KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Forensic DNA led to the arrest of a Tyler man on Monday for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old in July, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

On July 1, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a 10-year-old girl who had been sexually assaulted by Felix Ponce at a home in Tyler. Once deputies met with the victim and mother, the child was soon transported to a local hospital for examination. At the hospital, deputies spoke with the mother of the victim, who explained that while at work, she looked at surveillance footage from inside the residence, but could not locate Ponce or the victim. Another child at the house said the victim was “locked in the bedroom” with Ponce. Arrest documents revealed that the victim said that while in the room, Ponce had sexually assaulted her. Continue reading Tyler man accused of sexually assaulting child

ATHENS – An Athens man was arrested on Monday after he allegedly snorted cocaine and stuck his fingers in a two-year-old’s throat, attempting to get the child to test positive for drugs, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

A Henderson County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit tells that on Aug. 5 at a home on Arrowhead Drive, a woman reported to the Athens Police Department that she was sleeping when 26-year-old Kyle Javier Wing broke into the room, stuck his fingers up his nose, and then he “forcefully jammed” them down the throat of the toddler. Around 10:40 a.m. on Aug. 15, the witness explained to investigators that Wing had snorted cocaine and wanted the two-year-old to test positive for drugs because “he was going to call child protective services (CPS) and report her.” Continue reading Athens man arrested for reportedly trying to drug toddler

TYLER — Multiple U.S. Military veterans were greeted at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport on Thursday ahead of a big weekend where they will receive the Medal of Honor. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Veterans’ Military Show (TVMS) has made its way to Tyler once again and a new class of veterans are getting ready to receive the Medal of Honor. The veterans were greeted by Tyler Junior College Apache Belles, Rose City Young Marines and the Patriot Guard.

The TVMS’ is coordinated by Mike Balfay as a way to honor those that served our country. Once the veterans arrive at the airport, they are transported to a local hotel for the weekend which includes a hero dinner and a parade.

One Medal of Honor recipient, James Taylor, served 24 years in the U.S. Army and is being recognized for his actions while in Vietnam. Continue reading Medal of Honor recipients arrive at Tyler airport ahead of ceremony

GILMER — The Gilmer Police Department is warning residents about an increase in thieves targeting Kia vehicles. According to our news partner KETK, Gilmer police, along with surrounding agencies, have recently responded to multiple reports of vehicle thefts and break-ins specifically targeting Kia models.

“In the past week, Kia vehicles have been stolen or burglarized in several areas,” the Gilmer Police Department said.”These crimes remain under investigation, and we are working closely with other agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible.”

The department has provided tips to Kia owners to keep their vehicles protected. Some tips include: Continue reading Police warn of surge in Kia vehicle thefts, break-ins

TYLER – Governor Greg Abbott’s recently signed executive order GA 56 does not change their zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal substances. According to our news partner KETK, the new order makes it a crime in Texas to market or sell hemp-derived products to minors, restricts the placement of stores and gives police the ability to cancel a store’s license to sell if the rules are not followed.

“I don’t think it’s going to have a huge impact on law enforcement, especially local and county law enforcement, but, you know, it kind of remains to be seen.” Smith County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Larry Christian said.

Currently, the new executive order will have law enforcement follow similar procedures and guidelines for other banned products. Continue reading Law enforcement/stores prepare for new THC rules

WINNSBORO – Winnsboro ISD is investigating after parents reported that their students heard the assistant band director say that conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, who was killed Wednesday, “had it coming.”

According to our news partner KETK, the district said that allegations have been made regarding statements about Kirk by the high school assistant band director, Chace LeBlanc. Kirk was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Brother of Winnsboro ISD student, Kenny Crow, explained his outrage over these statements: “I am disgusted by his actions as a former student.” Continue reading Winnsboro ISD investigating band director comments on Kirk’s death

SMITH COUNTY – The man who allegedly vandalized the statue of Jesus at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Flint was arrested Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Sheriff’s Officers and the county SWAT team apprehended 36-year-old Jordan Grey Clark at his home in Flint. On Sunday September 7, Clark is accused of damaging the face and both hands of the marble statue of Jesus located in front of the church. The statue faces Old Jacksonville Highway. Clark was taken to the Smith County Jail and has been charged with criminal mischief at a place of worship, and his bond has been set at $400,000.

LONGVIEW – A 23-year-old was sentenced to 40 years in prison for murder after a man was found dead inside a burning Longview home in 2023, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

At around 1:15 a.m. on June 7, 2023, the Longview Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the 100 block of East Avalon Avenue. After firefighters extinguished the fire, they found 66-year-old Ronnie Moody of Longview dead inside.

Donald Raymond Miller Jr. of Longview pleaded guilty to the incident on Thursday and was sentenced to 40 years for murder and 20 years for arson, to be served consecutively.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is investigating after a 9-year-old girl died from an overdose on Wednesday evening, according to our news partner KETK.

Around 6 p.m., Tyler Police Officers responded to UT Health on 1000 S. Beckham Avenue, where a 9-year-old girl had ingested and overdosed on her family member’s blood pressure medication at a home on Vicksburg Street.

Officials said the child died from the overdose at the hospital and that the case is still under investigation.

LONGVIEW –The Longview Fire Department held a retirement ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate the career of Kevin May, who recently retired after serving the department for 25 years. According to our news partner KETK, May officially retired from the force on Wednesday, having most recently served as the department’s fire marshal and public information officer. The ceremony was held at the Longview Fire training center, and during the event, May reflected on how he wants to be remembered by the Longview community.

“I just hope that I made a difference in their life, that’s all I really ever wanted to do is make a difference in someone’s life,” May said.

May also provide advice to those who will be joining the department following his departure. “Come in with an open mind, we want to make a difference, and that’s all we can do,” May said.

Following May’s retirement celebration, a flag ceremony was held in his honor at the Central Fire Station.

TITUS COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, two men were arrested on Tuesday after the Titus County Sheriff’s Office discovered methamphetamine, cocaine and firearms during a search.

Jose Antonio Jimenez and Jose Francisco Jimenez were arrested during a search of a residence in the 400 block of North Fifth Street, the sheriff’s office said. Agents from the Titus County Emergency Response Team, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Patrol Deputies discovered methamphetamine, cocaine and firearms during the search. The two men were booked on the following charges:
Juan Jimenez – Possession of a controlled substance
Jose Jimenez – Unlawful possession of a firearm by felon and possession of a controlled substance

TYLER – On Wednesday Sept. 10, the Tyler City Council recognized an Infants at Work participant, Olivia Alacorn. The council took time to salute Olivia’s six months of service with the City of Tyler.

TYLER – According to a press release from the City of Tyler, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, the City Council approved a contract with Applied Research Associates (ARA) for $245,000 to conduct a pavement condition survey and provide pavement management services for the City’s street system.

Every street maintained by the City will be driven, scanned, and digitally photographed as part of the survey. The data collected, including pavement distress and ride quality, will be uploaded to the City’s new pavement management system, DOT. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) data will be used to identify which streets need rehabilitation and determine the most appropriate type of repair. Continue reading Tyler City Council approves pavement survey to improve roads