License Suspended for Doctor Facing Charges

License Suspended for Doctor Facing ChargesQUITMAN — A White Oak doctor who was arrested in January and faces two felony counts of indecent exposure with a minor has had his medical license temporarily suspended. According to KETK, the Texas Medical Board took the disciplinary action Tuesday against William Kenneth Huff, 62. Huff was a hospitalist at ETMC Quitman. His contract was terminated in January. Huff is accused of touching the breast of a child younger than 17 and having her expose her genitals. The charges against Huff do not involve a patient or relate to his employment with ETMC. The temporary suspension is in place until the Texas Medical Board takes further action.

Two Men Arrested in Longview Drug Bust

Two Men Arrested in Longview Drug BustGREGG COUNTY — Two Longview men were arrested on multiple drug charges after the Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant Monday morning. According to the Longview News-Journal, officials reported finding crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy tablets and other drugs at the home on Mitchell Street. Arthur Hunter Perry Jr., 32, was held Tuesday on bonds totaling $375,000. He’s charged with several counts of manufacturing or delivery of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana measuring less than 5 pounds but more than 4 ounces. Marquis DeMicheal Kelly, 30, (pictured) was held Tuesday on bonds totaling $400,000 on the same charges, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Kelly is a documented member of the “South Side Bloods” street gang, according to his arrest report.

Tyler Civic Theatre Remembers Road Rage Victim

Tyler Civic Theatre Remembers Road Rage VictimTYLER — The Tyler Civic Theatre will carry on in spite of the loss of a cast member. On Friday, Ryan Mullee, 39, Lindale, was killed in a road rage shooting while driving home from work on I-20 in Van Zandt County. According to KETK, just 10 days from their first performance of Charlotte’s Web, the company is busy rehearsing without Mullee. Continue reading Tyler Civic Theatre Remembers Road Rage Victim

Missing Longview Teen Sought

Missing Longview Teen SoughtLONGVIEW – Longview police are asking for the public’s help in locating a runaway teenager. Darah Janaye Elam is said to be a 14 year old black girl who is 5’2” tall and weighs around 145 pounds. She was last seen wearing a school uniform style outfit that was either a red or white polo style shirt, and blue or khaki pants. She was last seen on February 12 at a Longview school. Continue reading Missing Longview Teen Sought

Gregg County Man Convicted of Sexual Abuse

Bryan Keith RobertsLONGVIEW – A jury in Longview has found a White Oak man guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child. The punishment phase of Bryan Keith Roberts’ trial began this morning. The seven-woman, 5-man jury deliberated around an hour Tuesday before finding him guilty. The 26 year old man was arrested last April by Gregg County deputies and White Oak police officers. It was said he had molested a boy younger than 14 during a span of more than 30 days. He could get up to life in prison.

Police: Trafic Stop Yields Meth

Police: Trafic Stop Yields MethGLADEWATER — Officials in Gladewater are pursuing a charge against a drug suspect arrested over the weekend. KETK reports that around 10:15 Saturday night, police conducted a traffic stop on West Marshall Avenue on a vehicle driven by Robert Carpenter. Police say Carpenter informed officers he had some methamphetamine in his pocket and also consented to a vehicle search, which turned up nothing. Carpenter was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance in penalty group 1 under 1 gram, which is a state jail felony.

Drug, Weapon Charges Filed in Longview Bust

Drug, Weapon Charges Filed in Longview BustLONGVIEW — Two men were arrested Monday after officers reportedly found several drugs and two firearms. KETK reports the Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement Unit and Longview police conducted a search warrant at a house on Mitchell Street. During the search, authorities say they found a large amount of cocaine, marijuana, various pills, and liquid Codeine. They also reportedly seized a large amount of money and two firearms. One of the men has been charged with two outstanding class C warrants, an outstanding Class A misdemeanor warrant, manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, and unlawful carrying of a weapon by a felon. The second person was arrested for two outstanding class C warrants, manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana. Further details weren’t immediately available.

Woman Arrested for Burglary of Smith County Home

Woman Arrested for Burglary of Smith County HomeSMITH COUNTY — One woman has been arrested following a home burglary. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Christie Coleman, 35, was taken into custody and charged with burglary of a habitation. Authorities said the victim called her niece Monday afternoon and told her two women were attempting to break into her home, 6570 Blanche Street in Northeast Smith County. A neighbor apparently tried to stop them and they fled the scene, one in a vehicle, the other into a wooded area on foot. Deputies arrived on scene and were unable to locate the suspects. Continue reading Woman Arrested for Burglary of Smith County Home

Van Zandt County Road Rage Victim Identified

Van Zandt County Road Rage Victim IdentifiedCANTON — The victim of a road rage incident in Van Zandt County has been identified. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office said Ryan Mullee, 39, Lindale, was gunned down on I-20 around 3:15 Friday afternoon. Mullee suffered a gunshot wound to the head. The incident happened in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 20, ending in the vicinity of Tank Farm Road — and officials say it could have been in progress miles before. An eyewitness saw gunfire from a gray or light colored four-door sedan. There was no immediate word on that vehicle’s occupant or occupants, or on who may have done the shooting. The Van Zandt County District Attorney’s Office is offering a reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the person or people involved. Any information can be forwarded to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office at 903-567-4133.

Tyler Man Claims Hover Board Stolen at Gunpoint

Tyler Man Claims Hover Board Stolen at GunpointTYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a reported armed robbery Monday night. Officers were called to the Abby Apartments, 4917 Thistle, around 5:30 after a man claims he was robbed at gunpoint. According to the victim, he was standing near the entrance of the complex when a silver 4 door Honda pulled up next to him. The victim reported that the passenger with a handgun, got out of the car, pointed the gun at him and stole his hover board. No injuries were reported.

Man Dies Following Tyler Fire

Man Dies Following Tyler FireTYLER — One person hospitalized following a Tyler fire, has died. Richard Stewart was first taken to a Tyler hospital and later transferred to a Dallas hospital where he died. He was burned in a weekend fire at the William Booth Garden Apartments on Golden Road, just off Front Street. Crews were called out around 7:00 Sunday morning after a passerby noticed smoke coming from a building and notified authorities. Fire department officials say the passerby then responded to the scene, where he assisted another civilian rescuer in removing Stewart from the burning structure. Firefighters quickly gained control of the blaze, containing it to one apartment unit. Continue reading Man Dies Following Tyler Fire

Tyler Shows 2015 Crime Decrease

Tyler Shows 2015 Crime DecreaseTYLER – Violent crime in Tyler continues to drop. While some areas showed increases. Even with three more homicides than in 2014 and auto theft up just over 26%, violent crimes in Tyler dropped 12.41% last year. Part two crimes, which covers such offenses as forgery, public intoxication and family offenses, dropped just over 5% in 2015. And this drop in crime has been the trend over the past five years. Police Chief Gary Swindle said their were 449 violent crimes reported in Tyler in 2011. Last year that figure had fallen to 374. Continue reading Tyler Shows 2015 Crime Decrease

Authorities Seek Pipeline Theft Suspects

Authorities Seek Pipeline Theft SuspectsKILGORE — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the people believed to have stolen an oilfield pipe in Kilgore the night of February 17. According to KETK, photos taken from an oil lease located near Sinclair Road in Kilgore show two people, driving a white truck, pull up to the property. They were then seen loading oilfield pipe from the property onto their truck. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers at (903) 236-STOP.

TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork UpdateTYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the Tyler TxDOT district during the Week of Feb. 22. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues.

SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance crews will be making base repairs on SH 155S between Toll 49 and Loop 323 during the week. Expect closures with the travel lanes reduced. Crews will also be addressing ditch maintenance in various other locations around the county. Continue reading TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

More Revelations on Hayes’s Departure from State House Race

More Revelations on Hayes’s Departure from State House RaceSMITH COUNTY — There’s more on a Republican candidate for State House District 5 who dropped out of the race last week. It’s been learned that Philip Hayes did not earn two degrees from SMU. The Tyler Morning Telegraph obtained documents showing Hayes attended SMU but did not graduate. He had claimed to have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the university. The Morning Telegraph had previously endorsed Hayes in the election but withdrew the endorsement.

Smith County Sets Date for Warrant Round-Up

Smith County Sets Date for Warrant Round-UpSMITH COUNTY — The fourth annual Smith County Warrant Round Up will get underway Saturday, March 5. The Smith County Judicial Compliance Department mailed out 3,000 yellow flyers (pictured) Friday to people with outstanding arrest warrants for delinquent, court-ordered fines and fees. Those people have until March 5 to take care of the outstanding warrants in person before Smith County law enforcement officers begin searching homes, businesses and/or schools. Officials said there will be about 300 jurisdictions participating in this year’s round up across the state. Continue reading Smith County Sets Date for Warrant Round-Up

Longview Man Arrested for Oklahoma Murder

Longview Man Arrested for Oklahoma MurderLONGVIEW — A Longview man is being held in connection to a July 2011 Oklahoma murder with ties to the Aryan Brotherhood. KETK reports Kalvin McCown was indicted by an Oklahoma grand jury in January on several charges. McCown was arrested on Wednesday. Authorities said McCown, along with two other men, held a man against his will and killed him. They said it was a way to increase their position in the Aryan Brotherhood.

Police Probe Drive-By Shooting

Police Probe Drive-By ShootingTYLER — Police in Tyler are investigating a drive-by shooting reported shortly after noon Sunday on Northcrest Drive near the Claude Street intersection. Officers arrived to find a 19-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the upper right thigh. The victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The victim told police he and a friend were walking along Northcrest when a silver car drove by and one of the occupants fired 3-5 shots, striking the victim in the right leg. The vehicle then left the area. The vehicle was possibly a Ford Focus occupied by two unidentified males. One male in the suspect vehicle may have been a light skinned black male in his early 20s. Police said there was no further immediate information. Continue reading Police Probe Drive-By Shooting

Police Keep Probing Manziel Case; Von Miller Backs Tyler Native

Police Keep Probing Manziel Case; Von Miller Backs Tyler NativeDALLAS (AP/Staff) – Dallas police say they could conclude their domestic violence investigation of Cleveland Browns quarterback and Tyler native Johnny Manziel by late next week. Police spokesman Major Midge Boyle said Saturday that investigators have reviewed medical records provided by Colleen Crowley, Manziel’s ex-girlfriend. Crowley told police Manziel hit her and dragged her into a car in late January. Meanwhile, Von Miller says during a visit to College Station he’s standing behind Manziel and thinks he’ll turn things around. The Super Bowl MVP pass rusher and the one time star quarterback attended Texas A and M at different times but have become close.

Half Cent Sales Tax Call for Projects, Annual Open House

Half Cent Sales Tax Call for Projects, Annual Open HouseTYLER — The City of Tyler Half Cent Sales Tax Board is announcing an open house as it continues its annual call for projects. The project call kicked off Feb. 9 and runs through Mar. 31. City staffers say it provides citizens, community leaders, the Half Cent Sales Tax Corporation Board, the Tyler City Council, and city of Tyler staff the opportunity to bring capital projects forward to be considered for Half Cent Sales Tax funding. The open house to gather public input is set for Tuesday, Mar. 8, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Tyler Development Center Large Conference Room, on W. Ferguson Street across from City Hall. Continue reading Half Cent Sales Tax Call for Projects, Annual Open House

Intersection Work at Hollybrook and Judson

Intersection Work at Hollybrook and JudsonLONGTVIEW — The intersection of Hollybrook Drive at Judson Road is scheduled for work beginning February 22. The purpose to reconstruct the pavement transition on the Hollybrook Drive side of the intersection, according to a city news release. Drivers wishing to travel through this intersection may consider using alternate routes. Traffic on Hollybrook Drive will be reduced to two lanes. Daily lane closures will occur on the northbound outside lane of Judson Road (SH502) as needed. The work is expected to take one month. This project was approved by voters as part of the Capital Improvements Bond Election in May 2011. If you have any questions related to construction, call City Engineer Alton Bradley at 903-237-1067.

Portion of Cumberland Road Closing for Construction

Portion of Cumberland Road Closing for ConstructionTYLER — Starting today, Longview Bridge and Road will close Cumberland Road for construction from Old Jacksonville Highway to Stonebridge Way in Tyler. Construction is expected to continue for two months, weather permitting, according to a city of Tyler news release. In addition, crews will be permanently closing the connection of Balsam Gap to Cumberland Road to form a cul-de-sac at Balsam Gap. Residents affected by the construction will be able to use Blue Mountain Boulevard as a detour for their daily commutes. Continue reading Portion of Cumberland Road Closing for Construction

K-9 Shooting Suspect Back in Smith County, Two Others Arrested

K-9 Shooting Suspect Back in Smith County, Two Others ArrestedTYLER — Smith County Sheriff’s deputies have returned to Smith County from Dallas with Michael Paul Koch, suspected in the fatal shooting of a police dog, and two other suspects in the incident have been arrested. That’s according to a news release from Sheriff Larry Smith. Koch was arrested in Dallas on January 23 by Smith County sheriff’s detectives and Dallas Police Department officers on multiple charges out of Smith and Dallas counties. After pleading guilty to the charges against him in Dallas County, Koch was released to Smith County officials to face charges pending against him in Smith County. Continue reading K-9 Shooting Suspect Back in Smith County, Two Others Arrested

Hayes Suspends House District 5 Campaign

More Revelations on Hayes’s Departure from State House RaceSMITH COUNTY — State House District 5 candidate Philip Hayes is suspending his campaign. On his Facebook page, Hayes says, “It is with a great sadness and remorse, that I announce that I am suspending my campaign. I full heartedly ask that all of those who were supporting me to vote for Jay Misenheimer. Jay is the most capable person in the race for House District 5.” Misenheimer is among several candidates vying for the position now held by Bryan Hugues, who is running for state Senate. Hayes didn’t provide further details, but the announcement came the same day as Smith County Judge Joel Baker, citing the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, said he was not endorsing Hayes. Continue reading Hayes Suspends House District 5 Campaign

Officials ID Trooper in Officer-Involved Shooting

Officials ID Trooper in Officer-Involved ShootingPANOLA COUNTY — The Texas Department of Public Safety has identified a trooper involved in the fatal shooting of an East Texas man last Saturday. KETK reports 27-year-old Daniel McBride has been with DPS in Carthage since August 2011 and is currently on administrative leave. Around 8:00 p.m. Saturday, McBride to stop a car for a traffic violation on State Highway 149. Officials say the driver refused to stop and evaded law enforcement in his vehicle. According to DPS, the driver, identified as Calin Roquemore (pictured), 24, of Tatum, exited his still-running vehicle in a residential neighborhood in Beckville. Authorities say the car traveled a short distance and struck a tree. Continue reading Officials ID Trooper in Officer-Involved Shooting

Longview Police Searching for Local Teen

Longview Police Searching for Local TeenLONGVIEW — Longview Police need help locating runaway Tyler Brishae Hinton, according to information from the police department. Tyler is a 15-year-old black female. She is 5’5″ and weighs approximately 135 lbs. She has brown hair and brown eyes. Tyler was last seen on January 20 in Longview, wearing a blue coat and gray jogging pants. Tyler is believed to be at or around an assisted living center located at 3737 Munger in Dallas. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Chris Bethard at 903-237-1161.

Man Indicted in Mobile Home Park Slaying

Man Indicted in Mobile Home Park SlayingTYLER — A Tyler man who allegedly shot and killed a man late last year has been indicted on one count of murder. KETK reports that a Smith County grand jury handed up the indictment February 11 for John Douglas Smith, 69. He’s accused of killing Francisco Douglas, 47, at the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park off Highway 64 West near Tyler December 18. Smith was the caretaker of the park, where Douglas resided, and the two had been arguing over rent when Smith allegedly shot and killed Douglas. Smith remains in the Smith County Jail on $150,000 bond.

Baker Clarifies He’s Not Endorsing Hayes for State House

Baker Clarifies He’s Not Endorsing Hayes for State HouseTYLER — Citing the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, Smith County Judge Joel Baker says he is not endorsing a state House candidate. According to a statement from Baker, “The ethical rules governing judges in Texas prohibit judges from endorsing political candidates.” Baker says when it came to his attention that state House District 5 hopeful Philip Hayes had included an express endorsement from Baker on his campaign fliers without his permission, Baker contacted the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for advice. Baker says Executive Director Seana Willing advised him to request in writing that Hayes discontinue the use of his name in campaign literature. Continue reading Baker Clarifies He’s Not Endorsing Hayes for State House

“Person of Interest” Identified in Bullard Stabbing

“Person of Interest” Identified in Bullard StabbingBULLARD — Bullard police say they have a “person of interest” following a stabbing Wednesday night. According to KETK, police say three people were driving north on Highway 69 in an SUV. They had stopped at an intersection when one of the passengers stabbed the driver of the vehicle. The victim is identified as James Wills of Tyler. After the stabbing, Wills got out of the vehicle. The other passengers took off in the SUV. Police say Wills is expected to make a full recovery.