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HOUSTON COUNTY – The Houston County Sheriff’s Office said they’ve arrested two additional suspects wanted in connection to the death of 16-year-old Michael Ortiz.

According to our news partner KETK, officers with the United States Marshal’s Service’s fugitive task force arrested two adults who are believed to be involved in Ortiz’s murder. The sheriff’s office said that one adult was arrested in Montgomery County while the other was arrested in Ellis County.

Two adults and two minors were arrested on May 6, just four days after Ortiz’s body was found dead on County Road 4020, outside of Crockett, on May 2. The two adults arrested, Emmanuel “Manny” Mata and Edgar Hernandez, were charged with murder and are being held on bonds of $2 million each. An arrest affidavit revealed details of how Ortiz was killed. Continue reading Additional suspects arrested in Houston County murder

TYLER — According to our news partner KETK, the Tyler Police Department has stepped up their STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program) for Memorial Day weekend.

With traffic expected to increase over the holiday weekend, the Tyler PD is encouraging residents to be alert for drunk or intoxicated drivers on the road or while boating. Through Monday, the department will have extra officers out in the city and at Lake Tyler, specifically to look out for drunk drivers.

“We want everyone to enjoy the Memorial Day holiday. Please be responsible and don’t drink and drive,” the Tyler Police Department said. “We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!”

On Monday, the Texas Department of Transportation launched their annual ‘Click It Or Ticket’ driver safety campaign which means they’re also increasing their efforts to keep drivers safe.

MOUNT PLEASANT – According to our news partner KETK, Mount Pleasant city manager Kimberly Meek has resigned from her position, citing unexpected family matters out of the state.

“After considerable reflection and due to unexpected personal family matters out of state, I write this letter to notify you that I am resigning my position as City Manager of Mount Pleasant, effective immediately,” Meek said to the Mount Pleasant City Council on Friday.

Meek has only served as the city manager for just two months but she said she values all the relationships she’s made in Mount Pleasant. Continue reading Mount Pleasant city manager resigns from office after two months

UPDATE: Officials with Smith County Emergency Services District 2 have confirmed that the body of a 14-year-old juvenile reported missing on Friday night has been recovered from Hideaway Lake according to our news partner KETK. ESD2 said divers were searching the lake for the juvenile’s body but have since stopped their search after his body was found, hours after he was reported missing while swimming in the lake. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is investigating the 14-year-old’s death.

HIDEAWAY LAKE – Law enforcement is currently looking for a 14-year-old juvenile who went missing at Hideaway Lake on Friday night.
Longview man located by Gregg County officials

The juvenile was swimming with friends in Hideaway Lake when he got separated from his friends, according to Smith County Emergency Services District 2. Teams are currently on the water and diving in the lake looking for the juvenile, ESD2 officials said.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY – The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Cherino man following a crime spree early Friday morning, according to our news partner KETK.

Shortly after 5 a.m., deputies were called to a residence in the 16800 block of Farm-to-Market Road 95 S. in reference to a busted window which triggered an alarm.

About 30 minutes later, officials were called to reports of a vehicle on fire on County Road 486. The shed where the car was parked was also on fire. During the investigation, deputies observed suspicious vehicle marks in the yard along with a buttstock to a weapon that did not belong to the homeowner.

Less than 10 minutes later deputies were called to Cherino ISD, where a witness reported the police vehicle that is parked at the district was on fire. The witness was also able to give a description of the vehicle they said left the scene, which was a black Honda CRV. Continue reading Man arrested after early morning crime spree

GREGG COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports that the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man who was last seen on Wednesday at his home in Longview.

According to the sheriff’s office, Morgan Brady Smith was last seen wearing jeans, a white -sleeved, collared button-up shirt, and skater shoes. Smith’s vehicle is a black 2007 Honda Coupe with the the front bumper missing, Texas license plate: SFX3672

If anyone has information about Morgan’s whereabouts or have seen the car described, they are asked to contact the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office at 903-236-8400 or call 911.

TYLER – Starting on Friday, May 23rd through Monday, May 26th, the Tyler Police Department will be adding additional officers on the street utilizing STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program). With increased traffic in the city and at Lake Tyler for the Memorial Day weekend, these officers will be specifically watching for impaired or intoxicated drivers. They want everyone to enjoy the Memorial Day Holiday. Please be responsible and don’t drink and drive.

SULPHUR SPRINGS – Our news partner KETK reports that the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a 16-year-old girl who was last seen at work on Thursday in Sulphur Springs.

According to the sheriff’s office, 16-year-old Evelyn Vazquez was last seen working at the McDonald’s in Sulphur Springs.

Officials said Vazquez could be with 25-year-old Angel Daniel Garduno, who has a 2010 tan Chevy Malibu.

TYLER — Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-TX, said “House Republicans delivered on the promises we made to the American people” in a statement on Thursday after the Texas House passed President Donald Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’.

The ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ is a fiscal package bill from Trump with the goal of cutting $1.5 trillion from the the government’s budget in an effort to establish different tax laws, overtime pay and more. According to our news partner KETK, Moran released this message in statement following the bill’s passage in the Texas House.

“With today’s passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, House Republicans delivered on the promises we made to the American people,” Moran said. “This legislation puts working families, small businesses, and rural communities back at the center of our economic future—right where they belong.” Continue reading Rep. Moran reacts to passing ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

TYLER– Texas Civil Rights activists said in Thursday press conference that they demand the resignation of the police chief, the termination of the officers involved in the incident and others in the department. According to our news partner KETK, Civil Rights activists Quanell X and Candice Matthews were deeply disturbed watching the video of Brianna Erwin’s arrest on Mother’s Day.

X and Matthews called for Chief Jimmy Toler’s resignation, the termination of the officers involved and Toler’s leadership team.

Chief Toler stated he supports the actions of his officers. He added that his officers are trained to increase restraint when a suspect increases their resistance.

Tyler PD said during the struggle, Erwin managed to fire a gun shot from the holster of the officer. Toler said to deescalate the situation the officer was seen giving Erwin a “closed hand strike.” Continue reading Civil Rights activists call for Tyler Police resignations

TYLER – It was a packed house Thursday at the W T Brookshire Conference Center, as Mayor Don Warren addressed the 900 attendees about Tyler today, and it’s future. Warren said, “One of the best decisions I ever made was coming back home to Tyler. This city raised me, and I’ve spent the last 11 years on Council and as Mayor working to ensure that every part of Tyler has the chance to thrive.”

He explained that the city is creating a foundation for long-term success. He gave examples of park upgrades to fixing city streets. Also, a new downtown parking garage is complete. A new courthouse is under construction and construction will soon begin on a complete streetscape redesign. The redesign, includes wider sidewalks, roundabouts, restored two-way traffic, and more room for outdoor dining. The City is also working closely with the Valencia Hotel Group on a proposed 144-room full-service hotel.
Continue reading Mayor Warren gives state of Tyler address

LONGVIEW – A 19-year-old has been arrested in Longview after allegedly robbing a business on Tuesday evening, according to our news partner KETK.

Officers from the Longview Police Department arrived at the 1500 block of Pine Tree Road after receiving reports of a robbery. Officers learned that the suspect had demanded cash from the clerk. The suspect was believed armed with a deadly weapon, according to officials.

The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Bryson Lewis from Longview, who was subsequently arrested on Wednesday. Lewis was charged with aggravated robbery and is being held on a $90,000 bond.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A Van Zandt County inmate has died after experiencing a medical emergency while working with a road repair crew on May 12.

According to our news partner KETK and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, Andrew Mark “Tubby” Harris of Grand Saline had a medical emergency and was immediately given CPR before dying at a hospital soon after. Harris was a “trustee” inmate working with Van Zandt County’s Precinct 3 Road repair crew while under supervision.

An investigation is underway and the cause of death has not been announced.

UPDATE: Tyler PD arrested 34-year-old Joshua Isiah Malina on Tuesday for the murder of 28-year-old Karsen Lynn Stewart. Malina is being held at the Smith County Jail on a $2 million bond.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is seeking answers following the murder of a 28-year-old woman on Saturday.

According to our news partner KETK, officers arrived on the scene in the 400 block of S. Confederate Ave in Tyler after receiving calls regarding a homicide. According to officials, the victim was Karsen Lynn Stewart from Mineola and her family has been notified. Tyler PD said Stewart had multiple stab wounds and was found in the roadway near her car.

The case remains under investigation and anyone with any information is asked to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000.

CHANDLER – According to a report from our news partner KETK, a man was hospitalized after being hit by a train on Tuesday in Chandler.

Chandler Police Department Chief Kalon Rollins said the man driving a truck was attempting to cross the tracks into a private driveway area when he was hit by the train. Rollins said the man got out of his truck with minor injuries before being taken to a local hospital. The incident remains under investigation.

HAWKINS – The Hawkins mayor was booked into the Wood County Jail on Wednesday after tampering with government records, arrest documents show, according to our news partner KETK.

After only being the Hawkins mayor for a little over a year, starting in February 2024, Deborah Lynn Rushing of Hawkins was arrested and charged with tampering with governmental records on Wednesday.

In recent months, this East Texas town with a population of less than 1,300 people, has been rocked by resignations, calls to disband the police department, a lawsuit and now an arrest of the current mayor. Continue reading Hawkins mayor arrested for tampering with government records

JEFFERSON – According to our news partner KETK, the Jefferson Police Department is seeking the public’s help to identify a man who they believe committed wire theft, possibly causing signal and service disruptions across the area.

Video footage of the suspect was obtained through a tactical game camera. Officials are now looking for the public’s help to identify the man seen in the video as they believe he could have caused poor signal and service disruptions for residents in the area.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity is asked to contact the Jefferson Police Department at 903-665-2432.

FLINT — What was intended to be a quiet stay at ‘The Oasis on Valley,’ a Flint Airbnb, took an unsettling turn when gunshots echoed through the neighborhood, prompting concerns about who is renting these properties and whether short-term rentals belong in residential areas, according to our news partner KETK.

“In the evening, my relative went to bed and heard firecrackers going off around midnight. Come to find out they were driving up and down the streets, shooting towards each other,” a concerned relative, David said.

Just down the street from the Airbnb house, holes are visible in the stop sign. The owners said they have not had this issue in the past, and the customer told them they would only have four visitors in the home, but according to neighbors, there were more than 30 at the house. Continue reading Local Airbnb shooting prompts calls for stricter vetting

CROCKETT- A routine traffic stop in Crockett on Monday morning led to a police chase and an arrest for drug possession, according to our news partner KETK.

Officers initiated a traffic stop and the driver, Josue Luis Delagarza, chose not to stop his vehicle which forced authorities to pursue Delagarza along city streets as he drove recklessly, according to officials. Delagarza eventually turned onto a dead-end road and attempted to flee on foot before officers managed to arrest him on Parkway Street. During the arrest, cocaine was found in Delagarza’s possession, according to officials.

Following his arrest, Delagarza was charged with evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance along with several outstanding misdemeanor warrants, according to officials.

ANGELINA COUNTY — A Lufkin woman was arrested on Sunday after a two-year-old boy was brought to a hospital in Lufkin for a THC overdose in April, an arrest affidavit reveals. According to our news partner KETK,  the boy was brought to a local hospital by his mother, 19-year-old Brianna Rene’ Lawrence, and another woman because he was not “waking up.” The toddler was found not alert by ER staff and was only responding to painful stimuli, officials said.

While an officer was speaking with Lawrence she allegedly admitted to using different THC products including THC gummies, marijuana and THC vape pens. After officers searched a white KIA SUV she used to transport the toddler to the hospital, they found marijuana with THC in the center console, the court documents said. The vehicle used wasn’t owned by Lawrence but the owner told the officer that the marijuana was Lawrence’s. Continue reading Two-year-old tests positive for THC at Lufkin hospital

TYLER — Colm Conneen of Tyler, a May 2025 graduate of The University of Texas at Tyler, has received a one-year U.S. Fulbright fellowship to conduct post-graduate research beginning this fall at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. While there, Conneen will study microbial microcosms in pitcher plants, which is a continuation of his interests in community ecology and mathematical ecology. Fulbright selection is based on academic excellence and previous research experience.

“We congratulate Colm, who is a prime example of the excellent students we have in biology who go on to do amazing things,” said Dr. Neil Gray, UT Tyler College of Arts and Sciences dean. “I also want to thank Dr. Joshua Banta for being a tremendous mentor and supporter.”

A UT Tyler professor of biology, Banta previously taught Conneen and served as his undergraduate faculty research adviser in the lab. They collaborated on research focused on the ecological niche modeling –– which is predicting a species distribution area with statistical methods –– of Texas crayfish. Continue reading UT Tyler alum named international Fulbright research fellow

RUSK COUNTY – A man was arrested Monday morning after reportedly breaking into a woman’s home in Rusk County and assaulting her with a cooking pan. According to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and our news partner KETK, deputies received an early morning call about a home burglary in progress and when they arrived on scene they heard screaming from inside.

Officials said deputies forced their way inside and found the suspect, Christopher Lee Heard, who had broken into the home, and then assaulted a woman with a cooking pan. Deputies arrested Heard for burglary of a habitation with the intent to commit a felony (aggravated assault), and he is being held on a $100,000 bond at the Rusk County Jail.

The victim was transported to a Tyler hospital where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

TYLER – According to our news partner, KETK, The Texas Department of Transportation held an event in Tyler on Monday to launch their annual ‘Click It Or Ticket’ driver safety campaign. The campaign means law enforcement is increasing their efforts to ensure that drivers buckle up while on the roads. From Monday until June 1, all drivers caught not wearing a seat belt in a moving vehicle will be given a ticket, not a warning or an exception like many drivers may be used to.

“We want to make sure that everyone is safe. We don’t want anyone to be in a crash and not go home to their families, friends, coworkers, what have you,” said Tyler traffic safety specialist with TxDOT Heather Singleton said. “We’ve estimated that we’ve saved almost 10,000 lives by doing this event.”

To learn more about the campaign, click here.

TYLER – A Tyler woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday after a deputy found fentanyl inside her 6-month-old’s diaper during a traffic stop in 2024, according to our news partner KETK. Around 11:30 p.m. on May 5, 2024, a Smith County Sheriff’s deputy pulled over a vehicle near Van Highway and Loop 323 for a traffic violation. Officials said when the deputy pulled over the driver, Dre-Darian Taerondrick Ester, they smelled marijuana from the vehicle, resulting in a search.

The deputy then asked the child’s mother, Jada La Nae Speight, who was in the passenger seat, to change the baby’s diaper, officials said. At this moment, the deputy saw a “bottle of pressed fentanyl” inside the diaper.

Ester pleaded guilty to manufacturing/delivering of a controlled substance on Oct. 21, 2024, and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. On Friday, Speight pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

TYLER – A potential bill is being proposed which would expand the sale of ungraded eggs, according to our news partner, KETK.

If passed, Bill 1864, which is in the House Agriculture and Livestock committee, would expand the sale of ungraded eggs. Currently, the only way you can sell wholesale is to grade your eggs. Which are inspected by a certified grading station.

“It’s not a safety issue. It’s not that a grade B egg is not as good as a grade A egg. It just has to do with size and weight and things like that,” State Rep. Brent Money said. Representative Money serves on the committee and says this would open a lot of doors for small East Texas egg producers.

“Any time you can expand the market and make it easier for them to sell their products, it’s better for their business and it’s better for the consumer,” Money said. Continue reading Bill proposed to allow small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs wholesale