundings. Sixty-five percent of the incidents happened in a pool owned by the child's family and 33 percent of the incidents happened in a pool owned by friends or relatives.
• Pool submersions involving children happen quickly. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a phone. Seventy-seven percent of the victims had been missing from sight for 5 minutes or less.
• Survival depends on rescuing the child quickly and restarting the breathing process, even while the child is still in the water. Seconds count in preventing death or brain damage.
• Child drowning is a silent death. There's no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble.
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Man dies after attempting to strike pedestrians
Date/Time: 06-19-2009 @ 11:54p.m.
Location: 2500 N. Mesa
Vehicle: 2008 Ford Mustang, 2 door, red
Suspect: Ruben Troncoso, 31 year of age, 3100 block of Rockwall (DECEASED)
Victim: Police Sergeant, 12 year veteran, Westside Regional Command Center
EL PASO, TEXAS – An El Paso Police officer is forced to discharge his weapon after a man attempts to strike pedestrians and earlier attempts to strike an officer. Just before midnight, an El Paso Police Sergeant assigned to the Westside Regional Command Center was forced to take immediate action in an attempt to save a crowd of pedestrians at Mesa and Cincinnati. The Police Sergeant had spotted 31-year old Ruben Troncoso driving erratically in the area of Executive and Mesa, and knew from police dispatch that he had been involved in a pursuit from the Mission Valley area. The Sergeant attempted to stop Troncoso, who was driving a red 2008 Ford Mustang. The Sergeant signaled and gave commands for Troncoso to stop and he refused. As Troncoso continued south on Mesa and was approaching Cincinnati he began to rev his engine and accelerate toward pedestrians. Witnesses recalled people having to scatter in an attempt to avoid being struck. At that moment, the Sergeant, forced to stop the dangerous actions of Troncoso fired his weapon at Troncoso striking him. The vehicle veered left and struck a light pole at the 2500 block of N. Mesa. Troncoso died at the scene. The continuing investigation shows that Troncoso sped out from the area of 3100 block of Rockwall onto Pebble Hills. At that time a Pebble Hills Officer attempted to stop Troncoso for the traffic offense. Troncoso refused to stop and short pursuit initiated and was cancelled. Another Unit also spotted Troncoso and attempted to stop him and again refused. Enough information was obtained from the Units to identify the vehicle and attempt to locate the vehicle at the owner’s home. As one officer was in the area of the 3100 block of Beach Comber, Troncoso accelerated toward the officer and attempted to strike him with the vehicle. As the officers learned more about Troncoso they learned he had a violent history against Police and information was given to officers that he had rifles in his possession. As the officers continued searching for Troncoso, a call came in from the area of 7400 block of Phoenix advising that Troncoso was suicidal and did have weapons. Information was reported of Troncoso pointing a rifle at passing motorists at North Loop and Dale. Mission Valley Units located Troncoso and a pursuit ensued. This pursuit lead to Central El Paso, where officers deployed “Stop Sticks” and continued onto Executive in West El Paso. No other injuries were involved. As is standard in any officer involved shooting, an investigation by the Crimes Against Persons Unit, the District Attorney’s Office, the El Paso Police Department’s Shooting Review Team and Internal Affairs are all investigating the incident. Also as is standard, due to the traumatic impact on the officer of being involved in such an incident, the officer has been given Administrative Leave.