Today is
Monday July 27, 2026
TYLER — Tyler Police have identified a suspect wanted in a fatal shooting. An arrest warrant has been issued for Aquinas Lamar Dixon (pictured), 32, Tyler. Officers said around 8:50 Wednesday night, a shooting at the Domino Club pool hall left Earnest Dennis, 28, dead. He was found face down in the parking lot across the street from the pool hall on Morris Street. Dennis was pronounced dead at ETMC. Dixon is considered armed and dangerous. He was last seen driving a 90’s or early 2000 dark colored Jaguar with paper tags. Call police with any information.
WOOD COUNTY — A man wanted for the murder of his son was recently arrested in Lubbock County, according to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. KETK reports, George Wayne Saunders, 62, of Mineola, was indicted in Wood County for murder on May 31. Saunders was first arrested for manslaughter back in 2011 after his son, Loren, died from a gunshot wound to the chest at the Chaney Point RV Park in Alba. At the time of his death, Saunders told investigators he walked in on his 16-year-old son twirling a revolver when the gun fired. The shooting was initially ruled accidental. In May 2011, the Medical Examiner’s Office labeled the death suspicious. An arraignment hearing set for August 4.
GREGG COUNTY — A Longview man faces additional charges after police said they found more than 5 grams of methamphetamine in his possession. According to the Longview News-Journal and KETK, Julio Cesar Banuelos, 34, was held Tuesday in the Gregg County Jail on $10,000 bond, charged with possession of a controlled substance measuring more than 4 grams but less than 200 grams. He also had a warrant for his arrest on a driving while intoxicated charge. Banuelos was arrested on the outstanding warrant about 7 p.m. Monday on Crystal Street after a traffic stop. Police said they found two small plastic bags containing 5.7 grams of meth in his pants pocket.
SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man has been arrested after he allegedly stole a car Tuesday morning. According to KETK, Jarode Detwin Wilson, 30, was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery. Wilson had asked an acquaintance for a ride around 1 a.m. During the trip, Wilson reportedly pulled a gun and threatened the victim. The victim pulled over and jumped out of the car. Wilson took off in the vehicle but was caught by Tyler Police a short time later. Wilson was booked into the Smith County Jail on $50,000 bond.
HARRISON COUNTY — A Marshall man wanted for assault has been arrested. Dillon Burr, 22, turned himself in to Harrison County Deputies around 1:30 Monday morning. He’s accused of assaulting a man at a Chevron station on East End Boulevard June 25th. Burr is charged with injury to the disabled and probation violation. He was booked into the Harrison County Jail with bond set at $125,000.
LONGVIEW — A man was arrested Thursday after police said he punched a Longview officer attempting to arrest him. According to the Longview News-Journal and KETK, Cesar Danilo Cordova, 22, was held Friday on bonds totaling $22,500, charged with assault of a public servant, evading arrest detention with a previous conviction and harassment of a public servant. Jail records showed Cordova also was being held on an immigration detainer. Police responded about 7 p.m. Thursday to the 500 block of East Marshall Avenue in reference to a criminal mischief in progress.
GREGG COUNTY — A Diana man was killed Thursday in a wreck north of Longview after his vehicle was struck head on by another driver. Benjamin Murphy, 34, was traveling south just before 9:00 Thursday night on U.S. 259 when a pickup truck traveling north stuck Murphy’s vehicle head-on. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup, Danny Lee, 61, of Longview, was taken to Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview with injuries.
TYLER — The City of Tyler Traffic Engineering Department is installing a new traffic signal cabinet at the intersection of Paluxy Drive and Shiloh Road today. Work began at 9:00 and is expected to wrap up by 1:30. The intersection will be a four-way stop until work is finished. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes if possible.
TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating an early morning shooting. Officers were called to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital around 12:30 this morning regarding a man with a gunshot wound. The victim said he was shot while sitting in his parked car on Nutbush Avenue. Several people reportedly found him in the roadway and drove him to the hospital. His identity has not been released. Contact Tyler P-D with any information. Call Tyler Police with any information.
TYLER — One woman is arrested after police she intentionally ran over another woman following a fight. Officers said it happened around 12:30 this morning at a car wash on Bow Street. The victim told officers she had gotten into an altercation earlier that night outside the Banana Tree night club on Gentry. The victim was on foot when she was hit by a gold Nissan, driven by Keria Mumphrey, 21, Tyler. Mumphrey was found a short time later at her home. She was arrested and charged with aggravated assault. Her bond was set at $30,000.
TYLER — Tyler Police are searching for the suspect wanted in an early morning shooting that sent a young teen to the hospital. Just after 3:00 Thursday morning, officers were called to a home on McDonald Road in reference to an aggravated assault. Several bullets had been fired into the house, one hitting an 13-year-old boy in the leg. He remains hospitalized. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tyler Police.
AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Transportation has reported major issues with their toll tags. According to KETK, TxDOT said the error was caused by the agency attempting to work with Kansas and other states to allow for Texas toll tags to work in their states. During the transition, account information between the partnering toll authorities was delayed and, as a result, some customers were issued a Pay By Mail invoice and violations in error. TxDOT says they are experiencing a high volume of calls related to the problem. Read the rest of this entry »
GREGG COUNTY — A Tyler woman was arrested Monday after police said she pulled a small plastic bag of methamphetamine from her bra. According to the Longview News-Journal, Michelle Nicole Coward, 30, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of a dangerous drug and tamper/fabricate physical evidence with intent to impair. Coward was a passenger in a car stopped around noon Monday in Kilgore for a defective brake light. A Gregg County Deputy Constable reportedly found several prescription pills in Coward’s possession, which she said she got from her grandmother. The deputy also said she was in possession of a glass pipe and two small plastic bags she had hidden in her bra, one of which contained meth. Coward was booked into the Gregg County Jail with bonds totaling $11,000.
LUFKIN — Tony Houston, 37, Lufkin, was arrested Tuesday night after the Lufkin Police Chief witnessed him stealing tires from a Jeep Cherokee in the parking lot a restaurant. Cops initially received a report around 4:30 regarding a suspect stealing two tires from the vehicle in the parking lot of parked in Cafe Del Rio. The suspect was gone when officer arrived. Around 7:10, Chief Gerald Williamson was at the restaurant when Houston returned and saw him remove the remaining two tires. A chase ensued and Houston was arrested at his home. He was booked into the Angelina County Jail. The tires were recovered and officers put the wheels back on the vehicle.
TYLER — The National Transportation Safety Board has released their preliminary report regarding a fatal plane crash in Tyler July 13. The pilot and passenger were killed. According to KETK, the pilot of the plane was retired Southwest Airlines pilot, Bobby Walls, 62, of Huntsville. According to his Facebook page, he worked for the airline for 23 years. Walls is a 1977 graduate of Baylor University. The passenger, Trevor Morris, 39, was a pastor at Union Hill Baptist Church in Brownsboro. Morris served as a missionary in Ecuador. He was also a husband and father of five. Morris was also the General Manager at Burton Oil Service Operations in Midland. Services for Morris were held Tuesday at Rock Hill Baptist Church in Brownsboro. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man has been arrested for child sex crimes. According to KETK, the United States Marshal Service arrested Frank Gray Jr., 58, Friday for indecency with a child by sexual contact. He was booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $60,000. Additional details were not available.
MARSHALL — The Department of Public Safety said a Marshall man died early Saturday morning in an ATV wreck. According to KETK, around 2:20, Garfield M. Williams, 40, was driving the ATV in a ditch when it struck a culvert and rolled. Williams died after he was thrown from the vehicle.
TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of July 17, 2017. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones.
The SH 64 resurfacing project continues from Loop 323 to just west of the Tyler Pounds Airport. Seal coat operations kick off Monday, July 17, and include lane closures with possible delays for traffic. Motorists are urged to avoid the area if at all possible during this work. Flaggers will provide traffic control. More project information is available in the Smith County section of this news release. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — A child was taken to Children’s Hospital following a near drowning at Lake Tyler. According to KETK, it happened around 4:00 Sunday afternoon at Hill Creek Park in Whitehouse. Responding emergency crews said by the time they had arrived, the child had been pulled from the water but was not fully alert. She was taken to a Tyler hospital, then transported to Dallas as a precaution. As of Sunday evening, the toddler remained hospitalized.
TYLER — Rose Festival Queen Emily Kaye Evans is excited about this year’s 84th annual event, set for October 19-22. At Friday night’s Festival Kickoff, Emily told KTBB, “I’ve seen the full costume, which is very exciting for me, and I’ve met so many wonderful girls that have come in from out of town.” She added, “I’ve really enjoyed learning more about what the Rose Festival really means to the community, and the sense of pride and all.” A key purpose of the kickoff is to honor the Festival volunteers. Emily remarked, “This would not be possible without any of them, and I am very grateful for all that they’ve done — what they’re continuing to do every year.” The Rose Festival is Tyler’s annual salute to the local rose industry. Go to http://www.texasrosefestival.com to learn more.
GREGG COUNTY — Longview Police continue to investigate a fatal accident at Estes Parkway and I-20. According to the LPD Facebook page, around 11:45 Saturday night, a Chevy Silverado truck left the westbound lane of I-20. It reportedly fell from the roadway and hit a stationary train below and caught fire. Nelda Holland Cooper, 77, Troup, was identified as the victim via partial VIN number. West bound I-20 was closed for several hours. The cause of the crash has not been determined.
TYLER (Staff/AP) — Authorities have released the name of the pilot killed in a private twin-engine plane crash Thursday morning near Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The pilot, William Robert Walls, 62, Huntsville, and passenger, Trevor Morris, 39, Murchison, both died at the scene. Walls was a retired Southwest Airlines pilot. Morris (pictured) was the lead Pastor at Union Hill Baptist Church in Brownsboro. He leaves behind a wife and five children. According to KETK, he was also the General Manager at Burton Oil Service Operations in Midland. City officials said the plane left from Tyler around 8:00 Thursday morning. The Tyler Police Department, Tyler and Dixie Fire Departments, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Smith County Emergency Services District all assisted in the search. ETMC Air 1 was also at the scene. The Department of Public Safety has taken over the investigation. The FAA is also investigating the crash.
SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man was taken into custody Wednesday morning after he allegedly showed up drunk to jury duty at the Smith County Courthouse. According to KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said Taylor Ryan Huckaby, 23, arrived at the courthouse and appeared to be slurring his words. The man was then reported to deputies. When deputies responded to the reports, they found Huckaby and asked him what was inside his cup he was carrying. At this point Huckaby tried to leave, but he was stopped and beer was found inside the cup, stated the Sheriff’s Office. Huckaby was arrested and charged with public intoxication.
SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County deputy, hurt in the line of duty, is in need of an organ transplant. His partner is stepping up to the call. Deputy Sherman Dollison’s match was working right next to him. Detective Josh Hill is donating his kidney. In 2005, Dollison was a court security officer for the sheriff’s office when he was severely injured in a courthouse shooting. He was shot multiple times and underwent several surgeries. Dollison recovered and now serves as a detective. Twelve years later he is in need of a kidney transplant. Detective Hill was an exact match. Read the rest of this entry »
HENDERSON COUNTY — A wanted fugitive has been arrested following a foot chase. According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s office, a deputy was attempting to make a traffic stop Tuesday night when the suspect reportedly fled on foot. Jeremy Meeks, 33, ran into a wooded area. He was arrested a short time later. Meeks was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. He was charged with felony manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence and evading arrest. He also faces charges for the outstanding warrants for assault family violence and criminal trespassing of a habitation.
ATHENS — Rami Carroll, 22, was arrested by Henderson County Sheriff’s Deputies Saturday morning. Deputies were responding to a report of a stolen vehicle, which was found stuck in the mud in the Gun Barrel City area. Carroll showed up a short time later and was arrested on site. He was said to be in possession of meth. It’s unclear if he’ll face charges in connection to the stolen vehicle.
LONGVIEW — A Longview woman was arrested Friday after police said she walked into the Longview Museum of Fine Arts and stole food from the museum refrigerator. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Tyrina Craig, 47, was held without bond Friday in the Gregg County jail, charged with burglary of a building. Police responded about 2 a.m. Friday to an alarm call at LMFA in downtown Longview. Police said they found Craig inside the building eating food from the museum refrigerator.
EAST TEXAS — As the U.S. Senate struggles to come up with a plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, many Republicans in the house are waiting impatiently. East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert says the proposed senate bill leaves a lot to be desired. He told Fox News, “The Senate, all this time later and they come out with a bill that is not popular enough, because according to people I trust, we’re leaving all of Obamacare in place.” He said, “The premiums aren’t going to come down, the deductibles aren’t going to come down.” But U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Utah Senator Mike Lee are offering what they call the “consumer freedom option” to the Senate Health Care Bill. They said it would lower premiums through more choices and competition.
ATHENS — A traffic stop by a Henderson County Sheriff Deputy early Thursday morning landed a Larue man in jail. According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s department, Brandon Curtis Justice, 37, was driving with two passengers on County Road 4712 when he was pulled over for an alleged traffic violation. The deputy found two firearms in his truck, including a 12-guage shotgun that had been reported stolen during a burglary. Justice was booked into the Henderson County Jail. The passengers were released.
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham has been granted a request to be recused from the case of a Smith County commissioner. According to KETK, on May 19, the 241st Judicial District Court granted the Smith County DA’s motion to be recused from The State of Texas vs. Joann Hampton and ordered the appointment of a district attorney pro tem. Prosecutor Chris Martin, from the Van Zandt County District Attorney’s Office, has been selected to represent the state in place of Bingham’s office. Hampton turned herself in at the Smith County Jail on one count of injury to an elderly individual. Read the rest of this entry »