KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is looking for an East Texan wanted for abandoning or endangering a child, a state jail felony. KETK reports Payton Raymond, 23, is known to frequent the Flint and Chandler areas. Through an investigation, detectives learned that Raymond’s 9-month-old child tested positive for methamphetamine. Contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600 with any information.

TYLER — Family members are acknowledging that a body found Friday afternoon in Tyler is that of 32-year-old Brandon Harward, reported missing October 23. Police say the decomposed body was discovered in a drainage area in the vicinity of Shiloh Road and Shiloh Village Drive. They said investigators would wait for preliminary results of an autopsy before releasing any official information on identification or cause of death. But according to KETK, family members are moving forward with plans to have Harward buried in Utah, and they’ve set up a GoFundMe page to that effect. You can go to https://www.gofundme.com/brandonharwardmemorial for more details, including background on Harward’s struggles with mental illness — and how much his family cared for him.

TYLER – St. James CME Church and Tyler Transit hosted an event Friday to mark Rosa Parks Day. The celebration came 62 years after Parks refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama. Her action touched off the historic Montgomery bus boycott, widely seen as a pivotal event in the civil rights movement. “We have to remember the woman who stayed in her seat, she sat there, and made a difference in the lives of future generations,” St. James Pastor Orenthia Mason told KETK. Continue reading Tyler Celebrates Rosa Parks Day

TYLER — Police in Tyler are investigating a Friday credit union robbery. Police received an alarm and phone call at 5:34 p.m. about the gunpoint heist, which had just occurred at the Altra Federal Credit Union on Highway 64 West. An unknown white male suspect said to be in his late 50s with gray hair and a lazy eye, wearing a plaid shirt, blue jeans, and cap, approached the teller and told her to place the money in a bag while displaying a handgun. Police say the suspect left in an unknown direction, with no vehicle information immediately available. If you recognize the suspect in the surveillance photo, you’re asked to contact police immediately at 903-531-1000 or call Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

TYLER — A Smith County jury has sentenced James Arthur Fulton to the maximum sentence of 10 years for causing the death of an East Texas woman in 2016. KETK reports Fulton, 42, of Bulverde, was convicted Thursday of criminally negligent homicide in connection with last year’s death of Haile Beasley, 21. On the night of May 14, 2016, Fulton’s truck hit Beasley’s car head-on in the eastbound lanes of West Grande Boulevard in Tyler. Investigators determined that Fulton was responsible for the accident. Beasley was pronounced dead at the scene. Fulton was not injured. Continue reading Man Gets Ten Years in Fatal 2016 Wreck

TYLER – The ETMC Cancer Institute in Tyler has unveiled a new state-of-the-art radiation technology. The Elekta Versa HD is used to treat a broad spectrum of tumors throughout the body, while enabling treatment of highly complex cancers that require extreme targeting precision. Another benefit is shorter treatment times. The Versa also delivers ultra-low doses of radiation making it safer for the patient. Radiation therapy provides techniques for destroying abnormal cells. Hospital officials say, In many instances, radiation therapy is the single best method for the treatment and cure of cancer. ETMC began offering cancer services in Tyler in 1982 and in Athens in 2009.

NACOGDOCHES – A recent parolee is back behind bars in East Texas today, accused of the continuous sexual abuse of a child. Rusk County authorities arrested Dwayne Steel 49, of Cushing, at his job Friday. Nacogdoches County authorities say a child, younger than 14, reported the assaults. An investigation showed the suspect had continuously assaulted the victim for over a month and half at a residence. Steel was arrested after a warrant was obtained for his arrest. He is in the Rusk County Jail, awaiting transfer to Nacogdoches.

ETOILE – A Nacogdoches County man has surrendered to authorities on animal cruelty charges. Dakota Harrell, 17, was booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail on 7 counts of animal cruelty. At his home on County Road 566 in Etoile, authorities found 7 dogs who were chained and without shelter. They had no food or water and appeared to be malnourished and showed other apparent medical issues that had been caused from neglect. At a court hearing, the dogs were awarded to the Nacogdoches Animal Shelter.

KILGORE – The East Texas Council of Governments and the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, are have awarded a $200,000 in grant to Kilgore College. The money will be used to resurface and repair the school’s East Texas Police Academy driving track. It’s been in service for almost 30 years and needs major repairs. It is used by regional peace officers, fire fighters and ambulance drivers for emergency vehicle operations training. One of only four driving tracks for police training in the state, the track, which is at the Winfred J. Spear Training Center in Rusk County, is used to equip first-responders in the surrounding 24-county area with the safe driving tactics needed to serve the public.

TYLER – Tyler Congressman Louie Gohmert has filed to run again. He is seeking re-election to represent the First Congressional District, a spot he has held since 2005. One of his big concerns is the national debt. It currently stands at $21 trillion. Gohmert says the only way we are going to cover this debt is to let the economy grow 3 or 4 percent, then we can grow out of this multi trillion dollar debt. He feels that a major tax cut, especially of the corporate tax, and a reduction of the tariff we put on our own goods, so we are more competitive, will also help us reduce that large debt figure. Gohmert says he is also concerned about the attacks on our freedom of religion and freedom of speech. The filing deadline for the March 6th primary is December 11th. So far, Gohmert is the only Republican in the race. The only Democrat who has filed so far is Brent Beal of Nacogdoches.

MEXIA (AP/STAFF) — Governor Greg Abbott was among those on hand Friday morning at the Mexia High School football stadium for the funeral of a DPS trooper shot to death Thanksgiving day. Trooper Damon Allen had been with DPS for more than 15 years. He was remembered during the service for his dedication to holding “the thin blue line.” Among the terms used to describe Allen were “a hero,” “a class act,” “a family man” — and “a goofball.” 32-year-old Dabrett Black of Lindale is held in the killing, charged with capital murder of a peace officer. Allen was shot and killed during a traffic stop along I-45 near Fairfield.

NACOGDOCHES — An East Texas man surrendered to police in connection with the robbery of a gas station. According to KETK, Darrell Twain Forney, 47 of Nacogdoches, turned himself in to authorities at the Nacogdoches Police Station Thursday. He was wanted in connection with the Wednesday night robbery of a Chevron on University Drive and Martinsville. Forney’s in the Nacogdoches County Jail charged with robbery. His bond has not been set.

TYLER – A police search near downtown Tyler for a robbery suspect who escaped from Van police turned up no trace of the man. He was brought to a Tyler hospital for injuries he received in a Thursday morning crash. Because of his injuries, he was handcuffed with his hands in front of him. He is said to have jumped up from a wheelchair and ran toward South Baxter in Tyler, Thursday afternoon. Tyler and Van police, along with a K-9, unsuccessfully searched for the suspect. He first gave authorities his brother’s name. But KETK says it has learned his true identity is Drashaydrian Montell Hunter, who is in his mid 20s. He was last seen wearing pajama pants or sweats that are black or navy with a red pattern. He was taken into custody for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He is also said to be a suspect in an aggravated robbery and stolen vehicle in Jacksonville.

LONGVIEW – A woman has died from her injuries received in a two vehicle accident in Longview earlier this week. Maria Jovana Canchola, 22, of Longview, was pulling out of the Longview Mall parking lot on Monday when she pulled into the path of a truck driven by Justin Mitchell Stevens, 31, of Winona. Longview police say Stevens hit Canchola’s driver’s side door after she ran a red light attempting to turn left into the intersection at McCann Road. She has died from her injuries at a Longview Hospital.

TYLER – A Tyler jury has found a San Antonio man guilty of criminal negligent homicide. James Arthur Fulton, 42, was found guilty Thursday in connection with the death of Hailey Beasley, 20, of Tyler. She was killed in May of last year when Fulton’s pickup, which was headed in the wrong direction on West Grande Boulevard, hit Beasley’s car head-on. Police said Fulton admitted to drinking, but it was determined he was not intoxicated following multiple field sobriety tests. A voluntary blood draw was not taken. Beasley was pronounced dead at the scene. It’s now up to the jury to decide Fulton’s punishment.

MARSHALL – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Marshall Pottery have reached a settlement in the death of the assistant plant manager on Easter Sunday. According to a news release from OSHA, Marshall Pottery agreed to pay a penalty of $545,160. The company had been cited for six willful violations and 21 serious violations. The body of Arturo Gonzalez, 42, was found on April 17th stuck in a kiln at the business. He had worked at the business for 11 years. The final autopsy, which was performed by at Forensic Medical of Texas in Tyler, showed he died from environmental hyperthermia. The autopsy confirmed it was an accidental death. Continue reading Marshall Business to Pay a Fine in an Employee’s Death

TYLER – Tyler police are searching the downtown area for a robbery suspect who escaped from Van police. Demedrick Hunter was brought to a Tyler hospital for injuries he received in a Thursday morning crash. Because of his injuries, he was handcuffed with his hands in front of him. He is said to have jumped up from a wheelchair and ran toward South Baxter in Tyler. Tyler and Van police, along with a K-9, are searching for the suspect. Continue reading Escaped Fugitive Sought in Downtown Tyler

KILGORE – A portion of a highway in Gregg County has been named in honor of a former Kilgore businessman. The highway is State Highway 31. The section between State Highway 42 and the Smith County line is now called the Jack Ward Memorial Highway. He died nearly a year ago in a wreck on the highway in Smith County. Ward served the community in many ways, including as a city commissioner and president of the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce. Republican State Representative Jay Dean filed the legislation that created the designation of the memorial highway. Family members and friends got to see the new highway sign on Wednesday.

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the person who broke into a vehicle and stole a prosthetic leg. The burglary occurred on the afternoon of November 18th on County Road 228 in the southeast part of the county. Investigators says the prosthetic leg was in the victim’s truck. It is a left leg, with a hydraulic ankle, and a blue coupling with white letters showing “JT LIONS” on it. The foot is a size 13 and it had no shoe on it. Also taken was a Craftsman toolbox, a T-Post driver, and a come a long hand operated winch which were in the bed of the truck. If you have any information about this, you are asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

KILGORE – The Kilgore Police department has announced a program looking for, what they call, “porch pirates.” These are people who drive through neighborhoods looking for recently delivered packages sitting on front porches. They take a chance of stealing it in hopes of getting something of value. Now, until Christmas Day, Kilgore officers and detectives will be on special assignment looking for porch pirates. They may even plant some pirate traps around town. If you see suspicious people or vehicles in your neighborhood don’t hesitate to call your police department. You can find out more about Operation Prevent Pirate Theft on the Kilgore Police Department’s Facebook page.

DALLAS (AP) – The suspect in the fatal shooting of a Texas state trooper during a traffic stop on Thanksgiving Day had previously beaten a deputy and tried to take his gun, but had the charges dismissed or reduced to a misdemeanor in a plea deal. Police camera footage from the 2015 incident shows Dabrett Black, Lindale, beating the deputy. The deputy suffered black eyes, a broken nose and lacerations. The footage also shows him talking to the in-car camera saying to imagine if he had a weapon. A plea agreement filed in March 2016 shows a Smith County prosecutor recommended a one-year jail sentence on a misdemeanor charge in lieu of the two felony charges.

LONGVIEW – A Gregg County man has been arrested in Camp County on an outstanding aggravated sexual assault warrant. Julio C. Sanchez, 27, of Longview, was arrested Tuesday evening on County Road 4110 in Camp County. He was arrested by members of the the U.S. Marshall’s Violent Crimes Task Force and the Camp County Sheriff’s Office. Sanchez has been transferred from Camp County to the Gregg County Jail. He is being held on two charges of aggravated assault of a child, three charges of indecency with a child by sexual contact and an INS detainer.

TEAGUE (AP/STAFF) – A state trooper who died in the line of duty will be laid to rest on Friday. Trooper Damon Allen was shot and killed during a traffic stop along I-45 near Fairfield on Thanksgiving Day. Charged with capital murder in the case is Dabrett Black, 32, of Lindale. Smith County Jail records show in July that Black was charged with evading arrest, reckless driving and aggravated assault against a public servant following a police chase in Smith County. He was charged in 2015 with for assault on a public servant and attempting to take a weapon from a public servant. Police camera footage from the Smith County Sheriff’s Department from the 2015 incident in Smith County, shows Dabrett Black beating a sheriff’s deputy. Continue reading Suspect in Trooper Shooting was Given Deal in 2015 Attack

PALESTINE – Palestine Police Chief Andy Harvey has announced the promotion of three officers in the department. They will fill vacant positions, including administrative positions. Gary Rayford has been promoted to Assistant Chief, Mark Harcrow has been promoted to Captain and Detective David Kassaw has been promoted to Sergeant. All three officers will begin their duties immediately. Continue reading Promotions at the Palestine PD

DALLAS – A domestic violence case against former Tylerite Johnny Manziel, has been dropped by the Dallas County District Attorney. Dallas TV station WFAA reports the case was dismissed last week. Manziel’s ex-girlfriend accused him of restraining, hitting and threatening her during an incident in January of last year. The TV station reports Manziel has completed anger management, attended a domestic violence impact panel and participated in the NFL’s substance abuse program, all in the last 12 months. All of the tasks had been assigned by the court. Manziel is currently out of football, having been cut by the Cleveland Browns. He has also been dropped by Nike and his agent.

LONGVIEW – During the second day of his trial, a Longview man has pleaded guilty to murder. Brenndrick Desean Lilly, 22, pleaded guilty to the shooting death of Devin Newsom, 20, of Lakeport. He was sentenced Wednesday to 35 years in prison. The shooting occurred in May of last year at a convenience store on Eastman Road. Authorities say Newsom was killed after a robbery set up to look like a drug deal escalated into murder. In connection with the same incident, Lilly will plead guilty to aggravated robbery next week. Two other persons have also been indicted for murder in the case. Kentrell Jorail Smith, 21, and Kambresha Shante Williams, 22, both of Longview, remain in the Gregg County Jail awaiting trial.

TYLER – There has been a promotion at the Tyler Fire Department. Captain Joey Hooton has been appointed as Assistant Fire Chief. Hooton began his duties on Monday, November 19. Assigned to the Administrative Division, Hooton will be responsible for planning, budgets, grants, ISO, and personnel. He started with the Tyler Fire Department in February 2004. Since then, he has held the ranks of firefighter, driver/engineer, and captain. Prior to his promotion, Chief Hooton worked as the Captain on A-Shift at Station #9. Continue reading Hooton Promoted to Assistant Fire Chief

TYLER – East Texas Baptist University in Marshall has entered into its 8th articulation agreement with area schools. The latest is with Tyler Junior College. The agreement was signed Wednesday morning by TJC President Mike Metke and ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn. School officials say the agreement will provide additional academic opportunities for students of both institutions. The agreement will enable a smooth transition through the admissions and enrollment process. It also guarantees a successful transfer of approved credit hours to ETBU from TJC for transferring students. Continue reading ETBU Signs An Agreement with TJC

KILGORE – It is graduation time in East Texas for some firefighters. The Kilgore College Fire Academy No. 102 will held its graduation ceremony at this evening. It was held in the Bert E. Woodruff Adult Education Center Auditorium in Kilgore. The Fire Academy is recognized by the State of Texas as an Exemplary Program. It is also accredited by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and the State Firefighters’ and Fire Marshals’ Association. Twenty two students were candidates for graduation. While many are from Texas, 5 are from Canada and one is from Alaska and one from Australia.