June 29, 2009
Police seek suspects in theft
Of tractor-trailer with tv’s
Crime Stoppers of El Paso is assisting officers from the El Paso Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force in identifying the person or persons who stole an 18-wheeler truck with a load of TV’s, making this the “Crime of the Week.”
On Saturday, May 16th, the truck driver parked his white Landstar vehicle at Montana Self Storage, 11010 Montana Avenue; and left it there overnight. When he returned the next day, it was gone. The tractor, trailer, and its contents of brand new high-definition television sets had been stolen.
The following day, the tractor and trailer were located in the 12400 block of Rojas, but the TV sets were missing. Only some bolt cutters were left behind at the scene. It is believed that the theft took place some time between the hours of 2:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 16th, and 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 17th.
There is no description of the subjects involved, nor of any getaway vehicle they may have used. However, because the location of the theft and also the location where the vehicle was found are both very public places, on major thoroughfares, investigators believe that someone must have seen either the theft, or the unloading of the vehicle on Rojas.
If you have any information at all about this crime, or any suspects, 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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HIT & RUN DRIVER ARRESTED HOURS AFTER FLEEING SCENE OF ACCIDENT
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 500 block of Ascencion El Paso County, TX
DATE / TIME: JUNE 28-29, 2009
RESULT: ARREST MADE
EL PASO COUNTY, TX- Late Sunday night 06-28-2009 at 11:17 PM, Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 500 block of South Ascension in El Paso County Texas in reference to a Motor Vehicle Accident. Deputies arrived moments later to find a 2003 Mazda Protégé with heavy damage on the passenger side. Deputies met with the female driver who told authorities her vehicle was struck by a blue passenger car who fled the scene shortly after impact. It was soon discovered, the female driver’s 3 children ages 2, 7 & 10 were also in the car at the time of the accident. The entire family was transported to Del Sol Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.
About an hour later, the registered owner of the vehicle called S.O. Dispatch and stated her brother had borrowed her blue 2001 Volkswagon Jetta and wrecked it somewhere in East El Paso County, TX. Deputies arrived at the residence located in the 12900 block of Bucknell and met with the car owner who told Deputies her brother had just left the residence. Several hours later on 06-29-09, a Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to locate the male subject at his residence in the 9300 block of Montana & successfully took him into custody.
The Suspect was identified as ANDRES CHAVEZ (20) of the 9300 block of Montana El Paso, TX. He was arrested & charged with ACCIDENT INVOLVING INJURY & DUTY TO GIVE INFORMATION & RENDER AID remains at the El Paso County Detention Facility under a $10,000 TOTAL BOND.
ARRESTED:
ANDRES CHAVEZ (20)
CHARGE: ACCIDENT INVOLVING INJURY & DUTY TO GIVE INFORMATION & RENDER AID- $10,000 TOTAL BOND
(NOTE: INDIVIDUAL ARRESTED / SHOWN ABOVE IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW)
PHOTOS: COURTESY EPCSO
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Drug seizure activity heating up at Columbus port of entry
COLUMBUS, New Mexico - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working at the Columbus port of entry have seized 541 pounds of marijuana in three seizures in four days recently. CBP officers at the Columbus port made a single large marijuana bust in May.
“CBP officers at the Columbus port are working hard to make certain that any person who enters the country here does so legally and without any prohibited or illegal items,” said Charles Wright, CBP Columbus port director. “Three drug seizures in a four day period is unusual and an indication that the CBP officers stationed here are diligent and committed to the CBP mission.”
The largest of the three seizures occurred June 23 when CBP officers seized 278.9 pounds of marijuana. The seizure was made after a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe entered the port from Mexico. CBP officers selected the vehicle for an x-ray exam which revealed anomalies in the appearance of the tires and gas tank. CBP officers used a “Buster” density meter which revealed solid areas consistent with drug smuggling. CBP officers removed a total of 73 drug-filled bundles from the various hidden compartments in the vehicle. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents arrested the driver, 20-year-old Bryant Reyes Olivas of Denver, Colorado.
Two days later, CBP officers at the Columbus port seized 157.9 pounds of marijuana. The drugs were found concealed in the bumper and floor of a 2003 Chevrolet Impala. CBP officers used a “Buster” density meter to help identify the drug load. CBP drug sniffing dog “Cordon” also alerted CBP officers to the hidden contraband. ICE agents arrested 43-year-old Reyes Vega De Polanco of Las Cruces in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
On June 26, CBP officers at the Columbus port seized 104.5 pounds of marijuana. The drugs were concealed in a 1999 Ford F-150 pick up truck. CBP officers used an x-ray system to help pinpoint a drug load in the bed of the pickup truck. CBP officers removed a total of 101 marijuana-filled bundles from the secret compartment. The driver of the truck, 23-year-old Elisa Chafino of Deming was arrested by local authorities.
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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CBP officers nail man smuggling drugs in wooden flooring
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 15 marijuana seizures during the weekend, confiscating 657 pounds of the drug. CBP officers discovered contraband concealed in a variety of ways including inside tires, the fuel tank, quarter panels, seat compartments, bumpers, the firewall and within the clothing of some travelers.
“Drug smugglers are only limited by their imagination,” said William Molaski, CBP El Paso port director. “Smugglers will go to elaborate lengths in an effort to thwart the CBP inspection process. During this past weekend, the smugglers failed on many levels.”
One of the most unusual concealment methods CBP officers saw this weekend was bundles of marijuana hidden in boxes of wood flooring. CBP officers at the Ysleta port of entry removed 55 packages of the drug from sealed boxes of wooden flooring. The seizure was made Saturday afternoon after a 1995 Toyota Corolla entered the facility from Mexico.
A CBP officer at the primary inspection booth selected the vehicle for an intensive inspection after noticing that the driver was nervous during a routine exam. CBP drug sniffing dog “Basty” searched the vehicle and alerted to packages of flooring in the trunk of the car. CBP officers opened a package revealing numerous tape-wrapped bundles. The contents of the bundles tested positive for marijuana. CBP officers seized 57.5 pounds of the drug.
The driver of the car was arrested and turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agents. He is 47-year-old Pablo Chavez Munoz, a resident of Juarez, Mexico. He is currently being detained without bond at the El Paso County Jail.
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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FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS RELEASE
JUNE 29, 2009
Perhaps the biggest cause of flood-related deaths and injuries is the lack of respect for the severity and danger associated with floods and flash floods. Yesterday evening El Paso Fire Department officials responded to 28 weather related calls including 10 rescue calls where firefighters had to rescue people from their vehicles as they tried to drive through flooded intersections.
Fire officials offer the following tips that can help protect El Paso residents during these heavy rains:
• Many people are killed while trying to drive or walk on roads and bridges covered by water. Though the water may look only inches deep, the pool could be far deeper and have very strong currents. It only takes two feet of water to carry away many cars and only six inches of swiftly moving (6 mph) water can sweep a person off their feet.
• Trucks, two wheel- as well as four-wheel-drive and sports utility vehicles are also susceptible to the dangers of pooled water. Such vehicles often give motorists a false sense of security, believing the vehicles are safe under all hazardous conditions. This is simply not true. For instance, large tires add to the vehicle’s buoyancy and can cause it to lose traction sooner. Simply put, do not allow overconfidence in your vehicle to cost you your life.
• Consequently, if you are approaching a flooded roadway, turn around and take an alternate route. Though vehicles in front of you may have passed through the high water, you may not be as lucky.
• If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.
• Never let children play near storm drains when the water is rising or is high. Every year, deaths or injuries occur as a result of people being swept away. Sadly, the most frequent victims are children.
• If you live in a low-lying area, pay close attention to water levels during heavy rain events. Water levels rise rapidly during flash floods often surprising victims. Be prepared to move quickly to higher ground if water levels begin rising.
• A reminder that Sandbags are no longer available at the fire stations. The new locations are:
Central - Stormwater Operations Center, 410 S. Cotton
Westside - 120 Kappa (near Keystone Heritage Park)
Northeast -Nations Tobin Park, 8831 Railroad
Eastside - Album Park, Wedgewood & Lockerbie
Mission Valley – Blackie Chesher Park, 9144 Escobar
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MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2009
WANTED FOR CAPITAL MURDER: RICARDO ZUNIGA
***USE EXTREME CAUTION- SUBJECT IS CONSIDERED ARMED & DANGEROUS***
FUGITIVE INFORMATION:
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”
WANTED FOR:
CAPITAL MURDER - $500,000 BOND
A REMINDER FROM SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATORS; ANYONE CAUGHT HINDERING OR AIDING ANY FUGITIVE WILL BE PROSECUTED.
The Manhunt Continues for RICARDO ZUNIGA.
ZUNIGA is wanted for the OFFENSE of:
CAPITAL MURDER - $500,000 BOND
SOCORRO, TX– RICARDO ZUNIGA (29) remains on the run eluding capture from U.S. authorities. ZUNIGA has been identified as the “SHOOTER” in last week’s double homicide in Socorro, TX. 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 Fabens, San Elizario, Socorro & the El Paso areas & obviously knows he is wanted.
ZUNIGA is considered armed & extremely dangerous. A “Wanted Bulletin” on ZUNIGA was issued to regional Law Enforcement last week warning authorities to use extreme caution if they come into contact & encounter ZUNIGA.
Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Persons Detectives continue working this case & want to remind the public; ANYONE CAUGHT HINDERING OR AIDING ANY FUGITIVE WILL BE PROSECUTED.
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.
BACKGROUND:
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 charges with CAPITAL MURDER under NO BOND.
Thursday night 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 FOR CAPITAL MURDER
VICTOR IGNACIO GOMEZ (28)
JOSE GUADALUPE CORDERO (24)
END OF FEATURE FOR "MANHUNT"
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TORNILLO MAN ARRESTED FOR AGGRAVATED ROBBERY IN FABENS, TX
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 1790 N. FABENS FABENS, TX
DATE / TIME: JUNE 25-26, 2009
RESULT: ARREST MADE
FABENS, TX- Late Thursday night 06-25-2009 at 10:50 PM, Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to 1790 N. Fabens, Fabens, TX (Fast Track Convenience Store) in reference to an Aggravated Robbery that just occurred. Deputies arrived within minutes & met with the store clerk. Further investigation revealed a male subject entered the store & threatened the clerk with a box cutter knife demanding money. The male suspect suddenly left the store empty handed leaving the scene in a White Ford Focus.
Despite the unsuccessful Robbery attempt, “on scene” Deputies reviewed the surveillance video & continued the investigation. After an extensive investigation, Deputies were able to obtain information on the individual responsible for the robbery.
The following morning 06-26-09 at 8:20 AM, Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to locate the wanted subject at a residence in the 18000 block of Tia, Tornillo, TX. Deputies were successful in apprehending the wanted subject who was later positively identified as the robbery suspect. The Suspect was identified as JUAN DIEGO (24) of the 18000 block of Tia Tornillo, TX. He was arrested, charged with AGGRAVATED ROBBERY & remains at the El Paso County Detention Facility under a $50,000 BOND.
ARRESTED:
JUAN DIEGO (24)
CHARGE: AGGRAVATED ROBBERY - $50,000 BOND
(NOTE: INDIVIDUAL ARRESTED / SHOWN ABOVE IS PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW)
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CHILD DIES FRIDAY IN POOL INCIDENT
Date/Time: 06-26-2009 @ 5:37p.m.
Location: 2900 block of Idalia
Victim: Monica Galvan, 2 years of age, 2900 block of Idalia
EL PASO, TEXAS – A two year old child died after being found in a pool Friday. Just after 5:30 in afternoon, Central Patrol Officers and Fire Medical Crews responded to a "Water Emergency" call at a home at the 2900 block of Idalia. Officers learned that 2-year old Monica Galvan had been in the backyard of the home along with some other children. The home does have an above ground swimming pool. When the children where gathered to eat, Galvan could not be found. As they began to look for her, she was found in the pool. Galvan was pulled out and emergency crews called. Galvan was taken to Sierra Medical Center, where she died. At this time detectives from Crimes Against Persons (C.A.P.) are investigating the incident as is typical in any child death.
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Saturday Bank Robbery
El Paso's 11th bank robbery of the year happened today at Bank of America, 1810 N. Zaragoza about 12pm.
The subject, nicknamed the "Chubby Robber" walked into the bank and gave a note to the teller. He then left with an undisclosed amount of money and walked to a nearby vehicle. No vehicle description has been given yet.
Suspect:
Hispanic male, late 40s to early 50s age
rough, short beard/goatee
5'6"-5'7", 250lbs
Spoke English with a Spanish accent
Clothing: Blue bandana, white t-shirt with red stains, jeans, sunglasses
This robber is believed to be the same person who robbed the Bank of America at 7575 N. Mesa on May 4, 2009.
If anyone has information about the identification of this person or his whereabouts, they are asked to contact the FBI at 915-832-5000 or Crime Stoppers at 566 TIPS(8477).