Saturday, December 31, 2011

Fire breaks out at NE Houston manufacturing plant

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A fire broke out a manufacturing plant in northeast Harris County this morning, sending a plume of smoke into the air that could be seen from miles around.

It happened at a plant in the 8400 block of Airline. We're told that plant makes plastic tanks, many of which burned in the fire.

The fire was quickly tapped out and no injuries were reported. There is a neighborhood behind the warehouse and residents there are unable to get in or out right now because the only access road is being blocked by fire crews.

At this point, we don't know the cause of the fire.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Edible trail in Missouri City almost always in bloom

  MISSOURI CITY, TX (KTRK) -- We've all seen nature trails, but how about a nature trail that offers treats? An edible arbor trail in Missouri City does that, offering a taste of nature.

The edible arbor trail is along the Oyster Creek Trail in Missouri City. The edible trail has been around for about two years, so it's still growing, but species of plants and trees such as plums, mulberries and figs are hearty and drought resistant. They've survived and are growing.

"With minimal work as far as irrigation and pest control, we don't spray for insects and things like that," said Paul Wierzbicki, a forester with Missouri City. "We're not going to spend a lot of time out here trying to produce fruit. We're gonna let them do it on their own in their own time."

The eight different species are drought resistant and relatively pest-free. Even better, through volunteers, grants and corporate donations, the edible arbor trail hasn't cost taxpayers one cent.

The blooms are staggered, so something's blooming most of the year. Right now, it's the pomegranates.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Leaks cost drought-hit Houston 18 billion gallons

See it on TV? Check here. AP  HOUSTON -- A review of Houston water records shows the city lost more than 18 billion gallons of water potentially worth tens of millions of dollars at the height of this summer's punishing drought.

A Houston Chronicle examination of records shows leaking and broken pipes sent more than 9 billion gallons of water down the drain in September in October alone when city officials were urging residents to conserve and had to tap into emergency supplies.

City officials told the newspaper the value of the water is difficult to measure. And they say they hired extra work crews from June until early this month to plug more than 11,000 pipeline breaks.

But records show many of those leaks took more than three weeks to fix.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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Living an Active Lifestyle in Houston

New evidence released in shooting of League City couple confronting car burglar

  LEAGUE CITY, TX (KTRK) -- League City police have released new evidence in the search for suspects in a double shooting and car burglary case.

In one of the incidents, a woman saw a man breaking into her husband's truck on Meade Court in the Ellis Landing subdivision. He followed her outside to do something about it and that's when the burglar turned violent, shooting both the man and woman just feet from the front door of their home.

Police say as the gunman was running from the scene of Monday's shooting, one of his shoes fell off. The shoe -- a black and white Adidas AdiZero Crazy Light basketball shoe men's size 11 -- is currently being processed for DNA evidence and fingerprints.

There were four other burglary of motor vehicles which occurred in the same area -- two in Ellis Landing and two in the Clear Creek Village subdivision -- at around the same time, just prior to the shooting incident on December 26. The Clear Creek Village subdivision is located just north of FM 518 from Ellis Landing.

Information obtained from witnesses confirms these crimes were most likely committed by the same suspect(s) due to the similarities of the vehicle and suspect description.

Witnesses to the other crimes described both hearing and seeing a small sports car with a loud exhaust. It is now believed there were at least two persons involved, as witnesses described one person driving the vehicle and one person getting in and out breaking into cars.

If anyone has information relating to this case please call Galveston County Crime Stoppers at (409) 763-TIPS (8477) or the League City Police Department at 281-554-1802.

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Prostitution sting in Texas City nets 4 arrests

See it on TV? Check here.Four woman were arrested and charged with prostitution during a sting in Texas City Four woman were arrested and charged with prostitution during a sting in Texas City

  TEXAS CITY, TX (KTRK) -- A prostitution sting in Texas City on Thursday ended with four women under arrest and facing charges.

Earlier this week, the Texas City Police Department received complaints about possible prostitution activity in the 1400 block of Texas Avenue. During a sting yesterday, with the help of the Nassau Bay Police Department, investigators were able to arrest Kathleen Hill, 40; Michelle Broussard, 44; Tanya Matthews, 42; and Raechel Fleming, 32.

All four woman have been charged with prostitution. Hill and Broussard had prior prostitution convictions.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Cops, neighbors rescue family from burning home

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A family is counting their blessings after they were trapped inside their burning home. They were rescued by their quick thinking neighbors and a couple of Houston police officers who just so happened to be passing by the home on McGowan and Sampson.

There were five children inside a back bedroom in the home as smoke filled the structure Thursday evening. Neighbors say they pulled several of the children out one window, but others remained inside. That's when a pair of passing Houston police officers entered the picture.

It was a fast moving house fire that generated thick, choking smoke. Neighbors called for help and stopped two HPD patrolmen driving down the street. On Friday those two officers came back to the house to see what was left and relive the minutes that they became firefighters.

"We managed to get one corner pried," said Houston Police Officer John Domingues. "There were several neighbors right here with us."

Inside a bedroom were three teenage girls, trapped by burglar bars. While neighbors did what they could, the officers pried off one set of the bars. Officer Domingues was about to pull one girl out when he was blown out through the window.

"It was hot," he said. "Then whatever it was that blew me out was hotter."

Officer Domingues got up again and he and his partner Officer C.R. Lamunyon continued with the rescue, even as firefighters were arriving. Their response time was just over three minutes, but consider that those three girls in that room are hospitalized -- two listed in critical condition with burn injuries. What the patrol officers did helped save their lives at the time, and that comes from a fire department captain.

HFD Captain Ruy Lozano said, "They actually hoisted the original fireman that rescued the child. The house was engulfed. The fireman went in and he passed them to those original police officers. You couldn't ask for a better ending."

The house had been home to a family of six. Toni Rodgers raised her three daughters, also taking care of her two nieces. All they had is gone and the family has no insurance. Rodgers agreed to speak publicly, but not on camera.

She said, "I took two children in who aren't mine, so I feel that God is going to bless me either way it goes."

Rodgers will be spending her time now with her family at hospitals. She's worried about where they'll live next and about what will happen to the family dog.

As bleak as their outlook may be, the entire family might have died in this fire. And now two patrol officers have a new appreciation for what firefighters do.

"The worst thing that's going to happen to us is somebody throws bullets at us," Officer Lamunyon explained. "But imagine being in there with a flamethrower. That's what these young men do. I'd rather face that any day than fire."

Three young girls remain hospitalized, Rodgers' two nieces and one daughter. One girl is said to be burned severely enough that she is expected to be transferred to Shriner's Burn Center in Galveston.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Child nearly drowns in backyard pool in Kingwood

See it on TV? Check here.A child nearly drowned in a backyard pool in Kingwood A child nearly drowned in a backyard pool in Kingwood

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A local couple is relieved to have their child safe at home tonight after a close call in a backyard pool.

Houston police say they were called the 5400 of Hickory Village in Kingwood on Friday morning after the parents of a little boy woke up and saw him missing. They frantically searched for the child and discovered him in their backyard pool.

They called for help. The child was taken out of the water and transported to a hospital.

Police say he appears to be OK.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Toddler found alone with dead caregiver

See it on TV? Check here.  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The body of a 63-year-old woman was found inside a northwest Harris county apartment, along with a 19-month-old boy who was dehydrated but otherwise unhurt. It's not known how long ago the woman passed away.

The 19-month-old was taken to Texas Children's Hospital, where family members tell Eyewitness News he was still being treated for severe dehydration Friday night.

Relatives and friends of Norma Davis, 63, have gathered outside the northwest Houston apartment where she lived. Davis had been caring for the 19-month-old since he was about one month old.

The child belongs to a friend of the family. His biological family had apparently asked Davis to look after the child.

"She always did care for people, especially babies. She loved little kids," Davis' friend, Ruthie Johnson, said.

CPS officials had visited Davis at her apartment twice this month, and we're told everything was fine.

"What we look at is whether or not the child has a relationship with that person, a bond and if they're able to care for their needs, so we don't discriminate on age," CPS Spokeswoman Estella Olguin said.

But when Davis' family hadn't heard from her since Christmas, her son, Carl Thomas, received a call Friday morning from one of his cousins asking him to check on her. Thomas found his mother on the floor in the living room.

"I just went up there and found her, found her laying on the ground," Thomas said.

The 19-month-old was in a carriage next to her.

"He was dehydrated and had lost a bunch of weight," Thomas said. "The EMS gave him some fluids and stuff. Hopefully he'll be alright though."

It's not known how or when Davis died. Her son tells Eyewitness News she had been ill for quite some time, but yet she was still able to care for that little boy.

Emergency responders say they gave the boy fluids as they rushed him to the hospital. Children's Protective Services says he'll be placed back in foster care once he's released.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office says there were no signs of trauma on Davis' body so it appears she died from natural causes.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Homeowner displays Santa hanging by a noose

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Some residents of a local subdivision were not happy with their neighbor and his anti-Christmas display, so he has just taken it down. They called the display disturbing to look at, especially if you are a child.

Just minutes ago, the Santa was taken down. But while it was up it was an image that made this a Christmas for neighbors to remember -- and not in a good way.

The Santa is life size and appears to be a mannequin with a noose around the neck. Not the image 11-year-old Jason Austin wants to see on his street.

"I'm just gonna say it's wrong. I don't think it's right that someone should just hang Santa Claus up," said Austin.

The Santa is a stark contrast to other more traditional decorations on the street and a surprise to neighbors who've returned from Christmas vacation to see the unusual display.

"It was a bit strange. We were away for Christmas, came back on a Monday and saw. It was a bit weird seeing a hanging Santa. It's a bit weird, isn't it," said neighbor Dan Hickey.

When we asked him if he had talked to his neighbor about it, Hickey replied, "No."

No one answered when we knocked on the homeowner's door, but Sugar Land police were able to get a response. They talked to the homeowner December 23 after receiving several complaints about the hanging Santa.

"The homeowner told us he wanted to send the message that Christmas is about more than Santa Claus," said Capt. Stuart Denton with the Sugar Land Police Department.

Police say neighbors may not like the display, but the homeowner is not in violation of any laws.

Tonya Austin says the display is in violation of Christmas spirit and is upsetting to see every day.

"The street has several small children under the age of seven who still believe in Santa Claus. The hanging from a noose is violently disturbing to me," said neighbor Tonya Austin.

The homeowners association says they were in talks with the homeowner to bring down the display.

No matter how it happened, neighbors told us they're happy they don't have to look at the hanging Santa anymore.

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The Houston Commute

New Year's Eve fireworks not allowed everywhere

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- After weeks of on and off rain, the burn bans are over and that means fireworks for New Year's Eve. But there are a lot of rules you'll have to follow if you want to celebrate with sparklers.

Fireworks sales are booming, and at Top Dog Fireworks Warehouse near Highway 290 and Huffmeister, sales can be characterized even as "explosive." If fact, employees say had the best single day of sales they've ever had company-wide on Friday.

"It's been a long year, gotta blow stuff up," said Stephen Binford, who's buying fireworks.

Customers say they missed having their street shows last summer.

"We never have enough! There's no such thing as having enough fireworks," resident Gary Pugh said.

The record-setting drought forced a ban on amateur fireworks shows across Houston, Harris County and in many other communities last Fourth of July.

While burn bans in many places have been lifted now, it is illegal still to use or even posses fireworks in the city of Houston. Same goes for some unincorporated areas of Harris County. The Houston Fire Department is treating violators seriously.

"This year, there's gonna be no warnings. The fines are strict and they're heavy," Houston Fire Department Capt. Ruy Lozano said.

So if you fire off any fireworks or even get caught with one in the city of Houston, you can be fined up to $2,000.

"For every firework that goes off, for every explosion, you can be fined for each individual offense," Lozano said.

And if a child is caught lighting fireworks, authorities say it is the parent who will be fined, whether they were aware of the illegal activity or not. That said, those who went without last fourth are spending hundreds for the 31st are telling us they will only light theirs, where it's legal.

If you do live in an unincorporated part of Harris County, check to see if fireworks are allowed in your area.

To report anyone using fireworks illegally, call the Houston Police Department at 713-884-3131.

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Man found dead after drive-by shooting

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man was found shot to death outside his northeast Harris County home.

Harris County deputies say the man was the victim of a drive-by shooting. The man's body was found near the driveway of his home at Sloangate and Harpergate around 1am Friday. Investigators say the man had just arrived home when a dark colored SUV pulled up behind him. Someone inside it opened fire, hitting him at least three times.

Anyone who may have seen something is asked to call deputies.

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Couple found dead in apparent murder/suicide

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office detectives are investigating what appears to be a murder/suicide case in the Greatwood subdivision.

At about 10:40pm Thursday, deputies were called to a home located in the 2000 block of Cordelia Place. Deputies arrived at the scene and discovered two bodies in a bathroom, both deceased from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.

Deputies found the bodies of Paula Simpson, 47, the resident of the home, and Jim Phillips, 46, of Houston, who officials say was Simpson's boyfriend.

Autopsies will be performed by the Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of death. The case is still under investigation.

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Texans playoff tickets sell out in less than 5 minutes

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Next weekend, the Houston Texans will play their first ever playoff game and tickets for the game are sold out.

The team sold 2,000 tickets on Friday in about five minutes, but fans can still get into the big game, if they are willing to pay some big bucks.

Jim Nicolai first got Texans season tickets for their inaugural season and he bought tickets for the Texans first ever playoff game, but he has to give them up.

"Yeah, I'm gonna sell 'em . I been through a divorce so I kinda need the money," he said.

Nicolai and many others are selling their Texans tickets on StubHub.com. The site has about $6,400 playoff tickets for sale. Prices start around $135 and range up to $2,500. We did find one seller offering two nosebleed seats for almost $10,000.

"It does definitely give us plenty of inventory for people to go to the event that they want to go to, to see their home team in a playoff game, which this city hasn't seen in a long time," said Brian Young with StubHub.

The tickets are the hottest ones in Houston. The sellers hope they can cash in on playoff fever.

"The biggest thing is just seeing how excited the city is, that the home team is finally in the playoffs. Everyone's excited," Young said.

The date, time and opponent for the Texans playoff game will be determined Sunday after the final regular season games are played.

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Shuffle in DA's office in wake of 'BAT van' case

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We have an update now on a grand jury probe into the Harris County DA's handling of the alcohol testing vans.

We learned Friday that an assistant prosecutor who pled the Fifth in that investigation will no longer handle DWI cases.

Rachel Palmer refused to testify before the grand jury under the Fifth Amendment, protecting her from self incrimination. The investigation centered around what and when the DA knew about problems with the so called 'BAT' vans. Our 13 Undercover investigations exposed those problems back in March.

Palmer will now work within the appellate division, in what the DA's office calls a lateral move.

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Friday, December 30, 2011

Suspects ask for victim by name in deadly SW Houston shooting

The shooting happened at the Braes Court Apartment in the 88000 block of South Braeswood near Bissonnet around 8pm. The shooting happened at the Braes Court Apartment in the 88000 block of South Braeswood near Bissonnet around 8pm.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police say two murder suspects asked for their victim by name last night in southwest Houston before killing him.

The shooting happened at the Braes Court Apartment in the 88000 block of South Braeswood near Bissonnet around 8pm. Detectives say a woman heard a knock at the door and opened it. Two men asked for her husband by name and made their way in. Moments later, the woman heard gunshots and then discovered her husband lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to the chest.

The 28-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

The two suspects fled the scene on foot. They are described only as black males with stocky builds, dressed in black clothing, who may have had their faces covered as they fled. One suspect may have also been carrying a backpack.

It is not yet clear what the motive was for the shooting.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

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Man carrying fake bomb robs second bank in 10 days

This suspect is wanted in at least two Humble bank robberies, the latest Thursday morning. This suspect is wanted in at least two Humble bank robberies, the latest Thursday morning.

  HUMBLE, TX (KTRK) -- Authorities are seeking a man who robbed a bank in Humble holding a device he claimed was a bomb for the second time in less than two weeks.

The FBI says the suspect robbed the Chase Bank at 10011 FM 1960 Bypass West on Thursday morning. The white male, 5 foot 4 to 5 foot 6 tall, is in his 40's with a stocky build, and was wearing a black hoodie, black cotton gloves, and dark pants with white tennis shoes. The FBI says the suspect threatened tellers with a device he claimed was a bomb.

Investigation later determined the device was a hoax.

The same suspect is linked to a similar robbery that took place on December 20 at the Citibank located at 9467 FM 1960 Bypass East in Humble. In that robbery, the suspect was wearing a referee's outfit and carried a package wrapped like a Christmas present and claimed it was a bomb. It was also determined to be a hoax.

Authorities believe they may have video of the suspect's getaway vehicle.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $5000.00 reward for information leading to the charging and arrest of this suspect. If you have information about this case please call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 713-222-TIPS.

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METRO offering free rides New Year's Eve, New Year's Day

See it on TV? Check here.   HOUSTON (KTRK) -- METRO is helping Houstonians ring in the New Year safely.

The agency is offering free rides on its regularly scheduled bus and rail service between the hours of 6pm New Year's Eve and 6am New Year's Day.

METRO's bus routes and METRORail will operate a Sunday schedule and it will not be offering its Park & Ride service. The agency's Customer Care Center and RideStore and Lost & Found facilities also will be closed.

Patrons planning on riding the rail on New Year's Day will continue to enjoy free rides for the remainder of the day because of the agency's partnership with Reliant.

On Monday, Jan. 2, local bus routes and METRORail will operate a Sunday schedule and there will be no Park & Ride service. The agency's RideStore and Lost & Found will be closed, but its Customer Care Center will be open 8am-8pm.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Charges filed in deadly home invasion case

See it on TV? Check here.  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There are new details about a deadly home invasion from a couple weeks ago in west Harris County. Three people are now facing capital murder charges, but only one of the suspects is in custody.

Officials describe the murder of Russell Lopez in violent details, saying he was beaten to death with a hammer while his own children were in the house on December 20. The woman involved in Lopez's attack is behind bars, but two men are still on the loose.

On the front door of what had been the Lopez family home is a sign; a farewell message from friends to a neighbor killed in his house nine days ago. Two young children inside were tied up by intruders and the neighborhood hasn't been the same since.

"It's like really shocking, really sad. I never expected it," said neighbor Vivian Padron.

Now one of three people charged is in custody and in jail. Amber Thornton, 22, appeared in probable cause court Thursday morning.

"Miss Thornton... you are charged with capital murder," said the judge.

It was not, county detectives believe, a random robbery. According to a court document, Thornton says she and two others -- Tony Escobar and Joseph Facundo -- went to buy drugs from Lopez. The probable cause warrant states that Lopez's wife suspected he might have sold drugs, but never saw it.

Court documents go on to say that Thornton saw Facundo hit Lopez in the head with a hammer while Escobar tied Lopez's young son and niece to a bed, saying they were playing cops and robbers.

Investigators say Thornton told them she held Lopez's infant daughter while the house was ransacked. She saw the two teens load various pieces of property into Lopez's SUV and they fled the scene in the vehicle, which was later recovered two days after the murder in a nearby body of water on Morton View Dr.

Thornton told police Facundo and Escobar paid her money and told her "not to say anything."

According to the document, Lopez kept his drugs hidden in a false bottom in a kitchen cabinet -- a secret he kept from his family and his neighbors, and one that eventually cost him his life.

"We miss him and I feel bad for the kid cause he'd always knock on my door and see if I could come out," said young neighbor Irvin Chagoya.

Thornton is being held in Harris County Jail. No bond has been set.

Facundo, 18, and Escobar, 17, are also charged with capital murder, but they are still at large.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Facundo and Escobar is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Source: Justice Dept. preparing charges in BP case

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Justice Department is said to be getting ready to file what would be the first criminal charges against BP employees in connection to the Gulf oil disaster.

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in April of 2010, killing 11 workers and triggered the worst oil spill disaster in US history. People familiar with the case say prosecutors are preparing felony charges against several Houston-based engineers and at least one of their supervisors.

Prosecutors believe the employees may have provided false information to regulators about the risks associated with the well while its drilling was in progress.

BP declined to comment about the potential charges against its workers. The Justice Department is also refusing to comment.

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Teens find man's body in creek

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man's body was found Thursday afternoon in Faulkey Gully in northwest Harris County.

Two teens were walking in the area near Jones Road and Louetta found the body and called 9-1-1. Investigators say the victim appears to be in his 20s. His name hasn't been released.

Right now, they aren't sure how he ended up in the water or if foul play was involved.

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Three teens in custody after police chase

See it on TV? Check here.Three teens were arrested following a police chase in a stolen car Three teens were arrested following a police chase in a stolen car

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Three teenagers are in custody and two more are still on the run after police say they lead officers on a chase through Houston's south side.

It all started when police tried to pull over a car at Berry and Dowling. The driver took off on Highway 288 and it all ended several miles later, off Alsace and La Salette. That's when police say the five teenagers -- all 14 years old -- jumped out and tried to run away. Officers caught three of them.

Police say the car they were driving had been reported stolen yesterday.

While responding to that police chase., one officer was rear-ended. It happened on the South Freeway at Holcombe. The officer went to take the exit ramp from Highway 288 when a yellow car came up behind him and slammed into the back end, sending the police car into a spin.

The officer was not hurt. But the driver of the car had to be taken to the hospital.

Witnesses say she was simply not paying attention and hit the officer by accident.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Off-duty officer shoots at car burglary suspect in northwest Harris County

See it on TV? Check here.There are reports of an officer-involved shooting in northwest Harris County. There are reports of an officer-involved shooting in northwest Harris County.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police are searching for an attempted car burglary suspect who was interrupted by gunfire from an off-duty office in northwest Harris County.

The incident happened shortly before 4pm Thursday on Highway 249 at Gessner.

An undercover police officer was dining at a restaurant when he noticed that a suspicious man in a dark gray or black Charger parked next to his city-issued car. When the officer went outside to confront the man, he noticed the suspect had broken into his car, popped the trunk and was rummaging through it.

The suspect then jumped into his vehicle and the officer ordered him to stop but he didn't comply. When the suspect appeared to be reaching for something, the officer pulled out his gun and shot at the suspect's car several times.

But as the suspect tried to flee the parking lot, he hit another vehicle. Neither the driver nor the passenger inside that car was injured.

Police are still searching for the suspect.

Stay with Eyewitness News and abc13.com for the latest on this story.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Homeowner shoots suspected auto thief

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A suspected car thief was killed after an early morning confrontation in north Houston.

According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, at around 4:45am the homeowner heard his truck being stolen outside his house in the Whispering Pines subdivision and saw the suspect drive off in his vehicle. The homeowner told his wife to call 9-1-1, armed himself, jumped into his other vehicle and followed the suspect.

Near the intersection of Atascocita and Will Clayton Parkway, the homeowner caught up to the suspect and told police that the suspect displayed what he believed to be a firearm.

Police say the homeowner opened fire and struck the suspect, who crossed the southbound lanes of Atascocita in the truck and crashed into a ditch.

The suspect, later identified as 19-year-old Damion Gibson, was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators say the suspect may not have picked the best target.

"Our homeowner, he is a Desert Storm veteran, he is ex-military, and from talking to the patrolmen up here, they have had a rash of auto thefts up here over the last couple of months and so the man was just protecting his property," said Deputy Ben Bell.

The case will now go to a Harris County Grand Jury to decide if charges will be filed.

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Serial female bank robber strikes again

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A serial female bank robber has struck again in the Houston area.

The FBI says the suspect is now believed responsible for at least four recent area bank robberies. The latest crime happened at around 4pm Wednesday when the FBI says the woman entered the Capital One bank at 19619 Tomball Parkway and handed the teller a threatening note demanding money. When the teller handed over the money, the robber said "Thank you" and exited the bank.

In a robbery committed on December 16 at the Capital One bank at 3037 FM 1960 East, the woman walked into the bank around 2:40pm and slid a threatening note to the teller, demanding money. The teller gave the woman some cash, then the teller explained that there was no more money, and the robber left the bank.

In both December robberies, the woman wore a black windbreaker and a tan knit cap. She is described by witnesses as a black female in her mid 30s, standing 5-foot-5 to 5-foot-7 and weighing between 190 and 200 pounds. She has a heavy build and medium complexion. She has long weave braids or wears a wig.

The woman is also suspected in the robbery of the Capital One bank at 10951 Jones Road on November 19 and the robbery of the Compass bank at 10635 Louetta on November 22.

Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and arrest of this robber, or any felony suspect. If you have information about this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. All tipsters remain anonymous. You can also call the Houston office of the FBI at 713-693-5000.

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Squatters set up camp in historic Galveston landmark

GALVESTON, TX (KTRK) -- It once was a great part of Galveston County, but now, residents say it's a detriment to their community. They're talking about eight crumbling military barracks just a stone's throw from the beach.

The property owner says homeless people are constantly breaking into the crumbling buildings, breaking windows and stealing items, including fencing. Nearby property owners say this isn't what they had in mind when they moved in.

When Phil and Jeanna Player purchased their dream home in Galveston three years ago they built a deck to watch the sunset on the water.

Phil said, "We'd like something that would increase the value of the property."

But their view of the barracks that were once part of Fort Crockett is not what they had in mind. The state-protected historic structures have been decaying for more than a decade, since being purchased from the Coast Guard by a private owner. It is now home to vagrants and critters who break in to stay warm.

"Anything probably would look better than that, because it has really become an eyesore," Jeanna said. "I think it is beyond where they can restore it."

That owner, Max Bowen Enterprises, is trying to sell. It sank $600,000 into the barracks to make them into apartments eight years ago, but no one wanted to live there. Now the attorney general is suing the company over the condition of the buildings. But the city says as far as local building codes go, the company is in good standing.

Ron Penn with the Galveston Code Enforcement Division said, "If we see the grass is getting a little bit high, or if maybe a board has been dislodged, we just contact the owner and they're very responsive."

Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski says there needs to be a resolution and is promising expedited permits to help turn this into something more suitable.

"Resort housing, mixed use facilities with some retail involved," Jaworski suggested. "I think the attorney general's lawsuit is probably going to force some resolution of this one way or the other and I hope they work together with the attorney general to reconcile their obligations. The city will help them."

Unfortunately, the property's owner and the Galveston Historical Foundation have differing opinions on what should be done with the buildings.

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Victim jumps from window trying to flee killers

See it on TV? Check here.The victim tried to escape by jumping out a second story window, but the suspects shot and killed him as he lay on the ground The victim tried to escape by jumping out a second story window, but the suspects shot and killed him as he lay on the ground

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police were called to a shooting at an apartment on Broadway at Morley in southeast Houston.

Police say officers responded to a shooting call in the 8700 block of Broadway and found the victim lying below a broken window of an apartment. A tenant of the apartment told police the victim arrived at his apartment and was visting with him when several unknown male suspects came to his door and attempted to force their way inside by kicking the door.

The suspects then began shooting through the closed door. The victim then attempted to get away by jumping through a second floor window and was struck by gunfire. He died at the scene.

The suspects fled the scene without entering the apartment.

Police don't have a motive for the shooting, but they say it appears the victim was targeted.

The identitiy of the victim is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

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Man faces new allegations of stealing from elderly

Christopher Shawn Oliver, 34, is charged with felony theft from the elderly in connection to a December 21 break-in at the home of a Spring couple. Christopher Shawn Oliver, 34, is charged with felony theft from the elderly in connection to a December 21 break-in at the home of a Spring couple.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Detectives have arrested a man on accusations he broke into the Spring-area home of an elderly couple, stole the homeowner's jewelry and sold it to a nearby pawn shop.

Christopher Shawn Oliver, 34, is charged with felony theft from the elderly, according to Harris County Pct. 4 Constable's Office.

Detectives say on December 21, Oliver broke into a home in the 3500 block of Nutwood Lane while the 89-year-old homeowner was at a doctor's office. When the elderly woman returned home later that day, she noticed several pieces of jewelry, including her 68-year-old wedding ring, were missing from her jewelry box.

Detectives determined someone had pried open the front door of the elderly couple's home. Investigators then tracked down three of the jewelry items, which had been sold to a pawn shop in the 1700 block of Spring Cypress Road within an hour of the break-in. The value of the three recovered items is estimated to be worth $6,000.00 to $8,000.00.

Investigators identified the suspect as Oliver, who is currently on parole for robbery. He was arrested and transported to the Harris County Jail, where he is being held under a $10,000.00 bond.

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