KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is seeking the help of the public in locating an East Texas man wanted for child pornography possession. According to KETK, Lindale police say Gaylord Stevens has three felony arrest warrants for possession of child pornography. Stevens is a white male standing 5’9″ in height and weighs approximately 135 pounds. Police say Stevens also goes by the alias “Steven Hawke.” If anyone has any information on his location, contact the Lindale Police Department at 903-882-3313.

TYLER — A 25-year-old Palestine, Texas man has pleaded guilty to child pornography charges. Joshua Quick pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography yesterday in Tyler before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. Quick faces a minimum of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set. Federal prosecutors say on September 14, 2013, Quick received child pornography on a computer after using the computer to solicit the participation of a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct persuading the minor to produce images depicting child pornography. Quick was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 26, 2014.

TYLER – Tyler ISD administrators are meeting with parents from Douglas, Griffin, Orr, and Peete elementary schools this week to discuss the upcoming redesign process mandated by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). “We value the input from our parents as we begin this process,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. “Parental feedback is essential to preparing students for success. Therefore, we encourage parents to participate so that we can work together to improve our schools and provide the best education possible for our students.” Continue reading Tyler ISD Holds Parent Meetings to Discuss Redesign Process

CONROE (AP/Staff) – The hearing on whether to remove the judge in the felony child abuse case against Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson has been pushed back. Mary Flood, a spokeswoman for Peterson attorney Rusty Hardin, said Tuesday the recusal hearing for Montgomery County District Judge Kelly Case has been rescheduled for October 22. Retired Tarrant County District Judge Jeff Walker will preside. Peterson is charged with injury to a child for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son. A not guilty plea is expected from the former Palestine star. Prosecutors want to replace Case, who chided attorneys in the case in a derogatory manner. Once that is settled, a motion to revoke Peterson’s bond for alleged marijuana use will be considered. Case set a tentative trial date for December 1. Peterson is on paid leave.

LONGVIEW — Traffic is blocked in both directions on Eden Drive at the Cargill Long Park Trail in Longview. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report a tree has fallen across the street, blocking both lanes. A Longview police officer on the scene reports that city street crews have been contacted, but the officer did not know when the crews would arrive. The tree is near where Cargill Long trail crosses Eden Drive. Motorists should use alternate routes.

TYLER — You can show support for the women of East Texas and help the Tyler Professional Firefighters Association Turn Tyler Pink today by wearing pink, decorating your business or office in pink and coming to the downtown Tyler square from 5:00 to 7:00pm for the event. Need a pink shirt? Shirts can be purchased at the locations below:
* Cavenders – 2025 WSW Loop 323;
* Gallery Main Street – 110 W. Erwin;
* Holiday Inn South Broadway – 5701 S. Broadway; and
* The National Firefighter Combat Challenge Oct. 23-25 at the Broadway Square Mall.
The shirts cost $20 and caps are $15 apiece.

ZAVALLA (AP) – Two boys have survived a lightning strike in East Texas while both were in a metal deer stand in the Angelina National Forest. Angelina County Sheriff Greg Sanches says one of the boys was hospitalized in Lufkin then transferred to Houston but that both youths, ages 14 and 15, should be fine. A spokeswoman with Texas Children’s Hospital says the 14-year-old boy was listed in good condition Tuesday. Sanches declined to release the names of the juveniles in Sunday night’s incident near Zavalla. Officials are not sure whether lightning hit the 14-year-old boy, who fell to the ground, or just struck nearby. The older boy felt some of the jolt but was able to run for help. Authorities are trying to determine why the boys were in the woods.

TYLER — Tyler Police are searching for two armed robbery suspects. Officers responded to an aggravated robbery at the Super Food Mart, 2030 W. Gentry Parkway, just after 11:00 Monday night. According to the clerk, two black males, one with a handgun, entered the store and demanded money from the register. The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported. One of the suspects was said to be wearing a gray hoodie while the other wearing a black hoodie. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler/Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF. Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any other felony case.

NACOGDOCHES – A Lufkin woman has been booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail on charges of DWI with child. Reports of a reckless driver brought state troopers to State Highway 19 and State Highway 21. That is where they found Victoria Lynn Lindsey, 20, stopped in the road. KEK reports the woman had a two week old boy in her car. She was taken into custody after being asked to perform a field sobriety test. She was later booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail.

GLADEWATER – A two vehicle collision on Broadway Avenue in Gladewater his injured three persons. It happened just before noon on Monday when police say a pickup failed to yield the right of way while turning into a parking lot. It was hit by a truck. KETK reports both drivers and a passenger in the pickup suffered minor injuries.

TYLER — Tyler residents have succeeded in surpassing last year’s total of registered block parties for the annual Texans Against Crime which is today from 6:00am to 9:30pm. Police Public Information Officer Don Martin says they have registered over 120 residential block and apartment complex parties for today. Last year the City of Tyler had approximately 113 block parties throughout the City to promote the program. The Texans Against Crime (T.A.C.) ™ program is an annual event designed to unite neighbors and communities to encourage neighborhood communication, community involvement and crime prevention to create safer neighborhoods. The program encourages neighborhoods and businesses to host block parties as an opportunity to get to know your neighbors and fight crime.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a reported armed robbery. It happened around shortly after 8:45 Monday morning at a gas station on the 11,800 block of Highway 64 West in the northwestern part of Smith County. Officials said the suspect, described as a black male with a blue bandana covering his face, entered the store and held a pistol in the clerks back. He then demanded money from the register. The suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. No injuries were reported. The clerk described the suspect as being in his mid-20s, between 5′ 8″ and 5′ 10″, slender build, wearing a white long sleeved hoodie and blue jeans. The Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with Tyler Police Department to locate the suspect.

LONGVIEW — Lightning appears responsible for a large oil well fire in Gregg County. It took several hours to put out the blaze. In the meantime, fire caused the evacuation of nearly a dozen businesses and nearly two dozen homes. The fire started around 6:15 Monday morning near Enchanted Lane and H.G. Mosley Parkway. There were no injuries. Longview Fire Marshall Johnny Zackary tells KETK lightning hit a tank holding around 240 barrels of oil products, causing an explosion and fire. Continue reading Oil Well Fire Extinguished

LONGVIEW — Green Street will be closed between Cotton and Nelson Streets beginning today for construction. The purpose of the project is to reconstruct the four lane section of road between Cotton and Young and replace utilities. The construction is scheduled for completion by early 2016. As construction progresses, portions will be opened to traffic. Drivers wishing to travel between Cotton and Nelson must use alternate routes such as High or Mobberly Streets. This project was approved by voters as part of the Capital Improvements Bond Election in May 2011. This project is being constructed by Longview Bridge and Road of Longview.

EAST TEXAS — Here’s a quick look at work planned in the Tyler District during the Week
of October 13.

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintenance crews in Tyler are conducting edge work on FM 1805 between FM 1253 and the County Line, while another crew is doing ditch work on FM 16 between FM 14 and FM 2015.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) maintenance crews are performing pavement repairs on FM 2204 from Business 259 in Kilgore to the U.S. 259 Bypass. Equipment availability may necessitate moving to a different portion of FM 2204 from FM 2276 to SH 322. Expect lane closures at either location using flaggers. Slow down and pay attention in work zones. Continue reading TxDOT Projects This Week

MT. PLEASANT — A bomb threat led to an evacuation of the Walmart in Mt. Pleasant. According to Mt. Pleasant Police, the threat was called in shortly after 6:15 Saturday evening. Authorities evacuated employees and customers and searched the store for about an hour. Nothing suspicious was found and the store was reopened. Police are still investigating the threat.

RUSK – Jury selection will soon begin for a case involving a Rusk woman charged with first-degree murder in late February. According to the Jacksonville Progress Online, Rebecca Barker, 52, waived her right to a jury trial during an Oct. 8 proceeding. Barker was charged with first-degree murder after her husband was discovered fatally shot Feb. 26 at a residence in the 9000 block of US Hwy. 84 West in Rusk. Continue reading Jury Trial Waived in Murder Case

GREGG COUNTY — Longview Police are investigating after a pedestrian was hit by a car Saturday afternoon. According to KETK, it happened in the 2500 block of Judson Road in Longview. Police say one person was transported to a local hospital. Their injuries were said to be non-life threatening. It’s not known if the driver of the vehicle was issued a citation.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department arrested a man who allegedly robbed a local store dressed as a woman. According to Captain David Reaves, shortly after 3:30 Friday morning, authorities received a 911 call reporting an armed robbery at the Food Fast Valero on the 200 block of East Pinecrest. KETK reports, when police arrived at the scene, the clerk told officers he had been held up. The worker said a man dressed as a woman entered the store and showed a pistol, and then demanded her to empty the register. The clerk followed his orders and the suspect ran from the business in a northeast direction. Investigators were able to identify the suspect as Lenois Ryan McGriff, 30. A warrant was issued for aggravated robbery and McGriff was located and taken into custody. He is currently in the Harrison county Jail.

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is seeking the owners of two Labrador-mix dogs that were found behind a local eatery. According to KETK, police say a black female and a yellow male where picked up together behind Bo’s Steak & Grill on South Main Street. They are currently in the city kennel. If they belong to you or if you know the owners, call 903-882-6861, Monday-Friday, or 903-882-3313 through the weekend.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man accused of assaulting two deputies and lighting a fire in the back of a patrol car has been indicted on multiple charges. According to KETK, the Gregg County District Attorney’s Office says Chase Hayden Dupree, 23, was indicted for arson and assault against a public servant. The suspect was arrested for the offenses on August 15. Dupree was taken into custody about 2:15 a.m. at the North Point RV Park off Highway 259 for allegedly smoking marijuana. The Longview News-Journal reported Dupree was accused of kicking a deputy and biting another during his arrest. He then reportedly proceeded to light a fire in the back of the patrol car on the way to jail. The suspect is being held on $35,000 bond.

TYLER — A full-scale emergency preparedness exercise will be held at the APAC Plant on FM 206 in Smith County from 8 a.m. till noon Saturday, October 11. Officials say the purpose of this exercise is to build cohesiveness among all participating emergency response organizations in preparation for the occurrence of an actual emergency event. Officials note that this is a drill — not an actual emergency. FM 206 will be partially closed for the duration of the drill. The public should be aware that this is a realistic emergency simulation drill involving hundreds of participants. Smoke, fireworks, and actors who are made up to look injured may be visible around the drill area throughout the exercise. A high volume of emergency transport vehicles will be dispatched to the scene to transport victims to local hospitals as part of the simulation. Continue reading Smith County Emergency Preparedness Full Scale Drill Saturday

LONGVIEW — A Pine Tree ISD bus driver is on administrative leave after she found a gun and did what seemed like the right thing to do: she turned it in to the administration. The employee tells KETK on September 26, she was on her way to pick up her students and take them to school. She reportedly found the firearm on Fairmont Street, across from campus, immediately called police, and turned the gun over to the school’s administration. She says she was shocked to find out in turn, she was put on administrative leave. But school officials wouldn’t tell her why. Pine Tree ISD has declined comment. The employee says she was told she’ll be reinstated Monday. The gun was found just days before student Christopher Jones was arrested for allegedly threatening to carry out the “greatest shooting ever” at Pine Tree High School.

JACKSONVILLE — The former leader of a now extinct controversial and anti-government religious group that formed in East Texas has been transferred to Canada after nearly 35 years on the run. KETK reports House of Israel leader Robert Fotti, aka Robert Fox, was released from authorities in Texas to Canadian authorities on Tuesday. The case dates to a 1977 incident in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Officials say a man and his son riding a motorcycle were struck and killed by a car driven by Fotti after the car ran a red light. Continue reading “House of Israel” Leader Turned Over to Canada after Decades on the Run

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is behind bars for allegedly hitting his girlfriend after she reportedly used a racial slur. According to KETK, judicial records indicate Devonte Ballard, 22, was arrested Thursday at a residence in the 1000 block of Oden Street near Timpson Park. The probable cause report states police saw Ballard’s girlfriend on the porch with a large, bloody gash on her swollen eye. According to police, Ballard’s girlfriend called him the slur and as a response, Ballard hit her. The medical staff on hand said there is a strong chance the woman’s eye socket is fractured. Ballard was booked into the Gregg County Jail on a single count of aggravated assault causing bodily injury. His bond has been set at $10,000.

TYLER – A Tyler police officer has been slightly injured in an accident on Loop 323 and old Bullard Road. It happened around 8:30 Thursday night. According to Sgt. Matt Leigeber, the officer was in his patrol car, traveling east in the inside lane on the loop, when a westbound car turned south, directly into his path. Both vehicle sustained extensive damage. The officer, who was not identified in the police department news release, sustained minor but non-life threatening injuries and was taken to East Texas Medical Center. The other driver, who was not injured, was issued a citation for fail to yield right of way while making a left turn.

WHITEHOUSE – A shooting in Whitehouse has resulted in one person nearly being shot, and the shooter committing suicide. It started shortly after 7:00 yesterday morning in the 800 block of Rugby Street. Whitehouse police say Joseph Walton, 41, of Fort Worth, showed up at his estranged wife’s house armed with a shotgun. KETK reports, when the she opened the door to let out her barking dogs, Walton is said to have broken into the house and a struggle followed. He wrestled a gun from her and fired a shot at her friend in the house. The friend dove behind a desk and was not hit. Walton is then said to have put the gun to his head and fired. He was dead at the scene.

CONROE (ESPN/STAFF) — Prosecutors in Montgomery County have filed paperwork to have Adrian Peterson’s bail revoked and the Minnesota Vikings running back re-arrested. That’s after the former Palestine star reportedly told a court employee that he had recently smoked marijuana before taking a drug test Wednesday. Peterson made his first court appearance in Texas on Wednesday since his indictment last month on a felony child abuse charge. According to the filing signed by Montgomery County District Attorney Bill Delmore, Peterson admitted to a court employee that he had “smoked a little weed” before the test. Not taking any illegal drugs is a common condition to adhere to when out on bond. Continue reading Prosecutors Seek Peterson’s Re-Arrest

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department needs your help in identifying the suspect who is displayed in the attached photo. Police say this suspect was stopped for a traffic violation in Tyler on August 12. The suspect allegedly presented fraudulent identification to the officer indicating he was from Illinois. Police say at the time of the stop the suspect was towing a flatbed trailer and 4-wheeler that was later determined to be stolen from Cold Spring, Texas. The suspect is also believed to have opened several department store accounts with the same fraudulent identification. Anyone with information about this suspect is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833).

MARSHALL — During the fall season, there seems to be an increase of scams that are reported to the local law enforcement agencies, according to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. KETK reports the most recent scam is a notice from PayPal. If you quickly read the email, you’ll notice the logo for PayPal is slightly different; the email return for the fictitious account is to a Luxemburg address, and at the very bottom of the page it identifies the email as coming from a “Registered Office: Luxemburg.” Continue reading Authorities Warn of PayPal Scam