KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Tyler police have released photos of the suspect in a robbery this past Sunday at Food Fast at Houston and Palace. Authorities say officers responded around 3:15 Sunday morning. They learned that an unknown Hispanic male had come around the sales counter, pushed the clerk down, grabbed the cash register, and left the store walking northbound from the property. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspect. He is described as being in his 20s, wearing a dark blue shirt and tan pants, about 5’05” in height, approximately 180 pounds, with tightly cropped black hair, light brown skin, and speaking English as though it was his primary language. The sales register contained an undisclosed amount of cash. The sales clerk was not injured during the incident. Continue reading Photos Released in Store Robbery

RUSK COUNTY — Authorities are seeking leads in a recent hit-and-run that left 26-year-old Longview resident Roberta Alfaro critically injured. Troopers responded to the incident June 10 on FM 95, one mile south of SH 315, near Mt. Enterprise. Preliminary investigation revealed that an unknown vehicle was traveling southbound on FM 95 when it struck Alfaro, a construction worker, on the side of the roadway. Alfaro remains in critical condition in an area hospital. Anyone with information on the driver is asked to call 903-657-0382 or the Rusk County Crime Stoppers at 903-655-8477. Troopers believe that the suspect vehicle will have front end damage.

TYLER – As of Tuesday, people flying out of Tyler Pounds Regional Airport are seeing an expedited screening program. The Transportation Security Administration recently announced the start of TSA Pre✓. This allows select flyers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and keep 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels in a carry-on bag. The Tyler airport becomes one of more than 160 airports in the country where passengers can experience expedited screening. Continue reading Expedited Screening Arrives at Tyler Airport

UPSHUR COUNTY — A Longview man is dead in a crash around 11:35 Monday morning on U.S. 259 near Diana in Upshur County. According to DPS Trooper Jean Dark, preliminary investigation revealed that a pickup was traveling southbound in the outside lane of travel at an unsafe speed for the wet road conditions, lost control, and skidded off the roadway to the right. The vehicle struck several trees with its left side. The driver, 25-year-old Marco Arcos-Martinez, was pronounced dead at the scene. Dark said he was not wearing his seatbelt.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches DPS have released the name of the victims in a fatal wreck that occurred Friday evening. According to KETK, on June 10around 6:00, Nacogdoches County DPS troopers responded to and investigated a three-vehicle crash on US 59, about six miles south of Nacogdoches. The preliminary crash investigation indicated a van failed to yield right-of-way from FM 2864 and was struck by a southbound SUV. After the initial collision the van hit a pickup truck that was stopped in the turn lane of US 59 waiting to turn onto FM 2864. The driver of the van was identified as Gerald Dee Drummond, 60, of Fayettville, Arkansas. Gerald Drummond was taken to a Dallas hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on June 12. Continue reading Victim Identified in Fatal East Texas Wreck

TYLER — Eastbound traffic lanes will be intermittently closed on Old Henderson Highway at the intersection of SSE Loop 323 in Tyler till 3 p.m. today. Due to damages caused by a motor vehicle accident, a contractor will be drilling a new foundation for a traffic pole. Drivers should proceed with caution or seek alternate corridors during this time.

ANGLETON (AP/Staff) – A man has been arrested in Colorado for the slaying of a former Liberty City-area man whose decapitated body was found about six weeks ago in his truck near a boat ramp. The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office said Monday 24-year-old Zachary Lyn Foyt (pictured) is being held on $5 million bond in Lakewood, Colorado, pending extradition to Texas. He’s held for the death of 24-year-old Jubal Alexander of Port Arthur. Alexander’s headless body was found May 3 outside Angleton, south of Houston. He was last heard from on April 27. Investigators say Alexander worked at a nearby chemical plant and was living in his truck to save money. Police say they received a tip May 24 tying Foyt to the slaying and that he fled to Colorado. No motive has been determined. KETK reports Alexander was a graduate of Sabine High School.

ATHENS — Since taking the oath of office in early June, Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says he began following through on a key campaign pledge — to fight illegal drugs in Henderson County. KETK reports that to date, 13 people have been charged with felony possession of drugs, primarily suspected methamphetamine. The arrests came in four separate raids stretching from June 7 to 10. “The raids will continue,” Hillhouse said. “Last week, my office began what will be a systematic effort to make this an unfriendly County in Texas for illegal drugs and that campaign continues today.”

RUSK — Multiple road closures have been implemented stemming from flooding throughout Cherokee County. According to KETK, county officials say the following roads are closed to traffic:

1) Highway 69 between Rusk and Jacksonville – At 7 Mile Hill
2) Highway 79 west of Jacksonville
3) Highway 84 at Farm-To-Market Road 1248 – Reklaw area
4) Farm-To-Market Road 347
5) Farm-To-Market Road 768 – First bridge south of 204 and at Jones’ Dairy Continue reading Cherokee County Flooding Causes Road Closures

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is seeking information regarding a man who they say has entered the Lowe’s in Lindale and stolen tools on multiple occasions. According to KETK, police say a white male with a pony tail and tattoos on his right arm has walked out of the store numerous times taking various tools in the process. The unidentified man drives a 2007 white Mazda 5. If you have any information on this case, please contact Detective Mike Lazarine at MikeL@LindaleTx.gov.

MABANK — Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, a team of deputies, and the Dallas SPCA took 48 malnourished, sick, and infected small dogs from a Mabank home Saturday morning, according to authorities. KETK reports the dogs’ owner, Betty Kennedy, 73, of Mabank, faces animal cruelty charges. Officials say the chihuahuas, yorkies, shihtzu, and schnauzer mix dogs — males, females, puppies and adults — were living in their own wastes, were covered with fleas, suffered from mange, had internal parasites, and lacked proper water. They were taken to facilities in Dallas. The warrant to search the premises was signed by Henderson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 Milton Adams.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — He was a body builder and a security guard, a religious man who attended the local mosque and wanted to become a police officer. Early Sunday, police say 29-year-old Omar Mateen opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando in an attack that left 49 people dead and 53 wounded. It’s a long road to answers as investigators look into what drove Mateen to commit the terror attack. He was a known ISIS sympathizer. He also was investigated by the FBI twice in 2013 and 2015 after making terroristic threats to coworkers. Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, who also served as an ATF agent for several years, spoke with KETK and said gun control is not the issue. Continue reading Sheriff Larry Smith Weighs In on Orlando Massacre

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a reported armed robbery Monday morning. Officers said they responded to an apartment on 4400 Paluxy Drive at 2:00 after a man and woman said they were robbed at gunpoint. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled on foot. He’s described as a black male, around 5’10 with a medium build. He was wearing a jersey with the number “23” on the back and black cargo shorts.

TYLER — A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Tyler’s First Presbyterian Church for former Tyler ISD Superintendent Jimmy (Jim) Plyler. Plyler died Thursday at 91. According to the Stewart Family Funeral Home website, Plyler served as Tyler’s top school official from 1969-1979. During these years, Tyler schools were integrated, and the landmark Supreme Court ruling was issued which guaranteed a free public education for all immigrant children in the U.S. Continue reading Longtime TISD Superintendent Jim Plyler Dies

TYLER — Tyler Police are searching for the suspect of a gas station robbery early Sunday morning. Officers were called to the Food Fast convenience store, 805 W Houston, around 3:15 this morning. The clerk told officials that a Hispanic man was the store, came around the counter and pushed the clerk down. The clerk said the suspect took the cash register and fled the scene heading north. He’s described as being in his 20s, wearing a dark blue shirt, tan pants, about 5`05″ in height, approximately 180 pounds, with tightly cropped black hair, light brown skin, and speaking English as though it was his primary language. The sales register contained an undisclosed amount of cash. The sales clerk was not injured during the incident. Contact police with any info.

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to a reported shooting at the XL’N Pool Hall on 5th Street around 11:55 Saturday night. Officers were told that two people in the parking lot had been shot by an unknown suspect. Both victims had been taken by EMS to a local hospital and were listed in stable condition. Identities have not been released. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tyler Police.

KILGORE – The road has been reopened in Kilgore following a tanker truck accident. The 18-wheeler overturned on the west entry ramp to Interstate Highway 20 from State Highway 42. The driver of the 18 wheeler said he was carrying 8000 gallons of JP3 Fuel Oil. When it was discovered fluids were leaking into a drainage ditch, some business in the area were evacuated. The truck’s driver was not injured.

TYLER — Tyler officials are advising of a couple of street closures Sunday. The intersection of Loop 323 and Broadway will close for approximately four hours, from about 7 till 11 a.m., to replace traffic signal equipment on the southeast corner of the intersection (by TGI Friday’s). Eastbound lanes will be completely closed while a replacement traffic pole is moved into place. Eastbound traffic must detour to alternate corridors during this time. Northbound lanes will be intermittently closed to provide clearance for machines and equipment. Northbound traffic is encouraged to detour to alternate corridors during this time. Police officers will be in the area directing traffic. Continue reading Loop 323/South Broadway Closure, Work on Old Bullard and Rieck

TYLER – A visiting judge is expected to grant a request of recusal, next week, for Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham in the case seeking the removal of Smith County Judge Joel Baker. Grassroots America We The People spokeswoman JoAnn Fleming says visiting Judge David Peeples will formally grant the request. In an email to the parties involved in the case, Judge Peeples said he studied the Texas Supreme Court Professionalism Committee Opinion No. 615 before making his judgment. Fleming said she was pleased with the judge’s decision. She said they wish to get a fair and impartial review of evidence in the court of law. The suit against Judge Baker was brought following lewd behavior accusations against him.

TYLER — For Tyler youth who need service hours for various organizations, the Tyler public Library can help. They are looking for youth volunteers to help with various summer programs. The volunteers must be between the ages of 12 and 17. Youth Services Librarian Linda Gray says the youth volunteers will primarily help the staff with programs, interacting with the children who come to the library’s programs. Those interested should complete a youth volunteer application by downloading the form from Volunteer Tyler’s website at http://www.VolunteerTyler.com or stopping by the library’s information desk.

LONGVIEW – The preliminary autopsy report has been released in the death of Longview businessman Ron Horaney. The autopsy, which was performed June 1st, showed Horaney died from a gunshot wound to his chest and into the abdomen. The death has been ruled a homicide. Horaney, 54, was shot on Memorial Day at his home on Tryon Road, north of Longview, and later died at a local hospital. Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano Thursday announced a reward of $20,000 is being offered for the arrest and indictment of the person responsible for Horaney’s death. A sketch of a person of interest in the case was released last week.

TYLER – A major change in the flow of traffic will be taking place on Loop 323 and Highway 31 West in Tyler Sunday afternoon. TxDOT Tyler District spokesperson Kathi White says work is scheduled to begin Sunday afternoon at 3:00. The contractor will be working in preparation of moving northbound traffic to the southbound lanes. They expect the change in the traffic flow will be completed by 6:00 Monday morning, but it could be as late at 8:00am. Motorists are advised to avoid the area until the changeover is complete.

TYLER – Habitat for Humanity of Smith County has received a $100,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. According to a news release, the grant will be used to make critical repairs on the homes of veterans in need of decent, accessible housing. Those repairs include modifications such as creating handicap accessible bathrooms, leveling of floor and new floor installation, and retooling kitchen cabinets to improve accessibility. Continue reading Smith County Habitat for Humanity Gets Big Vets’ Commission Grant

LONGVIEW — Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano Thursday announced a reward of $20,000 is being offered for the arrest and indictment of the person responsible for Longview businessman Ron Horaney’s death. According to KETK, Cerliano added authorities are hoping for additional tips. No other new information was released. Gregg County Crime Stoppers can be reached at 903-236-STOP (7867). Continue reading $20,000 Reward Offered in Horaney Homicide Case

TYLER- A reception was held Thursday afternoon for retiring Tyler Police Chief Gary Swindle. A good crowd was on hand to honor Chief Swindle and his 33 years of service to the Rose City. He announced in early April he would be retiring at the end of this month. Chief Swindle started his law enforcement career in 1982 as a a patrol officer, eventually advancing through the ranks as investigator, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and finally, as chief of police in 2000. In 2002, Chief Swindle was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve as a Commissioner on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. With his retirement, chief swindle says he plans to travel and spend more time with his family.

QUITMAN – An Upshur County man, wanted by area law enforcement agencies, has been arrested following a brief Wood County chase. Arrested after his vehicle wrecked just inside Upshur County was Noel Arreon Weatherby, 38, of Big Sandy. The chase started when Weatherby failed to stop when a deputy attempted a traffic stop. Not only did the suspect wreck his vehicle, so did the did the Wood County deputy chasing him. The deputy suffered minor injuries. A pregnant woman in the suspects car was airflighted to a Tyler hospital. Besides an evading arrest charge in Wood County, Weatherby is named in a felony warrant from Tyler police for evading/resisting in vehicle”. He is wanted by the Smith County Sheriff’s Department for forgery and credit card abuse” Weatherby is also wanted for burglaries in Wood County.

TYLER — A man is dead in Tyler after crashing his motorcycle. Pronounced dead at the scene was Debenaire Julian-Lemark Bell, 22, of Tyler. Just before 8:00 Thursday morning, Bell was traveling east on Loop 323, just west of Texas College Road. Police say he lost control of his bike, crossed the grass median and struck a hospital bus traveling west on the loop. The motorcycle came to a stop underneath the bus. The driver of the hospital bus, the only person on board, was not injured.

LONGVIEW — Bond has been set at $100,000 for a Kilgore man charged with intoxicated manslaughter after police say he caused a wreck that killed a Harleton teenager Wednesday night. Shortly before 9:00 Wednesday night, Longview dispatch received a call in reference to a fatal accident in the 1100 block of West Loop 281. Police say a Range Rover driven by Thomas Henkel, 33, was traveling eastbound on the Loop when he crossed over the center median striking a Ford Escape, driven by Lauren Elrod, 16. Elrod was ejected from her vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Henkel was charged with intoxication manslaughter and was booked into the Gregg County Jail.

NACOGDOCHES – Nacogdoches police have identified the child that died in an accident involving a rope Sunday. According to KETK, she’s Addison Perez, 8. Officers said the girl had been playing with a rope on a stairwell and, somehow, the rope wrapped around her neck. She died Monday at a Houston hospital. Police said they do believe it was an accident but are still investigating the case, along with CPS.

LINDALE – The Lindale city council has passed a resolution placing City Manager Craig Lindholm on paid leave. A news release said the action was taken pending further action in accordance with the city charter. It was said that the action was taken because of a difference in managerial style from what the city council had expected. No further information was provided. The press release, which was sent by an agency not affiliated with the city, was signed by Lindale Mayor Jeff Daugherty. Lindholm has been in Lindale a couple of years. He was in city government in Texarkana before coming to Lindale in 2014. He replaced former city manager Owen Scott, who retired.