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LUFKIN – In a report from our news partner KETK, the Lufkin Police Department has disclosed the identities of those involved in a shooting incident on Wednesday evening. A woman died after pointing a gun at an officer. The department received a call about two men causing a disturbance at the Great Oaks Apartments around 6 p.m. The caller mentioned that they were kicking at an apartment door but had disappeared by the time the officers arrived. Continue reading Names in Lufkin officer-involved shooting revealed

PALESTINE – Authorites in Palestine made an arrest Tuesday for the sexual assault of a minor. According to our news partner KETK, 50-year-old Joseph Lee Zeleny of Palestine is charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child. Palestine PD received the complaint of the sexual abuse that allegedly occurred over several years. In a search of Zeleny’s home on N. Mallard Street, investigators discovered “several evidentiary items” and they expect more charges to be filed. Zeleny was given a $600,000 bond when he was arrested.

HOPKINS COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report that two men have been arrested for delivery of fentanyl and charged with the murder of a man. According to a release from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, on Dec. 26 Braden Wooten, 21, was reportedly found dead in his residence. During the initial response, pills were allegedly found and believed to contain fentanyl. An investigation conducted by deputies began to determine who had provided Wooten the contraband. Two suspects, Xavier Hill and Bryson Lacey, have been arrested for delivery of the substance and have been charged in the death of Wooten. Their bonds have been set at $1 million.

NACOGDOCHES — Our news partners at KETK report that a man has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murder in an August 1, 2021 shooting. According to the Nacogdoches County District Attorney’s Office, Elmer Williamson Jr. was found guilty of the murder of Javinsky “Mucci” Lampkin and three aggravated assaults for causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon to Ladarvis Nelson, Adam Shepherd and Dontavian Sterns. After the five-day trial, the jury assessed Williamson’s punishment and gave him a term of 20 years confinement for each of the three counts of aggravated assault, in addition to the life sentence for murder. He was also fined $10,000 for each of the four counts. These sentences are reportedly the maximum punishment that Williamson could receive.
Continue reading Lufkin man given maximum sentence for fatal shooting

TYLER – Our news colleagues at KETK report that the City of Tyler announced that the solid waste department alongside Keep Tyler Beautiful (KTyB) will provide two Christmas tree drop of locations for community members. According to a release, residents will be able to drop off their non-flocked, undecorated, natural Christmas trees to be recycled, starting the day after Christmas until Jan. 14. The City of Tyler said the drop off locations will be at Golden Road Park at the intersection of McDonald and Golden Road and Fun Forest Park in the 900 block of North Glenwood Boulevard. Continue reading Caldwell Zoo partners with Keep Tyler Beautiful

SMITH COUNTY – A woman in the Smith County Jail is dead after reportedly losing consciousness on Wednesday at 12:05 p.m. According to a release, a medical emergency was called to the Smith County Jail. Susan Taylor, 58, an inmate, reportedly lost consciousness in the day room and was non-responsive. Authorities said Smith County medical personnel responded and immediately began lifesaving measures, and UT Health EMS arrived shortly after and took Taylor to the ER. Taylor died at the hospital. Precinct One Justice of the Peace Derrick Choice arrived at the hospital and ordered an autopsy. Taylor was then transported to Forensic Medical in Tyler. Texas Rangers will investigate Taylor’s death per Smith County Sheriff’s Office’s protocol.

SMITH COUNTY — An 11-year-old boy is dead after crashing into a tree early Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, a DPS preliminary report says the boy was six miles west of Tyler on CR 220 when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Officials also say an investigation is ongoing.

TYLER – One person has died after a crash Tuesday afternoon on Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police said an occupant in that vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident at Old Jacksonville Highway and Fairmont Drive. Tyler PD is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.

HENDERSON – Our news partners at KETK report that a pedestrian is dead after being struck on US 79 in Henderson on Friday. According to Henderson PD, officers responded to the scene in the 400 block of U.S. Highway 79 South around 7:45 p.m. where they found the man and began life saving measures until police arrived. “The pedestrian was then transported to a nearby hospital, where the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased,” officials said. Officials said the driver of the car remained on the scene and cooperated with authorities. The crash is still under investigation, and police said they will continue to evaluate any potential leads

LONGVIEW – Advance registration for Longview Transit’s “Safe Ride Home” service will open soon. According to our news partner KETK, starting on Wednesday anyone within Longview’s city limits can pre-register to get a free ride home on New Year’s Eve between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. the following morning. Rides can be scheduled by calling Longview Transit at 903-753-2287 ext. 10 and riders are encouraged to schedule trips in advance. The curb-to-curb service is available to any destination within Longview’s city limits. The service is open to people who have had a few drinks and to those that simply don’t want to drive that evening. “Longview Transit has been providing Safe Ride Home transportation on New Year’s Eve for several years now, and it continues to be a great service for the community,” said Longview Transit Director of Operations Tequita Dudley. The service is made possible through financial help from R&K Distributors.

TYLER – A local educator and pastor announced his bid for a seat on the Tyler City Council. Dexter Floyd, Principal of Tyler ISD’s RISE Academy and pastor for Designed for Worship Church of God in Christ, is running for Tyler City Council District 2. Election Day is May 4. Floyd said his campaign will focus on the key issues of his district, which include fostering affordable housing, bridging healthcare gaps, facilitating more community policing strategies and revitalizing neighborhoods. District 2 covers West Tyler and has been represented by Broderick McGee since 2018. Floyd’s campaign will start with a series of listening tours and community events for residents in his district. “I want to hear from you, understand your concerns, and work together to find solutions that will benefit our community,” Floyd said.