KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Police say a drunken argument led to a physical attack in Tyler over the weekend. Police tell KETK Ramiro Gonzalez, 33, was stabbed in the neck with a pocket knife Saturday night during a heated argument with a friend. Authorities learned of the situation when they were called to the hospital around 8:20 p.m. Gonzalez was treated and released. Detectives are investigating the incident to determine what took place in the 1500 block of East Oakwood Street. No other injuries were reported in the dispute. An arrest has not been made at this time.

TYLER — The victim of a Friday morning shooting has been released from a local hospital and is not expected to press charges, police said. KETK reports Gregory Rolling, 19, of Tyler, was shot once in the head by an unknown person or people at an apartment complex in the 700 block of South Kennedy, near downtown Tyler. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was treated and released on a later date. The victim was not fatally injured after the bullet entered the front of his head and exited the top area without piercing his skull, according to the Tyler Police Department. Law enforcement has not identified a suspect in this case. Continue reading Tyler Shooting Victim Not Expected to Press Charges

TYLER — Two people were rushed to the hospital Sunday night after a head-on collision on the outskirts of Tyler. KETK reports the accident happened around 7:15 on Old Jacksonville Highway, near County Road 164. Texas state troopers say one car was driving on the wrong side of the road when it hit another car head-on. Both drivers are still at the hospital with serious injuries.

GREGG COUNTY — A Gladewater man was arrested after authorities found more that 212 pounds of marijuana, valued at nearly $130,000. Patrick Charles Christian, 37, was arrested Sunday by the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office on a charge of possession of marijuana. Continue reading Gladewater Man Charged with Possession

DALLAS — An East Texas native is dead after an apparent attack at an apartment complex in Dallas. According to the Dallas Police Department, Timothy Ray Agnew, 28, of Kilgore, was killed after two people kicked down the front door to an apartment unit at the Regal Springs Apartment Complex around 4:00 Sunday morning. According to KETK, Agnew was shot and died at a hospital. No arrests have been made. According to Agnew’s Facebook, he graduated from Kilgore High School in 2004 and was self-employed as a tattoo artist. If you have any information concerning the crime you are urged to call the Dallas Police Department at (214) 671-3001.

TYLER — The campaign for governor of Texas brought Democrat Wendy Davis to East Texas Saturday. Going up against Republican candidate, and current state Attorney General Greg Abbott, Davis had stops in Tyler and Longview. It was a full house for Davis as she stopped in Tyler at Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q. Continue reading Governor Candidate Wendy Davis Visits East Texas

LONGVIEW (AP) — Some East Texas residents who favor riding the rails have celebrated 40 years of Amtrak Texas Eagle service to their community. Ceremonies were held Friday in Longview to note the first day of Texas Eagle service on March 14, 1974. The Longview News-Journal reports work continues to renovate the historic T&P depot, which stands for Texas and Pacific Railroad. The upgraded depot is expected to be ready for National Train Day on May 10. Continue reading Longview Celebrates 40 Years of Amtrak Texas Eagle

HOOKS (AP) — A mobile home fire in Northeast Texas has left one person dead and another seriously hurt. KSLA-TV reports investigators are trying to determine what sparked the fire early Saturday that destroyed the residence in Hooks. Authorities say a woman died in the fire after she went back into the burning mobile home. Her husband, who had gotten her and their two children out of the trailer, suffered burns on his arms and legs and has been transported to a Texarkana hospital. Names of the couple haven’t been released. Further details on the pair weren’t immediately available.

JACKSONVILLE — A Cherokee County probationer is now an inmate after breaking his probation twice in the past three months. According to KETK, the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office reports Orlanda George Hill, 27, was placed on probation following two separate incidents in December and February. In December 2013, Hill was placed under arrest after running from Jacksonville police officers during a family violence event with the mother of his child. After a foot chase, he was charged with assault family violence, evading arrest, and criminal trespass. He was released from jail on bond. Continue reading Probationer Gets 20 Years after Family Violence, Burglary Incidents

TYLER — State District Judge Christi Kennedy sentenced a Tyler man to 99 years in prison without parole for sexually assaulting a child. Marquette Rashaud Moore, 29, was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child under the age of six in the 114th District Court, according to Smith County Assistant District Attorney Jacob Putman. KETK reports Moore’s rap sheet included crimes from theft to multiple driving while intoxicated charges. He had no other sexual assaults, according to the Smith County Jail’s website.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is continuing to conduct its warrant sweep. Since the beginning of the Statewide Warrant Sweep March 1, the city of Tyler has cleared 602 warrants, representing 249 defendants, and $111,170. Although the statewide sweep has already ended, the city of Tyler will continue through the month of March. The Tyler Municipal Court will continue working extended business hours through the month of March:

* Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
* Saturdays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Continue reading City Warrant Sweep Continues

LONGVIEW — Longview’s sales tax revenues are down. KETK reports the city collected about five percent fewer dollars in tax revenue this past January than in January 2013. CIty staffers contend numbers fluctuate from month to month and business is still doing great in Longview. According to officials, the city is right on budget and that’s really what’s important. They say the city’s actually doing better than hoped. Officials say they were expecting to be essentially flat, with just a very small increase — and so far this year, Longview’s up 3.29 percent. Staffers admit that doesn’t sound like much, but they call it a big impact on the economy, which they say continues to move in a positive direction. Across the state, sales tax numbers saw an increase for the 47th straight month.

PALESTINE — An East Texas woman is behind bars after reportedly stabbing her boyfriend in the stomach. According to KETK, Palestine police officers responded Thursday night to 1010 Sugar Lane in reference to an aggravated assault. Upon arrival, officers contacted Joshua Webster, 21, who reported his 21-year-old girlfriend had stabbed him in the stomach with a weapon. Officers learned that Webster and his girlfriend had been involved in disturbances over the course of the last two days, and the girlfriend returned, reportedly with intent to damage his vehicle. Continue reading Woman Allegedly Stabs Boyfriend in Stomach

WASHINGTON (AP/Staff) — President Barack Obama’s former national security adviser says he should approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline as a matter of national security. Retired General James Jones tells the Senate Foreign Relations that approving the pipeline would send a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin and other “international bullies” that they cannot use energy security as a weapon. Jones says rejection of the Canada-to-Texas pipeline would “make Mr. Putin’s day and strengthen his hand.” The route of the pipeline runs through eastern Smith County. Continue reading Former Obama Adviser: Build Keystone XL Pipeline

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office says both suspects have now been captured in Thursday’s attempted ATM theft. The first suspect, who was taken into custody early Thursday morning, is Steven Prior, 35. The second suspect is Winston Barnes, 25. Barnes was arrested just before 5:00 Thursday morning at a residence at 506 Ferguson Street in Lindale. He was wanted on three warrants: unlawful use of a criminal instrument – third degree felony; theft of property – less than $200,000 (ATM) – second degree felony; and evading arrest – class A misdemeanor. According to a news release, the SCSO wants to thank the Tyler PD, Lindale PD, East Texas Auto Theft Task Force and Smith County CID and Patrol for doing an outstanding job. The SCSO expects other burglaries to be cleared from this investigation. Continue reading Both Suspects Arrested in Attempted ATM Theft

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department on Thursday released the names of five people ticketed this past week for allegedly selling potpourri — a substance more commonly referred to and used as synthetic marijuana.

According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, those ticketed were:

Kunegunda Marie Abbott — Scooby Snax, 1214 E. Marshall Ave.
Angel Manuel Uveda — Wildflowers Gift Shop, 1320 E. Marshall Ave.
Timothy Juliano — Wildflowers Gift Shop, 3808 Gilmer Road
Payne Allen Chaison — The Glass Dragon, 807 N. Fredonia St.
Joshua Taraus Toliver — The Glass Dragon, 904 Pine Tree Road Continue reading East Texans Cited in Synthetic Marijuana Crackdown Identified

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Five people accused of possession were arrested Tuesday following a raid in Cherokee County. According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, they, along with the FBI, Jacksonville Police Department, Rusk Police Department, and Precinct 4 Constable Jamie Beene, served a warrant at a home in the Pierce’s Chapel community. KETK reports all five people were found inside the house when authorities arrived. Continue reading Five Arrested in Cherokee County Drug Raid

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is stepping up its patrols targeting DWI drivers during spring break. The department will be participating in a state grant during the spring break weekend that will provide funding to the department to enforce DWI laws. The enforcement detail will be on the lookout for intoxicated drivers Friday, March 14th, through Sunday, March 16th. Police say this program has proven to be an effective tool to combat drunken drivers. According to a news release, it is the intent of all law enforcement agencies that this effort will act as a deterrent, persuading people to avoid driving while intoxicated.

CANTON — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s office are investigating an attempted suicide by an inmate in the county jail in Canton. The attempt was discovered by Jail staff early Thursday morning during a routine count period. The jail staff found the inmate hanging with a bed sheet tied around his neck. Jail staff immediately summoned help and removed the sheet from around the inmate’s neck and began first aid. Once first responders and Ambulance personnel arrived the inmate was transported to Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler for further treatment. The inmate is Larry Maples of Ben Wheeler. He is in custody on the following charges of Sex Abuse of Child Continuous: Victim under 14, Capital Murder INSF Bond, Criminal Attempt-Murder INSF Bond. Continue reading Van Zandt County Inmate Attempts Suicide in Cell

LONGVIEW — Some Longview residents were startled awake when an alleged drunken driver plowed into their vehicles. Shortly before 1:00 Wednrsday morning, the Longview Police Department received a call for help in reference to an incident on the 1400 block of Dartmouth Street, Longview Police said. KETK reports that when officers arrived, they learned three vehicles had been crashed into by an unknown person in a car. The man believed responsible tried to run away, but he was found hiding behind nearby truck. He did not resist arrest. Continue reading Alleged Drunken Driver Plows into 3 Vehicles in Overnight Crash

SMITH COUNTY — The results are in for the Texas Warrant Round Up and Smith County topped $90,000 in reclaimed court fines and fees, closing out 273 outstanding cases during the two-week campaign. Smith County joined forces with more than 300 other jurisdictions across Texas to participate in the largest joint warrant round up in the state. Anyone who owed a court fine or fee in one of the participating districts had until March 1 to pay before officers were dispatched to find and arrest them. Continue reading Warrant Round Up Nets $90,000 for Smith County

KILGORE — Four Kilgore police officers involved in a fatal shooting last month are back on duty. KETK reports Police Chief Todd Hunter, Sgt. Jarod Sears, Cpl. Kevin Stewart, and Officer Amos Owings were placed on administrative leave after the shooting of Randy Vinson (pictured). According to police, Vinson shot and killed his sister-in-law Elizabeth on Feb. 18. Gregg County Sheriff’s Deputy Chase Doss is also back on duty. Sheriff Maxey Cerliano and Kilgore police officers say they salute their colleagues for their bravery.

EMORY — An East Texas teenager is dead after apparently being accidentally shot in the head. He is identified as Wesley Pruitt, 13. According to the Rains County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the shooting around 12:30 Wednesday afternoon.. The incident took place at a home on County Road 2130. The shooting is said to have happened in a bedroom at the home while the father was in the kitchen. According to authorities, Pruitt was shot in the head after a 15-year-old boy pulled the trigger of a 12-gauge shotgun, not realizing it was loaded. Although the incident appears to have been an accident, authorities are investigating it thoroughly.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Two people were hurt, one seriously, in a major wreck in Van Zandt County Wednesday morning. KETK reports the crash left both vehicles involved mangled on Highway 19 at County Road 4205, according to the South Van Zandt Volunteer Fire Department. The accident happened when a truck heading northbound on Highway 19 lost control, over-corrected, and slammed into a car traveling southbound. Continue reading Two Injured in Wreck that Tied Up Traffic

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is behind bars after police say he was exposing himself to a woman and her 10-year-old daughter. KETK reports Sean Massey, 23, is accused of committing the act while sitting on the roof of a home on Oakdale Drive in Longview. Massey was booked into the Gregg County Jail on Tuesday on $10,000 bond.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Seven people have been arrested in Cherokee County on multiple counts of federal drug and firearms violations after a federal grand jury returned a sealed six-count indictment. Authorities say the indictment resulted from a lengthy investigation launched by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Police Department. The Rusk Police Department assisted in the apprehension and arrest of four of the suspects. At the time of the arrests, over 100 grams of methamphetamine, 10 firearms, and cash were seized, according to officials. If convicted, the defendants face between 5-40 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000,000 on the drug charges and additional incarceration on the weapons charges. Continue reading Criminal Enterprise Spurs Arrests in Cherokee County

TYLER – A 72-year-old Longview man has been convicted of federal drug trafficking charges. A jury found Jerry Don Castleberry guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activity. The verdict followed a two day trial in Tyler before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider. Continue reading Federal Jury Convicts Longview Man of Drug Charges

GLADEWATER — Authorities suspect arson as they investigate a burglary and fire at a Gladewater business. KETK reports the incident took place around 7 a.m. on March 9 in the 800 block of E. Broadway Avenue at Super Advantage Auto Sales, according to business owner Chris Dominguez. Before the building caught fire, thieves took monitors, office supplies, a rifle, and $400 in coins. Crews put out the fire by 8:40 a.m. The total damage is still being assessed by fire investigators, but extensive damage was done to the business. Dominguez suspects the criminals tried to burn down his building after spotting surveillance cameras. No arrests have been made at this time.

HENDERSON — Authorities say four people have been arrested in Rusk County for alleged drug trafficking. According to KETK, two of the accused were busted last November on similar charges. The recent arrests were part of a multi-agency arrest warrant sweep conducted March 6th. Terry Nathan Tidwell, Ysidro Yanez, Christopher White, and Angela Denison were arrested on accusations of conspiracy/possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Also arrested, on a state charge of abandoning/endangering a child, was Jessica Page. Yanez and Tidwell were arraigned November 7 on charges of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. Continue reading Four Arrested in Rusk County Meth Ring

TYLER — A Tyler home escaped major fire damage, but the blaze has prompted officials to issue another safety advisory. The initial call to 2512 Lynn Drive was received at just before 10:45 Wednesday morning with reports of smoke and flames visible in the structure. Five emergency units responded. According to a news release, firefighters quickly determined the source of the fire and extinguished the blaze, minimizing the damage to the residence. Investigators located the area of fire origin near the home’s heating unit. The fire resulted from combustibles that were stored too close to the heat source. No injuries were reported. Continue reading House Fire Prompts Safety Advisory