KTBB News, Weather, Talk

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville fire marshal has identified the cause of the Hotel RITUAL fire as electrical. According to our news partner KETK, a release said it started in the basement of the hotel, and officials said they have no reason to believe it was intentionally caused. The three injured firefighters are reported to be doing well, and all are expected to make a full recovery. The June 12 fire destroyed the majority of the hotel’s interior before the flames spread to a second structure across the street and were contained.

MARSHALL — Authorities say a drug arrest in Marshall came only after the suspect confessed, claimed he was seeking safety from a supplier — and got into a fight with officers. According to our news partner KETK, officials say 32-year-old Pedro Serrano of Marshall initially told staff at the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office he had a large amount of drugs in his car. Authorities say he then told them he was seeking safety from law enforcement after not paying a supplier for the narcotics. According to a news release, when authorities tried to arrest Serrano, he began fighting and continued to resist even after several investigators responded to assist. Officials say a search of his vehicle revealed almost two pounds of methamphetamine. Once captured, Serrano was jailed on $100,000 bond on charges of possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

LONGVIEW — Authorities may have solved a murder that dates back well over a year. According to our news partner KETK, Demetrius Armstrong, 23, of Longview was booked into the Gregg County Jail Wednesday and charged with murder in a February 2021 shooting. That’s when officers responded to a location on Ridgelea Avenue and found a male victim who was critically injured. The victim, Demarcus Else of Longview, was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.

EAST TEXAS — Both Tyler and Longview have scheduled activities to honor Juneteenth — officially June 19 and now a national holiday. It marks the day in 1865 when Texans learned the slaves had been freed, and celebrations have spread to other states over the years. Click here to see the city’s schedule for Monday, June 20, when all non-essential city offices will be closed. Click this link and this link for similar information about what’s planned in Longview.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County officials and business leaders met in Longview to discuss the current state of the County, according to our news partner KETK. Senate Bill 2 was the main focus, saying the bill, also known as the Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019, is having a major impact on county finances. “It probably works fine in the bigger metropolitan areas of millions of people, but in small communities, we just don’t have that tax base to be able to take that kind of hit,” said Bill Stoudt, Gregg County Judge. Under this law, cities are only allowed to bring in between 2.5% and 3.5% of tax property revenue. “It’s just the old formality, you can’t continue to push costs down to the county level without additional revenue,” said Judge Stoudt. If they need extra, the county would have to explain to the community why more money is needed and hold an election. Judge Stoudt said they have seen their revenue reduced. Meaning, that as expenses like fuel go up, there’s less money available to pay for goods and critical services. Continue reading Gregg County leaders discuss tax law and revenue at the State of the County

TYLER — A Smith County man is accused of criminal mischief following a theft from a local church. Officials say on the evening of June 5, a suspect entered the property of The Carpenter’s Baptist Church in Flint. Under the cover of darkness, they say the suspect dismantled a total of five five-ton A/C units and stripped out the copper wire. The damage resulted in a total replacement cost of $34,250 for replacement units. According to a news release, the suspect was identified as Michael James Hudson, 20, of Pine Trails Shores. Authorities say they found the suspect vehicle at Hudson’s home and also found that he had sold a large amount of copper wiring to a Tyler scrap yard on June 6. Continue reading Smith County man arrested for criminal mischief

TYLER — Nearly three and a half years after police were called to the scene of a shooting near Whitehouse, a Tyler man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his father. The jury earlier found 39-year-old Tony Chase guilty after deliberating for about 30 minutes. According to our news partner KETK, Chase was arrested on the night of January 7, 2019, after Smith County deputies responded to reports of the shooting. A release from Sheriff Larry Smith reported at the time that Chase allegedly confessed to shooting his father, 51-year-old Edward Rolando Blaylock. The case was delayed due to various reasons, including overcrowding at the jail and the COVID-19 pandemic.

LINDALE — Early voting for the June 25 City of Lindale runoff election continues. Early voting began Monday and continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, as well as Monday and Tuesday. There are two early voting locations — at The HUB, on E. Ferguson St. in Tyler, and the Lindale Masonic Lodge, on W. Margaret St. in Lindale. The only race on the ballot is the runoff election for City of Lindale alderman, Place 4. Election Day will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, at the Lindale Masonic Lodge. For more information, visit this link.

ATHENS – Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says a wild chase from Athens to Wilmer Wednesday afternoon ended when investigators arrested a wanted man who was also in possession of contraband. According to a news release, the pursuit ran from the Athens Loop, up State Highway 31, into Corsicana and up to Wilmer, and through a golf course, open pastures, and a neighborhood. Hillhouse says Esequiel Hernandez, 31, was spotted by investigators who were working a stolen vehicle report in the Athens hospital area. According to the release, Hernandez fled the scene in his vehicle, which Hillhouse says matched the description of the stolen vehicle investigators were attempting to locate, with a faulty taillight. Officers pursued as he drove at a high rate of speed into oncoming traffic headed toward Corsicana, according to the release. Continue reading Sheriff: Wild chase to Wilmer ends with arrest

TYLER – The lead defense attorney for William Davis, the serial killer former nurse with CHRISTUS who was convicted of murdering patients last year, was sentenced for trying to solicit a prostitute during the month-long trial on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Phillip Hayes was sentenced to one year of deferred adjudicated probation. The sentence includes a $1,000 fine due in the next 30 days along with various court and prosecution costs. He will also have to perform 80 hours of community service and complete a life skills class. Hayes requested the probation be transferred to Dallas County, which is where he lives. 7th District Judge Kerry Russell said Hayes would need to talk to the probation department, but he would have no problem approving it.

TYLER – UT Tyler has been forced to adjust their summer camp programs due to current high temperatures, according to our news partner KETK. Camp Coordinator Ashleigh Dinkins said. “Our staff members are trying to look for students that are showing signs of distress to maybe move them indoors, put them in shade or get them water.” With temperatures hitting triple digits this month, the camp is putting an emphasis on making sure children attending their summer camps are staying hydrated and cool through the day. “We are making sure everyone has some time indoors as well as outdoors to combat any kind of heat exhaustion,” said Dinkins. Staff members are asking all campers to bring their own water bottles to fill up, and finding other ways to keep the children cooled down. Dinkins also said that the rec sports camp has adjusted its schedule to give campers time at the pool twice a day. Local sports medicine physician Dr. Rebecca Pebbles says it is imperative for children to stay hydrated while outside.

TYLER — An Arlington man was booked into the Smith County Jail Tuesday on charges of organized criminal activity after he and four others allegedly stole three vehicles from a dealership in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, sheriff’s PIO Sgt. Larry Christian says the incident took place on Nov. 28, 2021, at East Texas Direct Auto on Highway 155. Brandon Harbor, 20, was brought to the jail following his time in the Tarrant County Jail on charges related to a separate car theft incident and is being held on a $250,000 bond. Another one of the five suspects was identified as Monterious Johnson, 20, who was also charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and released in March. Officials say the names of the remaining suspects have not yet been released because the investigation is ongoing.

LONGVIEW – A runaway teen’s family says the girl has been found safe. This after Longview police sought help finding 16-year-old Miya Grammer. Our news partner KETK reports she had last been seen in Longview.

TYLER – A Whitehouse man on death row for his mother’s murder now has an execution date of November 9. According to our news partner KETK, Tracy Lane Beatty, 59, was sentenced in 2004. He was scheduled for execution on March 25, 2020, after being convicted of strangling his 62-year-old mother. That execution was halted due to the coronavirus and recently rescheduled. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals wrote at the time that the decision to stay his execution was made solely due to the coronavirus, and not based on an appeal filed by Beatty regarding his case. The stay in Beatty’s execution lasted for 60 days, but under Texas law, the new execution date had to be set by the original trial judge once the stay was lifted.

TYLER — Nearly three-and-a-half years after police were called to the scene of a shooting near Whitehouse, a Tyler man has been found guilty of murdering his father. The jury deliberated for about 30 minutes. The punishment phase was expected to be completed soon. According to our news partner KETK, 39-year-old Tony Chase was arrested on the night of January 7, 2019, after Smith County deputies responded to reports of the shooting. A release from Sheriff Larry Smith reported at the time that Chase allegedly confessed to shooting his father, 51-year-old Edward Rolando Blaylock. The case was delayed due to various reasons, including overcrowding at the jail and the COVID-19 pandemic.

TYLER — The Park of East Texas announces plans for the 106th annual East Texas State Fair, presented by Hiland Dairy. The 2022 fair will take place September 23 through October 2 at the East Texas State Fairgrounds in Tyler. Hiland Dairy becomes the first-ever title sponsor of the fair. Hiland “has been a loyal supporter of the Fair’s ag-education programs for many years,” according to a news release. Officials say the annual event will bring back all the familiar food, rides, and livestock shows along with many all-new attractions and exhibits to be announced soon. They tell us this year’s fair will operate in a manner similar to the 2021 event, with convention center construction causing some carnival rides to relocate into Houston Street. Check this link for more information.

MARSHALL – Authorities said a woman left her six-month-old twins at the scene of a car wreck in Harrison County on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, 26-year-old Fantasia Martinez of Marshall was arrested and charged with two counts of abandoning or endangering a child, driving while intoxicated with a child passenger, and escaping and resisting arrest/transport. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office said they received “dozens” of calls around 9:45 p.m. from drivers on I-20 eastbound, around mile marker 619, saying that a woman was “running into traffic.” A DPS Trooper found her around mile marker 623. “Martinez appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and possibly narcotics due to her erratic behavior and difficulty making complete sense of the situation,” a press release stated. Continue reading Officials: Woman left infant twins at scene of wreck on I-20

TYLER — An East Texas woman was charged with a felony after reportedly spitting on a corpse at a funeral home during a viewing. According to an arrest affidavit, Laurie Lynn Hinds, 51, Quitman, walked into a funeral home in Tyler, on Nov. 29, went straight to the casket, and spit on the corpse. A witness on the scene said Hinds had animosity toward the family of the person in the casket. Tyler police obtained a warrant for Hinds’ arrest on Jan. 4. Hinds was arrested June 5 and charged with state-jail felony abuse of corpse. She posted a $2,500 bond the next day.

HOPKINS COUNTY — A narcotics officer in Texas was taken into custody after he was rushed to a hospital and investigators searching his home found drugs he claimed were evidence. On June 11, law enforcement responded to a metal shop in Hopkins County and found Jon Phillips unresponsive on the floor. Phillips, a 34-year-old sergeant with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, was treated and transported to an area hospital, where he was stabilized. On the floor of the shop, near where Phillips collapsed, investigators found a torch lighter and glass pipe that contained what appeared to be a crystal-like residue. Continue reading East Texas deputy arrested, claims drugs found were evidence

TYLER — More than 20 different law enforcement agencies from across the state of Texas are taking part in this two-day training at the Tyler Police Department’s gun range. This comes three weeks after 19 children and two teachers were killed in the Uvalde school shooting. According to our news partner KETK, local first responders are training with ALERRT, also known as the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training program. “Training like this really gets you out of that standard training. It gets you out in the field, and puts you in situations that really get your heart pumping and puts you in that moment and in that situation,” said Tyler Police Public Information Officer, Andy Erbaugh. Continue reading Tyler police host active shooter training for law enforcement agencies

TYLER — A Smith County resident is suing to remove Precinct 1 Constable Curtis Traylor-Harris from office after he was charged with a crime. According to our news partner KETK, the lawsuit argues that Traylor-Harris chose to violate his oath of office on multiple occasions. It asks that the Court temporarily suspend Traylor-Harris without pay, pending final judgement and asks for a jury trial in this case. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement has already suspended Traylor-Harris’s peace officers license. Without a license, the lawsuit states that Traylor-Harris would “not be able to hold office or execute his official duties as Constable,” making him unable to “meet the necessary qualification to remain a constable.” Continue reading Smith County resident files lawsuit to remove jailed constable from office

TYLER — Nearly three-and-a-half years after police were called to the scene of a shooting near Whitehouse, a Tyler man is on trial for the alleged murder of his father. According to our news partner KETK, 39-year-old Tony Chase was arrested on the night of January 7, 2019, after Smith County deputies responded to reports of a shooting near Whitehouse. A release from Sheriff Larry Smith reported at the time that Chase allegedly confessed to shooting his father, 51-year-old Edward Rolando Blaylock. The case has been delayed for years due to various reasons, including overcrowding at the jail and the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial is currently underway.

SMITH COUNTY — After responding to a stolen vehicle call early Monday morning, Smith County deputies arrested Warren Williams, 17, of Wake Village, La., after a foot chase, according to our news partner KETK. Officials said that Williams was also involved in a pursuit with Lindale PD several minutes earlier in relation to a separate stolen vehicle. Deputies were informed that a black 2011 Lincoln MKX had been stolen from a residence near Lindale and began to search the area. Soon after, a Smith County deputy observed a vehicle matching the description of the stolen SUV and as he approached, the officer found that the suspect was still in the car. Continue reading Teen arrested after pursuit through Smith County

TYLER – A heads-up for East Texas drivers out and about this week. TxDOT and contractor crews will be doing bridge inspections on five bridges on I-20 in Gregg, Smith, and Van Zandt Counties Tuesday and Wednesday. TxDOT’s Jeff Williford says the inspections will range from 45 minutes to an hour and will cause short traffic delays. Motorists are urged to use caution. Continue reading TxDOT plans I-20 bridge inspections

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is warning the public of “an armed and dangerous man” on the run, but they now believe the suspect has left the area. According to our news partner KETK, early Monday morning, the department said residents in the area of CR 433 and CR 471 south of I-20 should be on the lookout for a black male in blue jeans and a black hoodie. The man could also be wearing a black bandana. People living in the area were warned to lock their cars and remove any valuables from the inside. Police believed he was looking to steal a car for a quick getaway. The man, whose name was not immediately released, is “believed to be a part of a group that was pursued by multiple agencies in a stolen vehicle late [Sunday] night,” according to Lindale PD. We’ll update this story as new information comes in.

JACKSONVILLE — Three firefighters were injured in a Sunday fire at a historic building on El Paso Street in Jacksonville. According to our news partner KETK, officials confirmed that two of the firefighters had minor injuries. The third was still in the hospital and details on their condition were not immediately available. The fire broke out Sunday at Hotel RITUAL, where the majority of the interior was destroyed. Formerly a home, the facility has been serving as a wellness center and apothecary. The investigation of the fire continues.

LONGVIEW — Both the Longview Swim Center and Longview’s Ingram Pool are adjusting their hours due to the lack of lifeguards available. That’s according to our news partner KETK. There will be partial and complete closures in coming days. The city still has opportunities available for those who are interested in becoming lifeguards. The job information is available here. The adjusted hours of operation for Longview pools can be found at this link.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) – Prosecutors say a retired truck driver from Texas has been charged with killing a woman whose body was found along a freeway onramp in a Southern California desert nearly 30 years ago. The DA’s office in Riverside County, California says cold-case investigators used advances in DNA technology to link Douglas Thomas to the 1993 killing of Sherri Herrera. Thomas is held in Titus County, Texas, awaiting trial for a separate slaying in that state in 1992. It wasn’t immediately known if Thomas has an attorney. Officials say the 67-year-old traveled extensively throughout the U.S. during a 40-year career as a trucker.

TYLER — A trial date of July 18 was set Friday for a 91-year-old man who was arrested on a charge of arson in 2020. According to our news partner KETK, Kermit Francis Gabel of Tyler remains in the Smith County Jail after nearly two years for the charge of arson with intent to damage a habitation or place of worship, as well as a parole violation. Gabel’s bond for the arson charge is set at $250,000. He is accused of setting fire to an abandoned home on South Beckham Avenue on Nov. 6, 2020. Gabel is unusually familiar to law enforcement authorities. His criminal record stretches back to the 1940s.

LONGVIEW — After the mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and in Uvalde, some East Texans got together to address concerns. According to our news partner KETK, on Saturday morning, they gathered at Longview’s Heritage Plaza in hopes of pressuring lawmakers into making some change. Organizers said the goal isn’t to have our second amendment rights taken away, but rather allowing them to exercise their first amendment rights. “Have our legislators understand and know, and hear our voice, that we’ve had enough and something needs to be done,” said Adam Farmer, one of the event organizers. People of all ages joined the effort, including at least one as young as seven. Continue reading “March for Our Lives” in Longview