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TYLER — The Tyler Police Department’s Chief of Police spoke to our news partner KETK News on Wednesday after releasing bodycam footage of an altercation between one of their officers and a woman who allegedly discharged the officer’s gun while it remained in his holster.

According to a release from the department, officers responded to a theft call at a Dollar General. The situation then escalated when one of the suspects, Brianna Erwin, allegedly resisted arrest, causing an altercation to ensue. In a bodycam video released by the department, an officer says, “Let go of my gun” before the gun is discharged.

Tyler PD Chief Jimmy Toler spoke with KETK to clear the air and answer the public’s questions. “I can tell you from the point that we hire an individual, whether they attend our academy or they attend another academy that we’ve approved of, they receive hundreds and hundreds of hours of how to be a police officer including arrest control tactics, use of force procedures, all that,” Toler said. “Then annually, as they come back to us, they do all their qualifications and recertification. They do advanced use of force, they do use of force training here. It is something we take very seriously.” Continue reading Police chief stands by officers’ actions in arrest

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, a Longview ISD student was arrested after allegedly making continuous threats while off campus.

The Longview Police Department was made aware of the threats on Wednesday and charged the student with Terrorist Threat, a third-degree felony. The student was then taken to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center.

“The Longview Police Department remains committed to thoroughly investigating all threats made toward or on school campuses,” Longview PD said. ” Appropriated charges will be pursued in every case to ensure the safety of students.”

Anyone who may know of any suspicious activity is asked to contact Longview PD at 903-237-1199 to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff.

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that STAAR testing could soon hear its final bell as Texas. As lawmakers move toward overhauling the annual exams, educators and parents alike say they fully support its end.

“The STAAR test is very stressful for small kids,” East Texas parent, Jourdan Ballou said. “Knowing that if you don’t pass the STAAR test, you cannot go to the next grade.”

House Bill 4 would change the test format from one test that lasts hours, to three exams taken over the year. Several school districts are also showing their support. Tyler ISD superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said the district is excited the bill passed the house and that they had a hand in its creation. Parents, too, believe the move would also help reduce their children’s test anxiety.

“I would support it because it would give them a chance to prepare the kids for not one big test but rather smaller tests,” East Texas parent James Sholar said. Continue reading East Texans react as STAAR testing ends in Texas

TITUS COUNTY – According to a report from our news partner KETK, an affidavit reveals that a man has been arrested after sexually assaulting a minor at a hotel in Mount Pleasant.

On April 23, the Titus County Sheriff’s Office was assigned to an aggravated sexual assault of a child case that occurred in January 2022. The following day, the victim participated in a forensic interview.

During the interview, the child said she was nine or 10-years-old when she was sexually assaulted in the parking lot of a hotel in Mount Pleasant. She identified the suspect as Camilo Hernandez Jr., and provided more details on the assault.

On Monday, officials interviewed Hernandez, who allegedly “admitted to having had sex [with the victim] when she was nine or 10-years-old. Hernandez justified this act by stating [the victim] had come on to him.”

Following the interview, Hernandez was arrested and booked into the Titus County Jail without incident.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler was awarded $800,000 from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to fund a project led by Dr. Julie George, School of Nursing clinical assistant professor, and Hillary Oliver, School of Nursing simulation hospital and skills lab director. Through this grant, George and Oliver will develop curriculum for nursing faculty across Texas, covering the topics of simulation planning, pre-briefing, facilitation strategies, debriefing, assessment and evaluation and continuous quality improvement.

GREGG COUNTY — TxDOT has announced an eastbound, outside lane closure on I-20 in Gregg County at the Sabine River bridge (mile marker 593) due to damage to the bridge deck. There is no damage to the structure of the bridge. The repairs will begin Wednesday morning, May 14 and are scheduled to take 4-5 days to complete. Motorists are encouraged to pay attention when driving through the work zone and be aware that delays may occur.

HUNTINGTON — The Huntington Police Department said a cyclist was allegedly threatened with a knife by four minors at a park last week, according to our news partner KETK.

The minors confronted and verbally threatened a man bicycling through Huntington City Park. One of the minors then took out a knife while another held a two-by-four wooden plank.

Huntington PD is actively investigating these threats and considering charging two of the juveniles with aggravated assault. “This decision underscores the seriousness of the incident and the potential legal consequences faced by the individuals involved,” Huntington PD Chief Brandan Lovell said.

Lovell added that the two other juveniles involved in the confrontation may also face charges.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department has released body cam footage after a woman grabbed an officer’s firearm and discharged it during an altercation on Sunday afternoon. According to the department and our news partner KETK, around 2:09 a.m., officers responded to a theft at Dollar General on 306 W Gentry Parkway and the officer located two suspects nearby at Albertson Avenue and Whitten Avenue. Officials said that while one complied with the arrest, Brianna Nicole Erwin tried to walk away and resisted when ordered to stop.

“Erwin continuously thrashed about, twisting her body, biting and pulling her arms away from officers,” an affidavit from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said.

“During the struggle, a backup officer arrived to assist with the arrest. The suspect continued to resist arrest and grabbed an officer’s firearm, discharging the weapon,” the police department said. “To prevent further escalation and the use of deadly force, an officer quickly utilized a closed-hand strike. Shortly afterwards, the suspect was taken into custody.” Continue reading Woman discharges officer’s gun during arrest

MOUNT PLEASANT – The City of Mount Pleasant’s newly elected Mayor, Wesley Lyon, will be sworn into office on Wednesday, according to our news partner KETK.

“The biggest thing I want is for the citizens to trust the government again,” Lyon said. “If something needs to be said or something needs to be done, then I’m going to say it or I’m going to do it.”

He was elected to this role on May 3, beating Incumbent Mayor Tracy Craig Sr.

“I certainly wish the new administration the best of luck because I want them to succeed, because if they succeed, the people in the city of Mount Pleasant will succeed,” Craig said. Continue reading Mount Pleasant’s new mayor to be sworn in

LUFKIN – A Lufkin man has pleaded guilty to various wire fraud schemes after he stole more than $9 million through fraudulent means.

Matthew Jess Thrash who had been running a multitude of fraudulent schemes and has been under investigation since 2020, pleaded guilty to wire fraud on Monday, according to a press release from Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Abe McGlothin, Jr.’s Office.

An investigation revealed that Thrash had stolen approximately $9,170,124 from over 100 victims through fraudulent methods. McGlothlin’s press release indicates that Thrash “intended to devise schemes and artifices to defraud others, and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.” Continue reading Lufkin man commits wire, steals more than $9 million

ANDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that deputies are seeking information after multiple cars and houses were burglarized in Houston County and Anderson County.

According to officials, on Monday the Houston County Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls about burglaries that had happened in the area of FM 1272 and CR 2290. Deputies believe the suspects entered two different homes and attempted to enter two cars.

The sheriff’s office said that they believe the suspects are entering houses that appear to not be occupied full-time and cars that appear to be vacant outside residential neighborhoods to look for firearms, cash and jewelry.

The Anderson and Houston County Sheriff’s Office are currently working together to seek information and are asking individuals with security systems in the area to check their footage between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Monday.

RUSK COUNTY– UPDATE: At 8:10 p.m., Tuesday, the Rusk County Emergency Management announced that 911 service is restored for both Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson Police Department.

ORIGINAL STORY: Our news partner KETK reports that the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and Henderson Police Department said Tuesday morning that their 911 system is down.

According to Rusk County Emergency Management, there is an interruption of 911 service for the sheriff’s office and Henderson Police Department. People can call the agencies for emergencies and non-emergencies using these phone numbers Continue reading UPDATE: Rusk County emergency service system back up

CHEROKEE COUNTY – According to a report from our news partner KETK, a 78-year-old woman was found dead inside her home after a Monday evening fire in Cherokee County.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call around 8 p.m. about Gallatin Volunteer Fire Department responding to a fire in the 5000 block of FM 347 near Dialville with an elderly woman possibly still inside. Officials said after the fire was extinguished, the 78-year-old woman was found dead inside her home along with some animals around 12:30 a.m.

The state fire marshal’s office will be assisting in the investigation.

GILMER – East Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran spoke along with Upshur County Sheriff Larry Webb in Gilmer on Monday to show their appreciation for law enforcement.

Moran’s speech was a part of the East Texans for Liberty political action committee’s Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner according to our news partner KETK. The free dinner was hosted at the Barbwire HALO Cowboy Church at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.

“We need to do more of saying thank you to our law enforcement community day in, day out. It shouldn’t just be one week of the year, one day of the year, but we should go out of our way constantly to remind those in the law enforcement community, our first responders, how appreciative we are that they keep our property safe and that they keep us safe,” Moran said.

The event was held as a part of National Police Week which President Donald Trump declared as May 11 through May 17 in a proclamation on Monday.

KILGORE – Our news partner KETK is reporting that the City of Kilgore said the intersection of Danville Drive and Danville Road will be closed this week.

From May 13 though May 16, the intersection will be closed so crews can do repairs to the water main tap on Danville Drive. According to the city, Danville Road will remain open but Danville Drive will become a temporary dead end at the intersection. Danville Drive residents will still be able to access Danville Road through Forest Lane until these repairs are finished and the intersection is reopened.

TYLER — According to our news partner KETK, the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NETRMA) announced that parts of Toll 49 will be closed through Monday evening till early morning on Tuesday. NETRMA said Toll 49 will be closed between State Highway 155 and State Highway 31 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. for gantry maintenance.

The agency encourages travelers to find an alternative route during this time frame. Travelers who want to stay updated on closures and road conditions can visit the NET RMA website.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Gov. Greg Abbott continues to seek stricter bail laws after authorities lost track of a murder suspect in Van Zandt County last week.

According to our news partner KETK, Trevor McEuen was due in court, on May 5, after he was charged with murder in connection with the 2023 fatal shooting of Aaron Martinez in Kaufman County. At around 5:33 a.m. that day, McEuen, who had been released from jail after posting a $2,000,000 bond, removed his ankle monitor and left his family’s Van Zandt County home where he was confined to house arrest.

McEuen’s disappearance triggered a search of Van Zandt County and the issuing of a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest after officials concluded that he had left the county.

On Wednesday, FOX4 in Dallas reported that Abbott had a round table discussion centered around his desire for the Texas Legislature to pass new laws that will deny bail to those charged with certain violent offenses. Continue reading Abbott seeks stricter bail laws after East Texas search

HARRISON COUNTY — Authorities are seeking information regarding a Thursday morning shooting in Harrison County according to our news partner KETK.

According to a release from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred at the intersection of FM 9 and FM 1999 around 10:30 a.m. A witness described the vehicle as a black or blue 2013-2018 Kia. The person officials are searching for is described as being a Black man, 5 feet 6 inches tall to 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a slender build and short hair. At the time, he was wearing a pattern shirt with blue jeans.

The public is asked not to approach the suspect as they are considered armed and dangerous. The sheriff’s office said those with information about the suspect or the case can contact Investigator Rocco Bruno at 903-923-4000 or remain anonymous by calling crime stoppers at 903-935-9969.

LUFKIN — Child marriages in Texas could end this year, as state lawmakers debate a proposal that would close a loophole from a 2017 law that allows certain 16- and 17-year-olds to wed.

House Bill 168 by state Rep. Jon Rosenthal, a Houston Democrat, would also nullify all existing marriage licenses involving minors, including those who move into the state after being married elsewhere.

The Texas House could vote on the matter as early as Saturday. For it to become law, the legislation would also need approval from the Senate.

Marriage among teenagers is rare after lawmakers took steps in 2017 to curb the practice. Still, Rosenthal believes the practice must be abolished entirely. Continue reading Texas may end all child marriages

BULLARD – According to a press release from Bullard ISD, on Tuesday, May 13, Bullard High School is hosting a scheduled CHRISTUS EMS and Flight For Life school visit for its Health Sciences students. These students will spend the day rotating through the vehicles during class to get hands-on experience. The visit will include the helicopter, ambulance, and a training trailer. The helicopter is expected to land in the Band parking lot behind the school between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Christus says, please do not be alarmed if you see or hear the helicopter in the area.

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man in connection with two burglaries, according to our news partner, KETK.

The sheriff’s office said Wayne Nathaniel “Nate” Hooser is wanted for burglary of habitation and burglary of a building in Lakeway Harbor. Hooser was previously arrested for burglary of a building, failure to ID, being a fugitive from justice, and criminal trespass.

Those who have information regarding Hooser’s whereabouts can contact Detective Justin Eakin by phone at 903-590-2969 or email at JEakin@smith@smith-county.com. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is also available at 903-566-6600.

TEXARKANA — According to our news partner KETK, 21 year-old man was found dead inside a Texarcana home on Saturday.

Officials responded to the home on Carroll Street after receiving reports of shots fired. When they arrived, they found the 21-year-old dead and a 52-year-old injured. The 52-year-old was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. This marks the first homicide investigation of the year for the department and anybody with information is asked to contact them at 903-798-3875 or Texarkana Area Crime Stoppers at 903-793-STOP to leave an anonymous tip.

”It looks like the shooter – or shooters – fired several rounds into the house from the street before running off,” the department said.

A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information.

WACO – Our news partner KETK is reporting that Whitehouse native and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Waco on Saturday.

Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl Champion, was quarterback for the Whitehouse High School Wildcats before playing for Texas Tech University in college. Whitehouse ISD Athletics congratulated him on his achievements and being a part of the 2025 Texas High School Football Hall of Fame class.

“Congratulations to our very own Patrick Mahomes on being inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame! From Friday night lights at Whitehouse High to the brightest stage in the NFL, Patrick has always represented our community with class, grit and heart. This honor is a testament to his hard work, leadership, and the legacy he continues to build both on and off the field. Congratulations, Patrick! Your journey continues to inspire young athletes here in East Texas and across the country. We’re so proud to call you one of our own!”
Whitehouse ISD Athletics

Mahomes wasn’t the only #bEASTTexas legend to be honored this year. Legendary Gilmer Buckeyes football coach Jeff Traylor and longtime East Texas sports broadcaster David Smoak were right alongside Mahomes in the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

TYLER – The Dollar General Literacy Fund recently awarded $61,500 in literacy grants to East Texas nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools.

“For over 30 years, the Foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,” executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Denine Torr told our news partner KETK. “Today’s grant announcement is a celebration of our unwavering commitment to student and teacher success. We are grateful to all the grant recipients for their commitment to advancing education and helping students thrive.”

The Texan organizations receiving the grants are expected to help more than 50,000 individuals. The grants will help support schools, public libraries and nonprofit organizations that are within a 15 mile radius of a Dollar General Store or distribution center.

A list of the donations and the programs that received them can be found here.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department praised several officers and medics on Thursday for the brave actions they displayed when an officer was shot on duty. According to our news partner KETK, Officer R. Leininger received the Purple Heart award for taking a gunshot wound to the leg while trying to arrest a suspect in a vehicle burglary incident.

After Leininger was shot, Officer Kientz placed a tourniquet on his bleeding leg while Officer Jones secured the suspect. Jones noticed that Leininger needed a second tourniquet and assisted Kientz in applying the second tourniquet. Kientz and Jones’ immediate actions helped stabilize Leininger until medical assistance arrived and were awarded Lifesaving Awards. Continue reading Longview officer awarded Purple Heart

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD announced on Friday that 17-year-old Longview High School student Colleen Cleaver died earlier this month. According to our news partner KETK, Cleaver was an 11th-grade student at Longview High School who died on May 3. Longview ISD is not currently sharing details out of respect for Cleaver’s family.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Colleen Cleaver, a student at Longview High School,” Longview ISD said. “On behalf of Longview ISD, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Colleen’s family, friends and the educators who supported her. During this difficult time, our thoughts are with all who knew and loved Colleen.” The district extends its deepest condolences to the family and counseling services will be available to students and staff.

LUFKIN — A Lufkin man has been arrested for murder after allegedly fatally shooting a man during a speeding dispute on Wednesday night, an on-view arrest complaint from the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office reveals. According to our news partner KETK, an Angelina County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a call from a man identified as Phillip Hunter Gersbach of Lufkin, who told dispatch that he had shot someone at around 11:15 p.m. on Wednesday. The deputy noticed an unresponsive man on the ground and performed CPR on the victim while Gersbach remained near the patrol unit.

Once the second deputy arrived, they took over chest compressions on the victim while the first deputy took the suspect into custody. The deputy put the suspect in the back seat of her patrol unit to deescalate the situation as a woman at the scene was “irate and hostile.” MS arrived on the scene and declared the man dead at 11:37 p.m. after no pulse could be found. The arrest document states that Gersbach was then read his Miranda rights and interviewed about what happened. Continue reading Lufkin man arrested for murder after speeding dispute

TYLER — Pope Leo XIV was celebrated today in Tyler by a local bishop who dedicated an official mass to the new pontiff. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Bishop Greg Kelly dedicated a mass to honor the new pope, Chicago-born Robert Prevost.

“At the very heart of it is the personal encounter with Christ to come to know, love and serve him and the ongoing conversion that calls to us throughout our life,” Kelly said.

Kelly is “still learning more about the new Pope” and is “fascinated by the Pontiff’s choice to take the name Pope Leo XIV.” Bishop Kelly is also “just as surprised” that the new pope is American and is filled with anticipation to see what Pope Leo XIV will accomplish.

LONGVIEW – Our news partner KETK reports that this May, Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center is recognizing National Stroke Awareness month by bringing attention to the risk factors and prevention methods that are associated with the disease.

According to local medical professionals a stroke is defined as a disruption of blood flow due to the blockage of an artery most commonly caused by a blood clot. Joe Bowers, the stroke medical director at Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center, said that about 85% of strokes are labeled as ischemic strokes and the remaining 15% are considered hemorrhagic strokes.

Bowers described how damaging a stroke could be to the brain. “For every minute that you’re having a stroke you’re losing millions of brain cells. That varies depending on the size of the stroke and what part. The longer you go, the more the brain is being affected,” said Bowers. “Within the first few hours there’s this window where those brain cells are kind of stunned but they’re salvageable. After the first few hours those brain cells typically don’t recover. So the quicker we can intervene, the more likely we can salvage more brain tissue that hasn’t been permanently injured. Continue reading Longview medical professionals share stroke prevention tips