KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County first responders responded to over 1,000 911 calls since 7:30 p.m. on June 3. No storm-related fatalities have been reported, and emergency services are running at full strength according to a county news release. Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore reported 71,000 residents and businesses were without power in the county. Emergency calls included nine homes with trapped residents, one water rescue, multiple people trapped in vehicles due to power lines and/or downed trees, as well as multiple traffic lights out, he said.

The Smith County Road and Bridge Department is working on a list of Smith County roads that could have wash outs or downed trees. Continue reading Smith County Storms Update

SMITH COUNTY — Following Monday night’s storms, multiple traffic signals, trees and power lines are down throughout the area. Drivers are asked to drive slow and turn around if they see water over the roadway and residents are asked to avoid driving if not essential. Tyler police are asking residents to report down power lines to the Tyler Street Department at 903-531-1393.

EAST TEXAS — After continued severe weather hit East Texas earlier this week, about 19,786 customers are reportedly without power as 8:30 a.m. on Thursday. Click here for the full list.

RUSK COUNTY – The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said a man has been arrested for intent to promote child pornography and additional charges are expected as the investigation continues. According to our news colleagues at KETK, over the course of the investigation probable cause for an arrest and search warrant was issued for a residence in Rusk County. The sheriff’s office arrested James Eugene Garner, 29, who was charged with possession of child pornography with the intent to promote.

TYLER – A 21-year-old man was arrested last week for intoxication manslaughter in connection to a car accident in March in Smith County that left two people dead. According to our news partner KETK, 21-year-old Jose Bravo Jr. of Tyler, was arrested on May 27 after, according reports, he told authorities he had been drinking before the crash in Smith County, near the Lone Star Event Center on FM 2767.

Police say the one car crash happened March 24, as the lone vehicle was traveling Southwest on the road and then took “faulty evasive action to avoid striking a dog.” The car traveled off the roadway, rolling over multiple private drives and resulted in three people getting ejected.
Continue reading Tyler man arrested for intoxication manslaughter

GLADEWATER – The Gladewater Police Department said a woman with 12 warrants was arrested after she bit an officer during the arrest process. According to our news partner KETK, police responded to a call about a woman following people around the Dollar General on 904 E Broadway Ave. When they arrived, officers encountered the suspect who they identified as Angela Renee Baird-Curtis, 36 of Gladewater, who was wanted in the City of Gladewater for multiple warrants. “During the arrest process, Baird-Curtis resisted, leading to an altercation where she attempted to escape and assaulted an officer by biting him,” Gladewater PD said. The officer was able to detain Baird-Curtis with the help of a bystander, a release said. Baird-Curtis was charged with resisting arrest search or transport, assault of a public servant, escape while arrested and her bond totals $42,000. She is currently being held at the Gregg County Jail.

GILMER – The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said that a dead body was found in a vehicle connected to a recent missing person case on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, Upshur County Sheriff’s Deputy David Hazel said that on Saturday, Gilmer PD found a vehicle with a decomposing body inside. The body is reportedly being sent to have an autopsy done on it. Officials with the The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the car found with the remains was the same car connected to a missing person in the county. The identity of the deceased could not be confirmed by officials at this time, but a missing person had been reported in Upshur County on May 19.

TYLER — The City of Tyler announced their outdoor warning siren vendor will be performing test announcements this week starting on Monday. Officials said the tests are to adjust the sound levels of the digital voice message. The test will provide sound from the sirens, and will start with dinging sounds and then a message. “Please be aware that this is only a test for them to adjust the sound levels coming from each siren and will continue until all sirens are tested,” authorities said.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department said that two people were arrested on Saturday after 2,500 suspected fentanyl pills, a bottle of “lean” and two firearms were seized. According to Kilgore PD and our news partner KETK, a search warrant was executed at 1223 East North Street by the ProActive Community Engagement (PACE) Team and some members of the North East Texas Regional Swat Team. The items reportedly include 2,500 pills of suspected fentanyl and two fire arms, one of which was allegedly stolen.

Kylan Timothy Earl Johnson and Kaeleigh Rei Richardson, 24 of Kilgore, were arrested in connection to the search.

Johnson and Richardson were both charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance between 200 grams and 400 grams, theft of a firearm, possession of a dangerous drug and possession of marijuana less than two ounces.

Johnson was also arrested for a Gregg County warrant, according to Kilgore PD.

Continue reading 2,500 suspected fentanyl pills, guns seized in Kilgore

GILMER – Gilmer Police Department said that they arrested seven people on Saturday as a part of their prostitution investigation “Operation Dear John”, according to our news partner KETK. “Prostitution often comes with drug use and distribution, as well as, human trafficking. Gilmer Police take an active role in deterring such criminal activity.” Gilmer Police Department

The following seven individuals were reportedly arrested in connection to the operation: Continue reading Gilmer Police arrest seven in prostitution investigation

PALESTINE – The Palestine Police Department said they arrested a 19-year-old man for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection to a stabbing on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, at around 2:21 a.m. on Monday a Palestine PD officer responded to Palestine Regional Medical Center-East Campus and reportedly found someone transporting a stabbing victim. According to Palestine PD, the officer helped medical staff put the victim on the gurney before they were taken for emergency treatment.

Then Palestine PD officers reportedly went to the 500 block of Fort Street to investigate the stabbing and speak with anyone involved. Marvin Osarius Villalobos-Flores, 19 of Palestine, was identified as a suspect in the assault and officers also found a kitchen knife reportedly used to do the stabbing. Palestine PD said the stabbing victim is expected to survive.

Villalobos-Flores was booked into the Anderson County Jail on the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is being held on a $100,000 bond.

TYLER – For almost fifty years Mike Tucker and The Caldwell Zoo have grown up together. Mike started working for the zoo when he was in high school. And, Friday May 31, he retired on his own terms.

In his forty-eight years at Caldwell Zoo, Tucker has worked in every part of the zoo’s operation. He has been an animal keeper, curator and head of Guest Services. When he started, Caldwell Zoo had 7 total employees. Now, that number is at over ninety. Many of these employees Mike has hired and trained. “Really, I’ve only had one job my whole life,” he reflects. “I really did grow up with the Zoo. We’ve been through a lot together.”

In Tyler Mayor Don Warren’s proclamation, “As Mike retires, we celebrate his incredible journey and dedication to our beloved zoo. Although he will miss the responsibilities and details, he’s looking forward to spending quality time with his family and returning to some old hobbies. He is excited to travel with his wife and do a little more fly fishing. Join us in honoring Mike’s massive commitment to every part of the Zoo. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Mike! We will surely miss you.”

TYLER – A man accused of attempting to kidnap and rape a woman running at the Rose Rudman Park in 2019 was sentenced to life in prison on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, an unidentified woman was running at Tyler’s Rose Rudman Park when she noticed James Earl Roberts Jr. She believed he looked suspicious and ran away. Officials say Roberts reportedly tackled her, put his hands over her face and dragged her into the woods.

Continue reading Life sentence for attempted kidnap and rape