Tyler Restaurant Dispute Ends


TYLER – The dispute over a new Tyler restaurant has come to an end. El Chico Ranch and Toys “R” Us has been settled the lawsuit between the owners. Officials say the restaurant will now be called “Tyler Ranch.” Everything else, including the menus and the uniforms, will remain the same. A dispute arose between the two parties when the old El Chico was remodeled with plans to call it the Double D Ranch.

Longview Man Charged with Domestice Violence


LONGVIEW – A Longview man has been arrested for domestic violence. Taken into custody was Christian Eduardo Reyes, 29. He remains in The Gregg County. No bond has been set.

Reyes is accused of grabbing a woman by her hair and dragging her into their house. He is then said to have beaten her arms and back with a metal pipe. Investigators say Reyes believed the woman, who has lived with him for around ten years and had three children with him, was cheating on him.

Besides the domestic violence charge, Reyes has an immigration hold on him.

Two Jacksonville Stores Robbed

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville police are investigating two robberies that occurred across town within a span of 10 minutes Tuesday night. In one of the robberies, two men robbed a clerk at Nu Time Truck Stop at gunpoint and made off with an estimated $5,000 in cash. One robber was allegedly wearing a Halloween mask and another had wrapped a woman’s scarf around his face to hide his identity. It happened around 10:00 at a convenience store on Frankston Street. According to police reports, the store clerk was locking the front door for the night and had a money bag in his hand. As he was locking the door, the two men approached him, one pointing a pistol to the clerk’s head and the other putting a rifle to his back.

The clerk complied, and the men took him back to the cash register where there was more money. They took the money and told the man to give him his cell phone and the money in his pockets. Then they grabbed a package of cigarettes and left the scene on foot.

Minutes prior to the Nu Time robbery, an officer responded to a call from the J N J Food Mart regarding a robbery. A store clerk said a black man wearing a ski mask entered the store and demanded all the cash from the register. When she started emptying the register, she noticed he was holding a pistol. He then demanded that she give him all the money in the store office. She told him there was no money in the office, but the man did not believe her and went to the office and kicked in the door.

The robber then told the clerk to give him all the money in the safe, but she told him she did not know the combination to the safe. Just as the man was threatening to kill her, a customer pulled into the parking lot of the convenience store. The man immediately left the store and approached the customer outside and demanded that he give him all his money. Once the man handed over his wallet, the robber fled the scene on foot. The amount of money stolen from J N J has not yet been determined.

LETU Receives Grant for Engineering Education Research


LONGVIEW — The National Science Foundation has awarded $47, 055 to LeTourneau University mechanical engineering professor Matthew Green’s research under its Engineering Education program, designed to improve how students learn drawing-related concepts in engineering. Green will collaborate with Texas A&M University to development innovative learning systems. This project engages two universities with different educational missions to ensure that the results are widely applicable to other engineering schools. Green is also involved in another National Science Foundation funded project at LeTourneau University, to increase the quality, and scope, of student support structures available for recruitment, retention and career placement.

“We are pleased to have world-class engineers like Dr. Green at LeTourneau,” said Ron DeLap, LETU engineering dean. “Dr. Green’s work has the potential to open new pathways to engineering for under-represented segments of our society. LeTourneau’s
highly successful, student-focused engineering program continues to attract attention from the National Science Foundation and from major universities throughout the United States.”

Green’s engineering education research project builds from previous research on how computer-aided feedback to students improves how the students learn drawing-related concepts in engineering statics. By researching how to integrate rapid-feedback between instructor and student, this project will enable computer-assisted drawing tools to be utilized in introductory engineering statics courses to improve student learning.

The broader significance and importance of this project will be to overcome barriers for integrating effective software tools into critical, large enrollment engineering courses early in the curriculum. The needs of students who are typically under-represented in engineering are addressed in the research project. This project overlaps with NSF’s strategic goals of transforming the frontiers by enhancing research infrastructure and data access to broaden research capabilities as well as innovating for society by supporting the development of innovative learning systems.

Court Orders New Trial for Convicted Killer

TEXARKANA (AP) — The 6th District Court of Appeals in Texarkana has ordered a new trial for a Cass County man convicted of killing his wife. The Texarkana Gazette reports that the court on Wednesday granted David Len Moulton’s request for a new trial.

Moulton, 50, was convicted and sentenced to 60 years in prison in 2010 of the 2004 death of Rebecca Moulton. Her body was found in a pond on the couple’s property in Atlanta, Texas. A cause of death could not be determined.

The appeals court agreed with arguments by defense attorney Jason Horton that the jury was given an improper instruction. The instruction said jurors could convict Moulton if they determined he asphyxiated his wife by unknown means.

Temporary Closures of Old Bullard Road and Shiloh Road


TYLER — Today, from around 7:00 to10:00am, the southbound lane on Old Bullard Road, behind the mall, will be closed and traffic diverted to the turn lane to accommodate equipment that will be cleaning out the drainage channel. Additionally today, from about 7:00am to 2:00pm, the westbound lanes of Shiloh Road at Donnybrook, will be closed and traffic diverted to the turn lane to accommodate equipment that will be removing a large pine tree. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution while workers are present and anyone utilizing these roads is encouraged to temporarily seek alternate routes.

Austin Resigns as Chair of NET RMA


TYLER — Chairman Jeff Austin III submitted his resignation to the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority to accept an appointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. The commission oversees the Texas Department of Transportation.

In February 2005, Governor Rick Perry appointed Austin as Chairman of the newly formed North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA). During his tenure as Chairman, he was responsible for expanding the NET RMA from the forming Counties of Gregg and Smith, to include 12 northeast Texas counties making the NET RMA the first and only RMA to expand in the state. Mr. Austin helped guide the NET RMA by developing the regional concept of a “bottoms up approach” in meeting the transportation
needs in the northeast Texas region. The NET RMA is responsible for the Toll 49 system which includes the portions of Toll 49 that are currently open and under construction by TxDOT but also the proposed expansion that includes the Lindale Relief Route and an outer loop around the north portion of Longview with connection to Marshall. Toll 49 Segment 3B is currently under construction and on its completion, the NET RMA will take ownership of the entire system due to Mr. Austin’s leadership.

Linda Thomas, will be interim Chair until Governor Perry appoints a new Chair. Thomas is a General Partner at Butter Ryan Partners, Ltd., and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA).

Thomas earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin. A resident of Longview, she has served as a Board Member on the East Texas Communities Foundation, Kilgore College Foundation and the Liberal Art Council University of Texas at Austin. She has severed on the Development Councils of University of Texas at Tyler and Longview University Center, UT Health Science Center, Good Shepherd Medical Center Foundation, and the East Texas Area Boy Scouts of America Foundation. Ms. Thomas is Past President of the Longview Rotary Club, Greater Longview United Way, and Longview Economic Development Corporation. She served as Past President for the Junior League of Longview, and as Vice Chair and Board Member of the Trustees for Good Shepherd Medical Center.

Stolen Vehicles, Property Found in Nacogdoches County


NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s officials have discovered a large amount of stolen vehicles and property at a residence in Briar Forest subdivision. According to KETK, authorities have been attempting to secure a search warrant that would allow them to look inside the residence. So far, vehicles and ATVs that were stolen from Panola, Rusk and Shelby Counties have been recovered.

Arrest Made in Skid Loader Theft


CANTON — Authorities in Van Zandt County say they’ve apprehended a suspect in a skid loader theft. On Wednesday at approximately 3:00 p.m. the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office was notified that a flatbed trailer containing a Caterpillar skid loader was possibly stolen and traveling west on Interstate 20 in Van Zandt County. Deputies located the vehicle traveling west on IH-20 and initiated a stop at mile marker 516 (FM 47).

Upon investigation, it was determined that the Caterpillar skid loader and trailer were confirmed to be stolen out of Orange County, Florida. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Tony Demetro, 34, of Apopka, Florida. Demetro was taken into custody and charged with theft greater than $20,000 and less than $100,000, a third degree felony. The suspect has been released on a $50,000 bond. The estimated value of the skid loader and trailer is in excess of $25,000.

Van Zandt County Authorities Warn of New Phone Scam

CANTON — A concerned Van Zandt County citizen reported a new scam sweeping across the country coming from the Dominican Republic. The citizen received a telephone call from a person who identified himself as her grandson, which she does not have, so he changed it to her nephew. This so-called relative said he went to South America with a church group and was arrested. He said the American Embassy got him released from the jail, but needed a check for $2,500 to clear up the situation. He said the American Embassy would reimburse her the money. The citizen did not fall for the scam and the subject then hung up.

Authorities say these scammers may be using the Internet to access personal information on the citizens they call. Van Zandt County Sheriff R. P. “Pat” Burnett asks that all the citizens of Van Zandt County be aware of these types of telephone calls and that they do not give out personal information over the telephone and never send money or checks to anyone without verifying who they say they are.

Local Hospital Under Renovation


TYLER — The renovation of a local hospital will bring more jobs to the area. Texas Spine and Joint Hospital broke ground on a $2 million renovation project. CEO, Tony Wall, said the expansion will bring in around 70 new jobs to Tyler but overall, the hospital’s ripple effect through the community will bring in close to 300 new jobs. Wall said there’s more of a demand of services in this area and they’re simply meeting the needs of the residents.

Wildfire Recovery Centers Opening in Marion and Henderson Counties

AUSTIN – Wildfire survivors in Marion and Henderson counties can meet with state and federal specialists at recovery centers opening soon in area communities. Starting Saturday, specialists from the state of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. They also have brochures and other written materials on disaster recovery.

The schedule is:

Marion County
Jefferson Visitor Center & Tourism Office
305 East Austin Street
Jefferson, TX 75657
1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Oct. 28

Henderson County
Emergency Operations Center Training Facility
622 S. Prairieville
Athens, TX 75751
1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26

Any Texan with questions about the recovery process or needing help registering with FEMA is urged to stop by a recovery center. Visiting with a recovery specialist is not a requirement for survivors who want disaster assistance, but officials say the centers are an excellent way for people to get answers to their questions about disaster aid and help applying for it.

Texas homeowners, renters, and business owners can register online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They can also register by telephone via FEMA’s toll-free numbers: 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362. Assistants are available by phone from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

Jacksonville Stores Robbed

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville police are investigating two robberies that occurred across town within a span of 10 minutes Tuesday night. In one of the robberies, two men robbed a clerk at Nu Time Truck Stop at gunpoint and made off with an estimated $5,000 in cash. One robber was allegedly wearing a Halloween mask and another had wrapped a woman’s scarf around his face to hide his identity. It happened around 10:00 at a convenience store on Frankston Street. According to police reports, the store clerk was locking the front door for the night and had a money bag in his hand. As he was locking the door, the two men approached him, one pointing a pistol to the clerk’s head and the other putting a rifle to his back.

The clerk complied, and the men took him back to the cash register where there was more money. They took the money and told the man to give him his cell phone and the money in his pockets. Then they grabbed a package of cigarettes and left the scene on foot.

Minutes prior to the Nu Time robbery, an officer responded to a call from the J N J Food Mart regarding a robbery. A store clerk said a black man wearing a ski mask entered the store and demanded all the cash from the register. When she started emptying the register, she noticed he was holding a pistol. He then demanded that she give him all the money in the store office. She told him there was no money in the office, but the man did not believe her and went to the office and kicked in the door.

The robber then told the clerk to give him all the money in the safe, but she told him she did not know the combination to the safe. Just as the man was threatening to kill her, a customer pulled into the parking lot of the convenience store. The man immediately left the store and approached the customer outside and demanded that he give him all his money. Once the man handed over his wallet, the robber fled the scene on foot. The amount of money stolen from J N J has not yet been determined.

Shooting Suspect Surrenders in Lufkin


LUFKIN – A man sought in connection with a Lufkin shooting has surrendered to authorities. Juan Carlos Garcia, 33, of Dallas, turned himself in on Wednesday. He has entered a not guilty plea in the 2002 attempted murder case. He is accused of shooting a man who had been sitting in a car with Garcia’s ex girl friend. Garcia is currently free on a $50,000 bond.

Boy May Have Set Several Area Fires

ATHENS – Henderson County authorities are investigating a 10 year old boy in connection with a grass fire in the Lake Palestine area in early August. The case has been referred to the Juvenile Probation Office for prosecution.

They feel the boy set the grass fire in the Wildewood Edition, off Farm-to-Market Road 315, south of Chandler, on August 7. The fire was quickly extinguished. The boy is also a suspect in a couple of fires in the same area in June of 2010.

Okla. Court Rejects Appeal of Ex-Warden’s Wife


MANGUM, OKLA. (AP) — The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has denied a motion to remove the presiding judge in the trial of a former warden’s wife who was convicted of helping an inmate escape from prison. Greer County Assistant District Attorney David Thomas said Thursday the court rejected Bobbi Parker’s appeal that sought to disqualify District Judge Richard Darby because of alleged bias.

A jury found Parker guilty September 21 of helping Randolph Dial break out of the Oklahoma State Reformatory in 1994. The couple were later found living in Texas on a Shelby Countychicknranch. Jurors recommended one year in prison. Parker was to be formally sentenced October 6 but that was delayed because of the dispute over Darby. A judge denied Garvin Isaacs’ request to disqualify Darby, ruling the appeals court was the more appropriate venue.

Austin Joins Texas Transportation Commission


AUSTIN – Governor Rick Perry has named a Smith County man to the Texas Transportation Commission. Jeff Austin III was named to the post for a term to expire February 1, 2013. The commission oversees the Texas Department of Transportation.

Austin is vice chairman of Austin Bank and Texas NA. He is a board member of First State Bank in Athens and Capital Bank in Houston, and past president of First State Bank Frankston. He is a board member and past chair of the Texas Bankers Association, a member of the American Bankers Association Government Relations Committee and the Bank CEO Network, and an executive committee member and past director of the Texas Lyceum. He is a board member of the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum, past presiding officer of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority, past board chair of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also a past board member of the Tyler Economic Development Corporation, Better Business Bureau of East Texas, University of Texas Tyler Business School Advisory Board, UT Tyler Health Center Development Board and Trinity Mother Frances Hospital Foundation.

Austin received a bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler, and is a graduate of the Southern Methodist University Southwestern Graduate and Intermediate schools of Banking, and the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.

Man Accused over Death of Wife, Her Son


SHELBYVILLE (AP) — An East Texas man has surrendered after his wife and her adult son were found shot to death. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said Richard Dean, 39, of Shelbyville has been charged with capital murder and was being held without bond. No attorney was listed for Dean, who turned himself in Wednesday night to officers in neighboring San Augustine County. Officials say Dean’s 8-year-old son was with him and wasn’t harmed.

The body of Vicky Dean, 47, was discovered Wednesday in a vehicle on property near Shelbyville, a town of about 600 located near the Texas state line with Louisiana. The body of 20-year-old Christopher Reagan Smith was in a nearby building. Authorities are trying to determine a motive for the killings. The sheriff’s department didn’t immediately release further details Thursday.

Council Redistricting to Be Considered


LONGVIEW — The Longview City Council soon will consider a proposed redistricting plan. Redistricting is a regular process of adjusting the lines of City Council voting districts in accordance with population shifts. The districts are intended to be roughly equal in population so that each area of the City is equally represented on the City Council. In Longview, redistricting is traditionally considered every ten years following the decennial census. The proposed redistricting plan would affect Council Districts 2, 5, and 6. In order to balance the population of Longview in all districts, the following is needed: the population of District 2 needs to increase, the population of District 5 needs to decrease, and the population of District 6 needs to increase.

Residents are invited to attend an informational meeting about the proposed redistricting plan to be held at 5:30pm, Tuesday, October 25, at City Hall, 300 West Cotton Street. The proposed redistricting plan will be considered during a Longview City Council meeting at 5:30pm, Thursday, October 27, also at City Hall. The proposed redistricting plan affects Longview City Council voting districts only. The proposal does not affect school districts, county districts, state districts, or national districts. You can go to http://LongviewTexas.gov for more information about the proposed redistricting plan.

Man Filed Suit Against Trucking Co After Fatal Accident

PITTSBURG — After losing his family in a tractor-trailer collision in Arizona, a Pittsburg resident has filed a lawsuit against the truck driver’s employer for negligent supervision. Sean Reynolds, individually and as representative of the estates of Wendy Reynolds, Shane Reynolds, and Derrick Reynolds filed suit September 26 against Sierra Transportation Inc. in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division.

Authorities said the crash occurred September 8 near Tucson, Arizona. Rickey Duffey, an employee of Sierra Transportation Inc., was operating an 18- wheeler headed east on Interstate Highway 10 when he lost control, crossed a median and entered the oncoming westbound lane. The tractor-trailer hit the Reynolds’ vehicle head-on, causing fatal injuries. Reynolds is seeking wrongful death and survival damages for mental anguish, loss of consortium, loss of advice and counsel, loss of services, funeral expenses, loss of companionship and society, medical expenses, physical pain, disfigurement, physical impairment, court costs and interest.

Tyler Firefighters Battle Overnight Blazes

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department responded to two separate fires overnight. The first incident was reported around 9:40 Wednesday evening at 1514 N. Dargan. Firemen say the fire was nearly out when they got there because of the resident’s quick action to evacuate the family and fight the fire. The kitchen was heavily damaged but there were no injuries. Investigators say the fire started in the kitchen due to cooking on the stove left unattended.

Then, around 1:30 Thursday morning at 313 N. Fuller Avenue, another structure fire was reported. Authorities say that structure was completely engulfed in flames upon their arrival. The cause of that fire is still under investigation. Residents say the fire started in the living room. One occupant suffered burns and severe smoke inhalation and was taken to ETMC for treatment. He was later flown to a Dallas hospital. Officials say the structure appears to have been totally destroyed.

Man Jailed for Solicitation of Minor

LONGVIEW — A 50-year-old Longview man was jailed Tuesday night after authorities said he tried to solicit sex from a minor. Watson Jerome Reed posted $5,000 bond from the Gregg County Jail on a charge of online solicitation of a minor Wednesday. Longview police arrested Reed in the 1500 block of North Eastman Road at 9:45 where Reed made plans to meet and engage in sexual intercourse with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old child but was actually Longview police Det. Kevin Brownlee, according to arrest reports.

“Reed stated in a text message that he was driving a black truck and he was instructed to flash his lights when he arrived at the pre-agreed location,” Brownlee wrote in his report. “I observed a black truck arrive at the location, and I watched as the driver flashed his lights several times.”

Angelina County Fatality


ZAVALLA – A one vehicle accident in Angelina County has left one person dead. Killed was Teresa Carson, 51. The accident happened on Farm Road 2109 about four miles from Zavalla. The Department of Public Safety reports the woman’s pickup was south bound at a high speed when she lost control of the vehicle on a curve. She over-corrected and left the road and hit a tree. She was thrown from the vehicle.

Recovery Centers Available to East Texas Wildfire Survivors

AUSTIN – Wildfire survivors in Gregg, Harrison, Smith and Rusk counties can meet with state and federal specialists at recovery centers this week in area communities, including a new center opening Thursday in Smith County. Specialists from the state of Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on the types of assistance available to survivors. They also have brochures and other written materials on disaster recovery.

The remaining schedule is:

Gregg & Harrison Counties
Fairgrounds
1123 Jaycee Dr.
Longview, TX 75604
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21

Smith & Rusk Counties
Bethel Baptist Church
13108 Hwy 64 East
Tyler, TX 75707
1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22

Any Texan with questions about the recovery process or needing help registering with FEMA is urged to stop by a recovery center. Visiting with a recovery specialist is not a requirement for survivors who want disaster assistance, but officials say the centers are an excellent way for people to get answers to their questions about disaster aid and help applying for it

Texas homeowners, renters, and business owners can register online at http://www.disasterassistance.gov or via web-enabled phone at m.fema.gov. They can also register by telephone via FEMA’s toll-free numbers: 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 1-800-621-3362. Assistants are available by phone from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

Judge Releases Name of RV Fire Victim


LONGVIEW – The name of the man killed in a weekend Longview fire has been released. Richard Andrew Hillman, 58, died in the Saturday morning fire at the Pine Meadows RV Park. He was alone when the fire started. An unoccupied trailer next to his was also destroyed by the fire. The fire has been ruled accidental. It appears to have started when a cigarette ignited some combustibles in the trailer.

UT Tyler Debate Team Tops in the Nation


TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler debate team is ranked tops in the nation after strong finishes in the tournament at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill., Dr. Martin Slann, College of Arts and Sciences dean, announced. Senior economics major Alex Warren of Tyler and senior communications major Travis Smith of Palestine placed first in the three-day tournament, which is considered the bellwether meet for potential national champions in collegiate debate, according Dr. Charles Walts, UT Tyler director of forensics. “This is a big series of wins for us. Historically, the winner of the McKendree tournament goes on to good showings at nationals in the spring,” Walts said.

The first place finish also positions Warren and Smith at the top of the national ranking system, trumping teams from schools including Texas Tech University, University of California – Berkeley, University of Oregon and the United States Air Force Academy. “It feels great to be at the top of a ranking system that has more than 200 teams on it,” said Warren, who placed in the top three for overall best speaker. The ranking system determines who qualifies for the national tournament, Walts added.

In the junior varsity division, sophomore English major Addison Gribbin of Ennis and freshman communications major Dallas Flick of Aubrey placed in the top two teams, marking the second consecutive tournament in which the UT Tyler duo reached the finals. UT Tyler will travel to the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash. to compete in an exclusive, invite-only tournament featuring the top ten debate teams in the country.

ETMC Brings High Resolution MRI to Tyler


TYLER — ETMC Tyler announced Wednesday that patients and physicians in the region can now access one of the newest and highest-resolution magnetic resonance imaging scanners available: the Ingenia 1.5T system from Philips Healthcare. Hospital officials say the MRI provides high image quality to aid diagnostic confidence, increase clinical versatility and improve productivity by shortening exam times. In addition, officials say, patients will appreciate its many comfort-related features.

According to a hospital news release, ETMC’s Ingenia 1.5T system facilitates the delivery of crisp image clarity to help clinicians make informed decisions for a wide range of procedures. The elease says Ingenia 1.5T can assist radiologists and physicians in the earlier diagnosis of a variety of medical conditions, including brain and nervous system disorders, cardiovascular disease and organ disease.

Hospital officials say with a simplified pre-exam set-up and a large 70cm bore, the system is more comfortable for patients and operators. “We expect to gain as much as a 30 percent increase in throughput compared to previous generation systems,” said Bill Tobin, director of ETMC radiology. “With both a wide bore and a large field of view, we also expect to do a variety of scanning procedures. For doctors and patients who understand that the latest technology can improve outcomes, the Ingenia 1.5T MR system we have installed represents what they have been looking for: the very latest technology that provides exceptional image quality in the most patient-friendly environment. It is of tremendous diagnostic benefit to the community.” Patient referrals may be made by calling 800-648-8141.

More Indictments for Alleged Deputy Shooter


TYLER — The man accused of shooting a Smith County Sheriff’s deputy in March has been indicted on additional charges. According to KETK and Smith County jail records, 27-year-old Christopher Martin Summerville was indicted on October 14 for aggravated robbery, which is a first degree felony. He was also indicted for failure to register as a sex offender.

In March 2011, Smith County Sheriff’s deputies and U.S. Marshals served a warrant on Summerville, then 26, at The Arbors apartments on Chimney Rock in Tyler for failing to register as a sex offender. When officials attempted to enter the apartment, Summerville allegedly shot Smith County Deputy Josh Caulkins in the chest. Luckily, Caulkins was saved by his bulletproof vest. After the shooting, Summerville was taken to a local hospital for a meth overdose. Officials believed at the time that Summerville injected himself with the drug just before they arrived at his apartment complex.

At the time of the shooting, Summerville was not charged with the assault, but in April, Tyler Police investigators secured the evidence to arrest him for aggravated assault of a peace officer, which is a first degree felony. Summerville was also charged with manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and engaging in organized criminal activity, both first degree felonies. Two other people, Kara Hanley and Jeffery Andrysiak, who were in the apartment at the time of the shooting, were also charged for engaging in organized criminal activity.