Photos and GPS info presented in ex-cop rape trial

  Pooja LodhiaHOUSTON (KTRK) -- Photos and GPS information were among the evidence shown on Friday to a Harris County jury that will decide whether a now former Houston police officer raped a woman while on duty.

Former Houston Police Officer Abraham Joseph is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a park while he was on duty. On Friday a criminal investigator gave a timeline of where Officer Joseph went the night of January 2, 2011.

According to his car's GPS, the car left a Chevron gas station at 2:52am. At 2:55, the car arrived at Townwood Park and parked near a running track. The car was there for 10 minutes and and at 3:07, the car arrived at a Valero gas station.

The investigator noted that Joseph never told dispatch he had picked up anybody.

He said, "Since I've been on the department for 28 years, it's always been grilled into me, that you get a time check when you have a female in custody. It's to protect the officer against allegations of wrongdoing."

On Friday the jury also saw photos of bruises on the alleged victim's arm and hand. The pictures were taken after the alleged assault.

But it's what jurors haven't seen that's perhaps most dramatic. Prosecutors claim there are several additional women ready to take the stand and tell the jury Joseph raped them. The judge will rule on whether to allow jurors to hear their testimony.

"His uniform is the main criteria of whether the judge will allow that evidence in," said KTRK legal analyst Joel Androphy. "It has to fit the mold of the case. If it starts being too dissimilar, it's too prejudicial.

Androphy says this testimony may be the judge's most important decision of the trial.

"This is devastating testimony," he said. "If this comes in, he's toast."

The decision on whether to allow that testimony is expected on Monday.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Three hospitalized after single-vehicle accident

Emergency responders at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Highway 59 near Fondren. Three men were injured (KTRK Photo / Marvin Suggs)

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Three men were hospitalized after a driver lost control in southwest Houston this morning.

It happened around 3:30am on Highway 59 near Fondren.

Investigators say the car went through a guardrail and then crashed into a light pole before flipping onto its side.

One man was ejected from the vehicle. The other two were rescued using the jaws of life.

There is no word on their conditions. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Deputies stumble upon pounds of illicit drugs

While trying to serve an arrest warrant in northwest Harris County on Thursday, deputies discovered approximately 7 pounds of marijuana, 3.2 pounds of cocaine, 1.5 grams of methamphetamine, an assault rifle and various scales.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Deputies executing a arrest warrant at northwest Harris County home ended up arresting another person after they stumbled upon pounds of illicit drugs at the residence.

The drugs were discovered Thursday at a home in the 9700 block of Fairbanks North Houston, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies executing an arrest warrant said they immediately smelled marijuana upon entering the home. During a search of the residence, they discovered approximately 7 pounds of marijuana, 3.2 pounds of cocaine, 1.5 grams of methamphetamine, an assault rifle and various scales.

A woman who was inside the home was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana. She's been identified as 23-year-old Ricarda Carolina Nino-Munoz.

The person who is at center of the arrest warrant was not at the house and remains at-large.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Toddler killed in tragic driveway accident

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- On Friday afternoon, a home in northwest Harris County became the scene of a deadly accident, a type of accident that's more common and more deadly than many realize. It's an issue that's changing how cars are made here and around the world.

The father is too distraught to talk about what happened. He returned home Friday night surrounded by friends, who asked that we give him time to grieve.

Investigators say the three-year-old's father didn't know she was nearby when he began backing his truck out of their driveway in the Lakewood Forest subdivision.

"Our little grand-baby played with her. She was a beautiful little girl. I know she was really their darling, their precious. I don't know how they're gonna go on," neighbor Janet Giesen said.

It was early afternoon. Investigators say there was at least one other adult at the house. It's not clear how the child got outside. The father got in the truck to leave, detectives say, and didn't see the little girl right behind the rear of the truck.

"There's nothing to indicate at this point there was anything reckless in nature, anything similar to that," Harris County Pct. 4 Constable's Office Deputy Michael Combest said.

Authorities say the father screamed for help. A neighbor came running, one who just Friday finished a refresher course in CPR and other emergency techniques.

The house is only a mile and a half from St. Luke's Hospital at The Vintage. They piled into the very same truck that hit the girl. The neighbor apparently drove the father and daughter there. The child, though, was pronounced dead at the hospital.

"It breaks our hearts. I mean it could happen to anyone, anyone. It was all an accident," neighbor Loren Zuber said.

These types of accidents are all too common. To avoid "back overs" the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers several tips: Actively check mirrors while backing up Teach children not to play in or around carsAlways walk around your vehicle and check before backing upTeach children to move away from a vehicle when a driver gets in or it is startedRoll down the windows while backing up so you can hear what's going on outsideInvestigators say there will be no criminal charges filed here. They consider this a horrible accident. (Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Houston Schools Challenged?

Man shot in the chest in South Houston

  SOUTH HOUSTON, TX (KTRK) -- A man was taken to the hospital by Life Flight after he was shot in the chest early this morning.

Police in the city of South Houston were called to Kansas at State near Highway 3 around 3:30am.

Officials found the victim, who is reportedly in his early 20s, with multiple gunshot wounds.

No other details are available at this time.

Stay Eyewitness News and abc13.com for the latest developments.

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Mixed cleaning products create HazMat situation

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police say a woman who mixed toilet bowl cleaner with bleach created a HazMat situation at her southwest Houston apartment complex.

The incident happened around 5:30pm at an apartment complex on Timmons Lane near Colquitt.

Police say a plumber responded to a call at the woman's apartment and became concerned when no one answered. He entered through a window and found the woman dead.

"As soon as I seen that, I hopped out, left and called the cops," the plumber told us.

When police arrived and smelled the chemicals, a HazMat crew and a bomb squad were dispatched to the scene.

Neighbors in the units immediately surrounding that of the woman's were evacuated.

An extensive cleanup effort lasted into the night. The scene was clear and residents were allowed back in their homes by 2:30am.

No other injuries were reported, though we were told a couple of firefighters had to be decontaminated, or essentially washed down.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Passenger killed, driver jailed after Rosenberg crash

  ROSENBERG, TX (KTRK) -- Rosenberg police are investigating a one-vehicle accident this morning that killed the passenger and sent the driver to jail.

The crash happened around 1:30am in the 3300 block of Avenue H.

According to police, the vehicle was eastbound on Avenue H when the driver tried to turn right onto Millie Street and struck light pole, causing severe damage.

The passenger, identified as 25-year-old April Humphrey of Rosenberg, was taken to Oak Bend Hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Investigators say the driver, 21-year-old Jonathan Sepulveda, also of Rosenberg, suffered minor injuries. He was arrested for traffic violations, though the exact charges against him were unclear.

This case remains under investigation.

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Man in prison for 20-year-old killing denied parole again

John Buice was denied parole on Friday.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man in prison for the 1991 killing of a gay Houston man has again been denied parole.

John Buice stabbed Paul Broussard while out with other teens accused of going on a gay-bashing spree. Broussard died from his injuries and in 1992, Buice was convicted and sentenced to 45 years behind bars.

On Friday, a review panel of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted to deny parole for Buice.

Just last year, Buice was granted parole, but based on evidence that remains confidential, the board reversed its decision.

Now, Buice has been denied another shot at freedom. He'll be eligible again in one year.

Buice is the last of 27-year-old Paul Broussard's killers left in prison.

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Ten people arrested in raid on sexually oriented business in NW Harris Co.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Ten people have been arrested in a raid on a sexually oriented business.

On Thursday, the Harris County Sheriff's Office says deputies executed a search warrant on Babes at 10610 West FM 1960 in northwest Harris County.

The raid was in response to numerous complaints and information that the club was operating as a sexually oriented business without a permit as required by Harris Co. SOB regulations.

Ten suspects were arrested, including the club's manager and several employees.

Deputies say this is the second time this year they have targeted this club for similar violations.

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Questions still surround fatal shooting of double amputee

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There are still a lot of questions surrounding the shooting death of Brian Claunch.

One of the biggest is how did a man with one arm and one leg, in a wheelchair, manage to corner a Houston police officer? And why did another officer reach for his gun, rather than his Taser?

We are getting a better picture of what two HPD officers were dealing with when they arrived at the Healing Hands assisted home care about 2am Saturday. An instructor who trains aspiring officers also walks us through the levels of force officers are taught to use.

Eyewitness News got a first view of the room where two HPD officers confronted a double amputee in a wheelchair, threatening to kill them with a shiny object. It turned out to be a silver ballpoint pen.

After allegedly lunging at one officer with the pen, a second officer, M. Marin, shot the wheelchair-bound man in the head.

At the foot of the bed is where Claunch, 45, was pronounced dead. He was mentally ill.

Mike Emanuel is an instructor for University of Houston's Basic Peace Officer Course. Officers are taught, he says, to use one of three levels of force depending on the threat. The first is a physical take down.

"Whether I go into soft contact, which is joint manipulation control, medium contact would be your pepper spray, your asp, your Taser and then lethal force would be a firearm," Emanuel.

HPD can't yet say if the officers knew Claunch was armed with a pen since they were dispatched after a 911 call. HPD does confirm both officers were equipped with a Taser and tasked with disarming a double amputee in a wheelchair.

"When you have two officers on one suspect, it does make it easier on both officers to subdue a suspect without lethal force?" we asked Emanuel.

"Absolutely," he said. "The more officers the better."

One thing Emanuel makes clear, it's always a live situation, where there can be little time to react.

"These are all judgment decisions that officers make in a quarter of a second and it's very hard to second guess this," Emanuel said.

HPD Chief Charles McClelland has asked the local FBI office to monitor and investigate this incident along with HPD's Internal Affairs Division.

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Aging bridge considered safety hazard by some

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The weight limit has been lowered again on a bridge with a history of problems. Now some are wondering why the state doesn't just shut it down. It's a primary thoroughfare to the Heights, but many drivers may want to find another route.

Citing safety issues, TxDOT has lowered the weight limit on the Yale Street bridge, making it barely legal for even an SUV to cross. This is a bridge well past its prime.

"First and foremost it was built in 1936," said HPD Sgt. Teresa Curry.

For the past year, Houston police truck enforcement Sgt. Curry and her team have tried to keep large 18-wheelers off the Yale Street bridge because of an 8,000 pound per axle weight limit.

She said, "They truly are past their point of longevity and it's an inherent danger to anyone, really."

But this week, another major change -- city and TxDOT engineers lowered the weight limited dramatically, to just 3,000 pounds per axle, meaning many full size SUVs and non-commercial trucks are technically over the limit.

You can check the weight of your vehicle in the sticker inside the driver's door. A Ford F-150, for example, has a front weight of 3,400, and back axle weight of 3,800, meaning the standard truck would be over the limit.

"I'm not the engineer, I'm not TxDOT," Sgt. Curry said. "I'm not in charge of how the city regulates their roads, but that would be my suggestion. & I would suggest they close it."

The city maintains the bridge is safe for the 10,000 vehicles that use it daily.

Janice Evans with the city of Houston said, "This road is heavily used by passenger vehicles and to shut it down completely would create a major traffic bottleneck on Heights Boulevard.'

The bridge is scheduled to be completely replaced by 2016, and the city has promised some immediate repairs soon. But Heights activists say, they just don't think that's going far enough.

"This particular bridge either needs to be monitored with people here at all times, or it needs to be closed," said Heights activist Jeff Jackson.

The Houston Police Department says it will monitor the bridge to the best of its ability, but it must focus on the 18-wheelers and other large trucks.

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HPD officer hurt in 3-car crash while responding to call

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston police officer suffered minor injuries overnight when a driver crashed into her while she was responding to a call.

It happened around midnight on South Gessner near West Bellfort in southwest Houston.

Investigators say the officer was northbound on Gessner with her lights and siren running when a driver going west on Bellfort hit her.

The officer crashed into another car that was southbound on Gessner before ending up in hedges.

Investigators say she was injured by the airbag. She was taken to an area hospital to be checked out and is expected to fully recover.

No one else was hurt.

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Man accused of leaving girl, 3, unsupervised which resulted in her walking alone down a busy road

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man is accused of leaving a young child unsupervised which resulted in her walking alone down a busy road in the Spring area.

According to court documents, on September 19 a 3-year-old girl was found wandering in the 24000 block of Aldine Westfield, a four-lane roadway with a posted speed limit of 45mph. Police say the girl was alone and wandering down the street about one mile from her residence.

Court documents state investigators brought the girl back to her residence and spoke with a 10-year-old boy who said he just arrived home from school and that his older brother, Joshua Montel Stephens, was in charge of watching the girl. Police say about 10 minutes later, Stephens walked up to the residence. They say Stephens said he walked to the store to get some food for the girl and the 10-year-old boy and that he admitted to leaving the girl home alone.

Stephens, 19, is charged with endangering a child.

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FBI's featured gang fugitive arrested

Harold Joseph Brown -- who also goes by "Scooby" -- is charged with capital murder.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The FBI's fugitive of the week -- a man wanted for three murders at a Houston night club -- has been arrested.

Harold Joseph Brown -- who also goes by "Scooby" -- is accused of shooting into a crowd during a fight outside the Club ICU at 9541 Mesa Road in northeast Houston on September 22. Six people were shot, three of them died.

Brown, 31, is charged with capital murder. He was arrested Thursday afternoon.

Our exclusive Crime Tracker and a partnership with the FBI brings you the StopHoustonGangs.org fugitive of the week every Thursday.

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HISD spoofs 'Gangnam' video to promote early voting

HISD teachers, principals, students and HISD School Board members all participated in the video.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- HISD is going "Gangnam" to promote early voting.

The district recently released its version of the popular music video by South Korean Rapper Psy. Titled "Early Voting Style," the subtitled lyrics serve as a reminder that early voting takes place October 22 through November 2 and that HISD's $1.9 billion bond referendum is on the ballot.

HISD can't use tax dollars to promote passage of its bond measure, but it can spend it on informational materials encouraging people to vote. The general election is November 6.

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Lakers forward Jordan Hill pleads no contest in assault of girlfriend in Houston

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill speaks to the media on March, 16, 2012, in Los Angeles, one day after the Houston Rockets traded him to LA. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)

  HOUSTON -- Los Angeles Lakers forward Jordan Hill has pleaded no contest to assaulting his girlfriend in February and was sentenced to one year of probation.

Hill, 25, will also have to pay a $500 fine and undergo counseling. The assault charge was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.

Hill is charged with assaulting Darlene Luna on Feb. 29 at his apartment while the New York Knicks' former first-round draft pick was playing for the Houston Rockets.

Luna, 29, cried on the witness stand as she recalled the incident and claimed Hill still hasn't apologized. The two avoided eye contact while they were in the courtroom together.

The 6-foot-10 Hill played for Houston from February 2010 until March, when he was traded to Los Angeles.

(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Harris Co. Attorney to testify before grand jury investigating possible wrongdoing inside Victor Trevino's office

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There's a surprise in that criminal probe of Victor Trevino's constables office.

Through our sources, 13 Undercover has learned the grand jury has now subpoenaed the testimony of another high-ranking public official. It's Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan. He's been told to appear Friday morning under oath. What we don't know is what the grand jury wants to ask the guy elected to be the county's ethics watchdog.

Just last week, 13 Undercover had tough questions for the County Attorney Vince Ryan.

"Is the end game protecting Victor Trevino?" we asked Ryan.

"Of course not," he said.

Now sources tell us the grand jury probing the constable has questions for Mr. Ryan too.

"The bottom line is you ran for public office as the ethics watchdog for this county," we told Ryan.

"I think the ethics are being much more cautiously observed by county officials," he said.

But we've been fighting for months for the voters' right to know.

Documents we have show Ryan's office had about reports of mismanagement and possible criminal wrongdoing in Precinct 6 months before the May primary. There was even a final internal investigative report done by this county lawyer for Vince Ryan. But the watchdog won't make it public. Trust me, we've tried to get it.

"You issue your Doug Ray document in its entirety and let the public see everything Vince Ryan knew before the election, that he didn't think the voters had a right to see," we told Ryan.

"I think that would be inappropriate," Ryan said.

"Really?" we said.

"Yes it would."

"You could do it tomorrow," we said.

Emails from Ryan's office acknowledge at least some of the revelations could be "the source of high embarrassment" and "black eyes for the justice system."

Ryan says he has a right to keep what he learned a secret because he's the county's lawyer, even from the county judge. Trevino was re-elected in May. Now it's Ryan who faces voters in November.

"He covered up wrongdoing that he was aware of and chose to look the other way. Instead of being the watchdog that he should be, he's a lapdog," said Robert Talton, Ryan's opponent in the November election.

We don't know from our sources if Ryan has been told to bring the report he won't show you to show them. The county attorney says his office has done a lot to clean up the constables' operations; he has given some records to the DA but not the final report of his investigation.

Just last week it was Constable Trevino on the hot seat.

"Do you expect for there to be an indictment?" we asked attorney Chip Lewis.

"I don't think the grand jury will see anything on the lines of Constable Trevino personally enriching himself, but as they are still working through the process, we are not going to to comment on the issues before them," Lewis said.

We also know from the courthouse that a grand jury subpoena for a sitting county attorney is very rare. We will be watching the developments for you Friday morning.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more 13 Undercover »

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Man arrested for breaking into home and touching woman as she slept

Marco Alvarez is charged with burglary of a habitation and criminal trespass.

  LEAGUE CITY, TX (KTRK) -- Police have arrested a man accused of creeping into a woman's home and touching her as she slept.

The alleged break-in happened at a home along Autumn Cove in League City on July 24. Officers arrested Marco Alvarez with burglary of a habitation and criminal trespass.

Police think he is the man who was wearing a red mask when he broke into a home and touched a sleeping woman in July.

Officers say Alvarez resembles a man spotted behind another nearby house ten days ago.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Hall of Fame broadcaster Milo Hamilton to call final Astros game

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Legendary Houston Astros broadcaster Milo Hamilton will call his last game tonight when the 'Stros take on the Cardinals at Minute Maid Park.

The 85-year-old Hamilton is retiring after serving as the voice of the Astros for nearly 30 years, having joined the club in 1985. Overall Hamilton has been calling Major League Baseball for nearly 60 years. That is second all-time to Dodgers great Vin Scully.

Hamilton is a member of the Radio Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Houston Baseball Media Wall of Honor on September 2, when he was recognized by the team with Milo Hamilton Day and fans received a Milo bobble head.

First pitch for the final home game of the season is scheduled for 7:05pm.

We'll have live reports from Minute Maid Park today on Eyewitness News at 4, 5, 6 and 10pm.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more MLB »

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Man found shot outside south side funeral home

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man was found shot outside a funeral home on Houston's south side overnight.

The discovery was made on Holmes near Scott just before 1am. Police believe the victim was shot somewhere else and driven to the funeral home. He's in the hospital now. His condition is unknown.

There was a woman with the victim. She tells police she was asleep and didn't even know the victim had been shot. Police are questioning her.

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Violence breaks out at assisted living home

  Crystal KobzaHOUSTON (KTRK) -- For the second time in a week, violence strikes at a facility for the mentally ill. This time, it happened at an assisted living home in northeast Houston. It ended with the caretaker in the hospital and the resident behind bars.

It happened at around 4am Friday at the facility for the mentally ill and disabled on Burnley near Foxridge. Police say the situation started with an argument that escalated. They say the resident stabbed the caretaker with a steak knife and the caretaker then struck the resident in the head with a hammer.

The confrontation apparently started after the caretaker asked to man to stop smoking in the house with the windows closed. According to people here that is what triggered this violent assault.

Ronald Adams who lives at the home said, "The only thing I really heard was that guy saying, 'I'm going to kill you, I'm going to kill you.'"

An assisted living home caretaker and house manager was stabbed in the head allegedly by a mentally ill man who police say pulled out a kitchen steak knife during a confrontation early Friday morning. Police say after being stabbed, the caretaker hit the man over the head with a hammer.

Adams, who is disabled, says the suspect is unstable.

"He's alright one minute and the next minute he will go off," Adams explained.

A former caretaker at the home who arrived after the stabbing says he's angered about what happened.

Arrunn Delany said, "He calls me his brother and I love him like a brother. I just don't think he is going to be served justice because of the fact that they took him to jail instead of taking him to the hospital where he needs to be for the mentally ill."

Delany says the suspect suffers from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety, and hasn't been taking his medicine for weeks. Delany added the suspect was supposed to be picked up Friday after a mental health warrant was issued.

"With these kinds of people you don't know what to expect," Delany said. "So you can expect them to be rude. You know they're bipolar, so anything you say to them can trigger anything in their head."

According to police, the caretaker was taken to Ben Taub Hospital and is listed as stable. People living at this home said he is in his 60s.

A total of seven people live in this assisted living home, aside from the caretaker, who also serves as a house manager.

It's not known at this time what charges the suspect may face.

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Pedestrian killed by oncoming vehicle in Stafford

  STAFFORD, TX (KTRK) -- A pedestrian was run over and killed in Stafford last night.

The accident happened around 9:30pm at Cravens and Stafford streets. The victim has been identified as a 52-year-old Asian man, but investigators haven't released his name.

It's not clear what led up to that man being run over and killed.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Surveillance video of jewelry store heist released

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities hope surveillance video will help catch the lone suspect responsible for a jewelry store heist.

On September 24 at around 10:15am, an unidentified black male entered the jewelry store located on the 22500 block of Tomball Parkway. Investigators say the suspect approached one of the victims at a display case, and drew a gun from his waist.

Threatening the victims with the weapon, the suspect demanded jewelry from the case. The victims complied, and filled a bag the suspect provided with valuables before surrendering it to the suspect.

The suspect left the store and was seen getting into the passenger side of a gold 4-door Saturn. A substantial amount of jewelry was taken during the robbery.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 30 years of age, standing around 6 foot 2, weighing approximately 180 - 200 lbs. At the time of the offense, the suspect wore a Chicago Bulls baseball cap, a black Chicago Bulls t-shirt, blue jean shorts and black tennis shoes.

The store's surveillance system captured the robbery on video.

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Crime Tracker »

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Police: Roommate admits killing man found in blanket

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There's an investigation underway into the death of a person at an apartment complex in northwest Harris County.

At about 11pm Thursday, deputies with the Harris County Sheriff's Office responded to a call for the Timber Walk Apartments at 5635 Timber Creek Place Drive in reference to a welfare check. Deputies arrived and found a male body in a blanket inside one of the apartments.

Police say the female roommate admitted to stabbing the man. The investigation is ongoing. No names have been released at this time.

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TSU investigating alleged hazing incident among university band members

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- As the Texas Southern University football team took the field Thursday night, something was missing -- the marching band. It was suspended and is now under investigation. The allegations against the Ocean of Soul are hazing.

Many people who attended the TSU game didn't know about the hazing allegations until it was obvious the band wasn't there. The band director, band staff and all students are being questioned, and if proven true, students could be expelled or even charged.

Halftime at BBVA Compass Stadium and the field is empty, which means the curb at the student shuttle bus stop is full. Many left early.

"There's no point of staying for 12 minutes and just sitting and looking at other people," freshman Didi Chiedu said.

For the game on September 15, the Ocean of Soul rocked. On Thursday night, their performance was canceled amidst hazing allegations.

TSU officials tell Eyewitness News they received the report Wednesday night. It involves the trumpet section and an allegation of excessive paddling. It's said to have happened September 19 off campus. There were no serious injuries but the university has a zero-tolerance policy for hazing.

According to a written statement, the university says "the band is suspended until further notice" and "TSU student affairs personnel will take appropriate action."

On Thursday night, we weren't allowed into the stadium for this story. Outside, students reacted to the allegations.

"It's not good, but it's hopefully not true," freshman Alex Coleman said.

"Usually you get this from fraternities and sororities, but from the band, which is a respectful organization at our school, it's ridiculous," Chiedu said.

This isn't the first time the band has been involved in a scandal, but it has been a long time. Twenty years ago while in Japan, students were accused of stealing thousands of dollars in electronics.

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CSI investigator takes stand in trial of ex-HPD officer accused of raping woman

  Pooja LodhiaHOUSTON (KTRK) -- The prosecution is continuing to build its case against a former Houston police officer accused of raping a woman two years ago. On Thursday they showed surveillance video taken before the alleged assault.

Surveillance video shows former HPD Officer Abraham Joseph driving up to a gas station and releasing a man into the parking lot. Prosecutors allege Joseph picked up a woman and a man, then dropped off the man and raped the woman at a nearby park. A crime investigator on Thursday confirmed records showing that Joseph never told dispatch he picked up anybody. The witness says male police officers are always asked to call in when they're alone with women. He said, "Officers typically call a female officer to do a search... You want it to be known that there is a female in your backseat." The witness also confirmed the police uniform, handcuffs and gun that Joseph had on the day he's accused of raping the woman. "They want to remind the jury that he was in uniform at the time, not like he is today. Today he's in street clothes, he's in a suit, he looks like any guy that would take your daughter on a date," said KTRK legal analyst Joel Androphy. He says prosecutors want to remind jurors that Joseph was in a position of authority during the alleged assault. "This was a guy in uniform, wearing a badge, driving a police car and they really want to drive home that he used his authority to abuse her," Androphy said. When we asked defense attorney Nicole DeBorde if she thought her client is being held to a different standard because he's a police officer, she replied, "I have a lot of confidence in this jury. They're smart, they're taking notes, and they know that the law is that he should be held to the same standard under the law as is anybody else." The defense claims the sex was consensual. Prosecutors are still expected to call forward several witnesses. Attorneys say it could be a week or longer before this case is sent to a jury. (Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Teen says religious 'blessing' turned into rape

  TOMBALL, TX (KTRK) -- A teen says a friend who practices black magic promised to give her a religious blessing, but raped her instead.

The 17-year-old girl told Tomball police that Mario Munoz-Verudes told her she looked sick and needed a blessing. On September 23 the teen reportedly went to his home for the blessing.

Court documents state that Munoz-Verudes lit some incense in a bedroom, then forcibly raped the teen while muffling her screams. The girl told police that he threatened to put a curse on her if she told anyone what happened.

The girl's mother contacted police and a sexual assault examination was performed at Memorial Hermann Hospital. The teen told police that intercourse was not part of the blessing she expected to receive from Munoz-Verudes.

Court documents state that while performing a search warrant at Munoz-Verudes' home, they confiscated a Department of Immigration citation written on January 15, 2012, documenting his illegal status. The victim identified Munoz-Verudes from a photo.

Munoz-Verudes, 60, has been charged with sexual assault of an adult. Bail in the case has been set at $60,000. A roommate says he hasn't seen Munoz-Verudes since police came looking for him.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Fallout from DPS crime lab testing problems continues

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- In May we first told you about testing problems at the DPS Houston regional crime lab. Since then, analysts have been busy retesting evidence in hundreds of criminal cases.

This spring, an analyst at the DPS Crime Lab in Houston was found to have substituted evidence using a drug from another case to validate what he was testing. He was no-billed by a grand jury of any criminal misconduct. He resigned in July, but the fallout from that mishandling continues.

"They'll want to have a discussion about what happens to the rest of those samples," said Dr. Sarah Kerrigan.

On Thursday, some of the members of what's called the DPS Houston Crime Lab Disclosure Investigative Panel met to determine what's been affected so far by what they agree was "inexcusable conduct."

Nearly 5,000 cases have now been called into question -- those on which the analyst worked. They involve cases from 36 different counties. So far 473 cases are on the re-test list. Of those, 237 new tests have been completed and the new results are the same.

Harris County has some 450 cases that qualify for the re-tests. The Public Defenders Office is now trying to notify former defendants.

"To see if they can be retested or if not, to see if there's a remedy that's appropriate," said Bob Wicoff with the Public Defender's Office.

Letters will be going out to those defendants, some of whom may be in jail. The big question is whether the evidence that convicted them still exists. After conviction, it is typically held by the arresting agency for a time and then destroyed. Even so...

"It's very hard to show by virtue of the fact the evidence was destroyed that something deserves a new trial," said Wicoff.

The full state investigative panel will be meeting on these cases next month in Austin.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Suspects charged in one of recent University of Houston campus robberies

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The University of Houston Police Department says they have made arrests in one of the recent campus robberies targeting students.

UH Police Chief Ceasar Moore announced the charges during a Friday morning news conference about the three aggravated robberies that took place on or near the campus last week.

Police say Ricardo Jamel Tangarife, the alleged gunman, and Anthony Theus, the store clerk accused of knowingly accepting a stolen credit card, were arrested Thursday in the campus robbery that took place on September 19.

According to police, within 45 minutes of the September 19th robbery, the suspects were seen using the student's stolen credit card on surveillance cameras at Memorial City Mall.

Authorities say Tangarife, 22, along with a woman identified as Sue Helen Ortiz, also known as "Roxy" and known to be a dancer at a local strip club, were both seen on surveillance using that credit card. Police say both bought several hundred dollars' worth of adult and children's shoes.

They say Theus, 21, was also in on the credit card scam.

Police are investigating to determine if these suspects could be connected to the other two robberies as well.

Police are still searching for the 19-year-old Ortiz and say charges are expected to be filed soon. They are also investigating additional persons of interest, including the getaway driver.

The announcement follows the appointment last Friday of an investigative task force focused on solving the crimes and the hiring of five new campus police supervisors, five new patrol officers and a full-time crime prevention officer.

Samica Knight will have more on this story on ABC13 Eyewitness News.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Fight between two men ends in gunfire

Police say the two men got into a fight and one of them pulled out a gun and fired.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police are looking for a man who shot another man in the leg early this morning.

It happened around 2:30am on Dowling near Francis just south of downtown Houston.

Officers say two men got into a fight across the street from a gas station and one of them pulled a gun and shot the other man. He then took off riding a bicycle. The victim is expected to live.

Police are still looking for that gunman.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Man who dressed as woman and used fake bomb to hold up bank identified

Braylon Lionell Marshall, 24, is charged with robbery.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities have identified a man accused of dressing up as a woman and using a fake bomb to hold up a bank.

It happened at the First Convenience Bank inside a Kroger at 6350 N. Eldridge Parkway back on September 5.

According to court documents, Braylon Lionell Marshall walked in the bank wearing a women's wig and yellow capri pants, and carrying a drink shaker with a wire coming out of it. The robber handed the teller a note saying his boyfriend was waiting in the car and could remotely detonate the device.

Investigators arrested the alleged getaway driver near the scene who implicated Marshall. His fingerprints were also found on the demand note.

Marshall, 24, is charged with robbery.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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United's first 'Dreamliner' due to land at Bush IAH today

The first Boeing Co. 787 Dreamliner takes shape in the assembly plant in Everett, Wash., in this May 21, 2007 file photo. United will fly one into Houston today for the first time. (AP Photo/John Froschauer, file)

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A historic landing is set for today at Bush airport. United Airline's first 787 Dreamliner is set to fly into Houston this afternoon.

The big plane will fly from Seattle to Houston and is scheduled to land around 4pm today.

The 787 is expected to enter into domestic service in November and international service in December.

The Dreamliner planes are made with a composite material that makes them lighter and more fuel efficient.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Tip leads police to donation theft suspect

  PASADENA, TX (KTRK) -- A man who police say admits to having stolen donations for funeral expenses was located, thanks to an alert TV viewer.

Team members at Sudie's Catfish Restaurant in Pasadena decided to help when the son of one of their employees was murdered in gang violence in El Salvador.

"We were collecting money to help with the funeral expenses and also for a couple of their family members who are still there," Sudie's employee Bonnie Williams said.

Employees held car washes and bake sales and they had a donation jar at the checkout that had grown due to the generosity of customers.

But on Wednesday afternoon, a man who was caught on camera grabbed the donation jar as well as a tip jar at the counter.

After the story aired on abc13 on Wednesday evening, Pasadena police received a tip call with a name of a possible suspect. Officers arrested Jordan Alexander Ybarra on an unrelated warrant, and while questioning him, they say he admitted taking the donation and tip jars.

Ybarra, 21, has been charged with theft.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Police search for clues in case of missing mom

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's a heart-wrenching time for friends and family of a woman who hasn't been seen in nearly a week. Investigators are combing for clues and her loved ones are desperate for answers.

Police investigators spent part of the day on Thursday inside Michelle Warner's southwest Houston apartment, searching for clues into the disappearance of the 31-year-old mother of two.

As the minutes and hours tick by, Michelle's friends and family grow more anxious.

"We miss her," said Scott Russell. "I'm worried sick."

Russell is one of the last people to see Michelle alive. Friday night the two had dinner, then he returned her home, where he left her with her three-year-old son and the child's father.

"I stayed for about a half hour, then left," Russell said. "Everything was fine. She was her regular old normal self."

No one has heard from Michelle since Saturday. Her phone goes to voicemail. She didn't show up to her new paralegal job this week.

"I placed her at her current position two weeks ago and was notified Monday she had not shown up for work," said job recruiter Becky Barclay.

Michelle's relatives say she and her child's father got into a heated argument Saturday. He told the family that Michelle got her purse and phone and just walked away, leaving behind three-year-old Cayden. But her friends say that doesn't sound like her at all.

"If she had a way to be home, she would," said friend Stefanie Helton. "There's no way she'd leave her son."

The child's father, who also lives at the apartment, told police he's in Odessa with their son. Police say he is cooperating and has been questioned extensively.

In the meantime, Michelle's friends are distributing fliers, hoping anyone with info on her whereabouts comes forward.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Man shot in head at west Houston motel

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man was shot during a violent attack at a west Houston motel this morning.

It happened at the Palace Inn on Westheimer near Synott. Police say the victim took a woman back to a motel room about 4:30am when two men barged in with weapons.

They used an extension cord to tie up the man and then shot him in the head. They then robbed him of money and took off with his 2004 Saturn.

The woman was apparently an accomplice because she took off with the two gunmen. All three are still on the loose.

The shooting victim was covered in blood when he staggered to the motel office. The night manager saw him and called 911.

The victim was taken to Ben Taub Hospital.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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DA: Paramedic in possession of child porn was found in bed with a boy during a search warrant

Chaise Michael Green, 28, is charged with three counts of possession of child pornography.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A local firefighter and paramedic is accused of possessing images and videos of child porn.

On September 26, the Harris County Pct. 4 Constables Office say they executed a search warrant at a Spring area residence in reference to an investigation involving the alleged possession and possible distribution of child pornography.

During the search of the residence, investigators say a male identified as Chaise Michael Green was found in bed with a prepubescent male child.

Investigators say they discovered multiple images and videos of child pornography on Green's personal laptop computer and storage device.

Court documents state Green had recently worked as a fireman and was employed as an Emergency Medical Technician with a local ambulance company.

Green, 28, is charged with three counts of possession of child pornography. Bond has been set at $60,000 total.

Authorities say they are interviewing the boy found in bed with Green and further charges may be filed against Green.

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Man accused of engaging in sex acts via Skype with underage girl

Stormy Christopher Smith, 23, is charged with one felony count of online solicitation of a minor and one felony count of sexual performance by a child.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man is in custody for allegedly engaging in sexually explicit conversations and video performances via Skype.

The Harris County Precinct 4 Constables Office conducted an investigation after a family came forward and reported their 15-year-old daughter had been communicating with a man via Skype.

Investigators learned the juvenile and the man, Stormy Christopher Smith, met through a mutual friend and they struck up a relationship by communicating over Skype. Investigators say Smith engaged in video sexual performances via Skype with the girl.

Smith, 23, is charged with one felony count of online solicitation of a minor and one felony count of sexual performance by a child.

He was arrested by the Montgomery Co. Precinct 4 Constables Office late Wednesday night. Bond has been set at $40,000 total.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Paul Ryan campaign flight temporarily stuck Wednesday morning at Hobby Airport

Paul Ryan's campaign flight was temporarily stuck Wednesday morning at Houston's Hobby Airport due to a minor mechanical issue. (CNN)

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A mechanical issue Wednesday morning temporarily stranded Paul Ryan's campaign flight at Houston's Hobby Airport.

The DC-9 Romney-Ryan campaign plane had an "minor mechanical issue" according to Ryan spokesperson Michael Steel. They held the place at Hobby Airport, putting them more than 85 minutes behind schedule.

It's believed that a leak in one of the lavatories in the back of the plane is the cause of the delay, but Steel would not confirm this.

The press corp's luggage was taken off the plane and put on the tarmac while technicians attempted to resolve the issue.

Ryan did eventually make it out of Houston in time for a scheduled appearance in Ft. Collins, Colorado on Wednesday afternoon.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Two male suspects sought in Walmart Supercenter robbery in NW Harris County

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities are searching for two male suspects responsible for a robbery at an area Walmart Supercenter. The suspects fled the scene with thousands of dollars in stolen cash.

On September 23, Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies were dispatched to the retailer in the 15900 block of FM 529 in northwest Harris County. Deputies say a female victim had just finished emptying a cash register as an unidentified black male approached her from behind. The male suspect shoved the victim and took the bag of cash.

A second black male suspect acted as a lookout during the course of the offense. Both suspects fled the scene on foot.

The first suspect is described as a black male with a thin build. At the time of the incident, he wore a white baseball cap, black t-shirt and tan shorts.

The second suspect is described as a black male wearing a dark colored baseball cap, a black t-shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at http://www.crime-stoppers.org/ that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Crime Tracker »

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Experts declare syphilis outbreak in Houston and Harris County

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- City health officials are issuing a warning about the dramatic increase of a specific sexually transmitted disease. Officials say the number of syphilis cases is up 97 percent and they believe they know the reason why.

There's been a 97 percent increase in the number of cases of syphilis in the first seven months of this year. But the actual numbers are small. From January to August last year, there were 174 cases. From January to August this year, there were 318 cases.

Until 2012, syphilis was declining. So why the increase? The Houston Health Department says social media and how people use it to meet strangers for sex.

"Primarily we're seeing an increase among men who have sex with men and the primary factor in that risk group is related to the internet, meeting partners over the internet and through social networking sites," said Michael Thomas, the Centers for Disease Control advisor to Houston.

Syphilis begins with a raised sore. Three weeks later, that goes away and a rash begins and after that, it can go internal, but still affect the brain, heart and skin.

It's is easily cured with a single shot of penicillin.

A big concern is when syphilis increases, so does the spread of HIV. Approximately 39 percent of people with infectious syphilis this year also tested HIV positive.

The other big worry is statewide, there's been an increase in the number of babies born with congenital syphilis. In Houston, we've had 13 babies born with congenital syphilis.

The Houston Health Department is extending their hours so that more people can get treated or tested. HDHHS offers testing and treatment services at Sharpstown Health Services, 6201 Bonhomme; Sunnyside Health Center, 4605 Wilmington; and Northside Health Center, 8504 Schuller.

They recommend immediate testing for the following:

Men who have sex with menPeople who engage in anonymous sexAnyone who has had multiple sex partnersPeople who test positive for other sexually-transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, Chlamydia and HIV

Houston's last syphilis outbreak occurred in 2007.

Information on testing sites and syphilis is available by calling HDHHS' HIV/STD Information Hotline at 832-393-5010. For additional syphilis information, visit www.houstonhealth.org.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more HealthCheck »

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Dismal Astros season affecting nearby businesses around Minute Maid Park

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- This is one of the most disappointing seasons in the Astros' history. Most seats are empty, which translates into a big financial loss for some businesses who depend on the crowds.

Those empty seats at Minute Maid Park have translated into empty seats at nearby bars and restaurants, where owners say as the Astros lost games, they lost money.

Five-year-old Michaela Diaz is rooting for her Astros.

"Are you excited about the game?" we asked her.

"Yeah!" she said.

Her Astros jersey, ball and a bat are a welcome sight to area business owners who have seen customers from the ballpark practically disappear. At Craig Biggio's final game, nearly 44,000 people packed Minute Maid Park. Last week, only around 12,000. Mark Diaz is one of those faithful fans.

"Some people don't like to come. I like to come. I root for them, good and bad," Astros fan Mark Diaz said.

The Astros' disastrous record has left its mark on businesses that once thrived when the team succeeded. A padlock is on the door of The Bus, as the bar located right across the street from the park is now closed. So is the Strip House, which was once a popular post-game steakhouse.

Houston institutions like Irma's Southwest Grill have also felt the pinch.

"Our numbers are down about 50 percent. Fifty, so that's a pretty big number for us. We rely on the Astros crowd for our summer business," the restaurant's owner Louis Galvan said.

Galvan says the focus now is on next season.

"We'll have new teams coming in like the A's and the Devil Rays, so we're really hoping that a new league and the excitement of a new season will help our business next year," Galvan said.

And so are area hotels. The Hilton Americas expects to get a big boost in business from fans of the American League West.

"We think that we will get more guests from out of town. They have a big fan base, both the Yankees and the Red Sox, so we look forward to welcoming them to Houston," Hilton Americas manager Jaques D'Rovencourt said.

Business owners also believe the switch to the new league will generate a lot of new interest among locals. That, they say, will help bring more people back to the park and into their businesses.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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If OKed, HISD bond would be carried out over years

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's your voice, your vote and this election your school and your wallet, too. Houston schools are asking for nearly $2 billion to build dozens of new schools. But a vote in November doesn't mean a new school soon.

In 2007 HISD, voters approved an $805 million bond. Since then, the district built 24 new schools.

The first opened in 2009. A dozen new schools opened in 2011 and the last one won't be complete according to the district until 2014.

The point is this takes a long time.

It opened last year, but Wednesday was dedication day at the brand new Roosevelt Elementary School. Built from the ground up to replace an old school, the new Roosevelt is full of new classrooms, added space and technology upgrades.

"My favorite part is the smart boards," fifth grade student Christian Acosta said.

"And you have them in all the classrooms now?" we asked him.

"Every classroom," he said.

"Did you have that before?"

"Now, we had to write on dry-erase boards."

Roosevelt is one of nearly two dozen brand new schools HISD built with the money voters approved in 2007.

"This is the greatest new school ever," Acosta said.

Who could say it better than Acosta? This school was worth waiting for. For HISD, it was a promise made years ago and a promise kept today.

But to some parents it's just taken too long. The vote was back in 2007 and just dedicated Wednesday.

"They just started here at Worthing," HISD parent Sandra Joseph Taylor said.

Taylor is a Worthing High School parent. She wonders why expansion plans approved as part of that 2007 bond are just getting underway now.

"This is part of the plan," HISD Spokesman Jason Spencer said.

HISD said it would take this long and says the new bond could take even longer -- until 2020.

"We need to roll this out over time, in the fastest manner possible because these are schools that have significant, immediate needs," Spencer said.

It would be too much money to borrow at once, too many plans to create at once, too much construction to manage all at the same time, so don't think a November vote brings new schools right away.

While it frustrates some parents, the district says it just has to stretch it out.

"I can't tell them how quickly to spend it, but we would like to know what they are doing, when is it our timing, why are we last on the list?" Taylor said.

HISD is looking to rebuild or renovate 38 schools if the new bond passes. No ground will be broken until 2014, at the earliest and the district says it does not have a specific schedule nor an order of which school goes first or last.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more In Focus »

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Man accused of beating woman to death with bat charged with murder, sought by police

Edgar Gonzalez Zavala, 40, is charged with murder.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston police need your help to find a man accused of beating a woman to death back in July.

Investigators say 42-year-old April Boggs was raped and then beaten to death with a baseball bat. Jewelry, cash, and her car were taken from her home in the 200 block of W. 18th Street. Police responded to a welfare check call after neighbors reported a foul odor emanating from the residence and they found Boggs dead body on the kitchen floor.

Her landlord told police Boggs recently kicked out Edgar Gonzalez Zavala who had been staying with her.

Zavala was arrested in her car for suspicion of DWI in Colorado County, Texas, the same day of the murder on July 29, but officers there didn't know about it. He was released on bond.

A bloody baseball bat and jewelry were found in that car. DNA tests later linked Zavala to the murder.

Zavala, 45, is charged with murder.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of suspect Edgar Zavala is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Suspected hit and run driver turns himself in to police

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man who claims that he hit and critically injured a man at an intersection in southwest Houston with his truck early Monday morning has surrendered to police.

For two days Houston police have been searching for a hit-and-run driver. Now that man has reached out to a community activist to help turn himself in.

Langston Carrier was tight-lipped when we asked him about a hit-and-run accident that happened at Hillcroft and Westpark on Monday morning. But Eyewitness News cameras were rolling Wednesday afternoon as carrier turned himself in to police.

Community activist Quanell X said, "He was absolutely tore up and heartbroken about all of this."

Quanell says Carrier was very emotional when he reached out to the activist late Tuesday night indicating he's the driver of a black Dodge pickup. Investigators say they've been searching for the truck's driver for hitting and injuring a pedestrian and failing to stop and render aid.

Quanell said, "He was very, very, very remorseful. In fact, he's one of the most remorseful individuals I've ever turned in. Because his whole disposition was about he wanted to do the right thing because it's what God would have him do."

Police say the driver of the truck was speeding through a yellow light on Westpark when he hit a 25-year-old man who was running across the street around 2:15 that morning.

The front end of this Dodge pickup is heavily damaged. Even one of the headlights is missing.

The impact of that crash seriously injured the pedestrian. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition with a broken leg and other internal injuries, according to HPD. Police have not released the victim's name.

As for Langston Carrier, he could face charges of failing to stop and render aid.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Police searching for missing 31-year-old mom

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston police are investigating the disappearance of a 31-year-old woman who was last seen in southwest Houston last week.

Michelle Warner was last seen around midnight at the Regency Square Apartment Complex in the 7200 block of Bellerive Drive in the Sharpstown area.

Relatives say they last heard from her this past weekend, and it's not like Warner, the mother of a three-year-old, to disappear like this.

They say Warner had a fight with the father of her son before she vanished.

Houston police have her family's missing person report and are investigating.

Warner is 5-foot-6, weighs around 125 pounds and has blue eyes and dark brown hair. She has a dolphin tattoo on the backside of her shoulder and small butterfly tattoo on one foot. She also has small stud nose ring on right side of nose.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Spring ISD school dismissed early due to power outage

School is out early for students at one Spring ISD middle school after a power outage this morning.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Some middle school students have a shortened school day today due to a power outage.

According to a Spring ISD spokesperson, Dueitt Middle School released students early due to the outage. A fire alarm went off this morning before school started. It was prompted by smoke from air conditioning equipment that overheated due to the failure of the a nearby transformer.

Staff and students who were already at school were evacuated and students who were arriving at school were kept outside the building.

Centerpoint is working on the problem and hope to have it resolved by the end of the day.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

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Road debris on the rise in Houston area

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- From fast moving cars to changing lanes to navigating road construction, driving can be scary. But there's another road danger on the rise -- deadly debris.

In December of 2010, Fort Bend County Deputy John Norsworthy was rushing to a traffic stop when he tried to avoid road debris. He lost control and crashed, dying a week later from his injuries.

There were more than 700 debris-related accidents last year, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. And that doesn't include those not reported to police.

"Suddenly, I heard this big crashing sound and it turned out to be a wooden pallet on the road," driver Al Zolli said.

Zolli was driving on 45 South when he hit a wooden pallet.

"It cost me a $500 deductible. It was like $800 and somewhat in damage," he said.

Alex Flenner's accident was much worse.

"You're talking an 8-foot steel, 4-inch pipe with a 14-inch flange on it. That was enough to get up under the car, lift the oil pan and just spin me around like a top," driver Alex Flenner said.

He lost control of his car and slammed into another vehicle.

"Total accident with bodily claims, it was approaching $70,000," Flenner said.

Since then, Flenner's insurance premiums have gone up nearly 15 percent.

"In the past several months, we've noticed an increase in windshield claims, front car damage due to debris in the roadways," State Farm agent Theo Franklin said.

So where is all the debris coming from?

"They're not strapping it down properly, they're not putting tarps or any kind of device to keep those items in their vehicle," TxDOT Spokesman Danny Perez said.

Perez says many drivers carrying loads like furniture or auto parts are not taking the precautionary measures needed.

"Unfortunately when they're driving, the wind, high speeds, those things do fly out," Perez said.

If you're caught with an unsecured load you can be ticketed and fined up to $500.

HPD's truck enforcement division conducts spot inspections once a month.

"We do look for the proper load securement to ensure by weight and by length that the vehicle is, what's it's carrying, is not gonna move," said Sgt. Teresa Curry with the HPD Truck Enforcement division.

So is TxDOT really doing enough to keep the highways clear of debris?

Perez tells us there are between three to five vehicles that go out daily, monitoring and clearing Houston's highways. They also spend approximately $3 million a year on hired contractors.

But consider this, in most cases if you hit the debris, you take the blame.

"The law requires that you keep a safe distance between cars and that you're looking out in the roadway to see if there's anything in your path," Franklin said.

That means you're responsible for your repairs, unless you can prove where it came from.

"In cases where someone is right in front of you. Something drops right off of their truck or car, it's important for the customer to get the license plate number of the vehicle so we can go after that individual," Franklin said.

In the end, avoiding dangerous debris is in your hands.

"And if you're behind it, you just don't know what that object is. You assume the worst and you just start scattering," Zolli said.

The Texas Department of Transportation says if you see debris on the highway, call 3-1-1 or call them directly to report objects on the road. This way if something needs immediate attention, it can be addressed as quickly as possible.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

local, samica knight

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Thief nabs donation jar from Pasadena restaurant

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police are looking for a man is accused of stealing from a restaurant and what he ran off with were donations for a good cause.

They are known for their catfish, but team members who workat Sudie's in Pasadena say it's like a family. So when one of their employees' son's was murdered in gang violence in El Salvador, they decided to help.

"We were collecting money to help with the funeral expenses and also for a couple of their family members who are still there," Sudie's employee Bonnie Williams said.

Employees held car washes and bake sales and they had a donation jar at the checkout that had grown due to the generosity of customers.

But on Wednesday afternoon, a man can be see from the restaurant cameras coming through the doors. He approaches the counter then seems to wander around for a couple of minutes. He makes a phone call and then he makes his move, grabbing not only the donation jar, but the tip jar at the counter too.

It was right then Bonnie Williams walked out from her lunch break.

"I see him reaching for the donation jar and I'm like, 'Hey what are you doing?'" she said.

Williams followed him out the front door, just in time to see him get into a getaway car in the parking lot. She says the passenger door was wide open.

"It's really sad that somebody would do that," Williams said.

Employees believe the thief got away with a few hundred dollars.

"It was getting pretty full and it was great that people were showing their support and for someone to just come and get it, it's gross, it's sick," Sudie's waitress Jodi Blair said.

And while they may have to start over, they aren't giving up.

"I just hope that somebody out there maybe recognizes this person and identify him because this is a sad situation for this family," Williams said.

Williams says the thief and his driver were in an older model two door red Honda.

If you have any information, call Pasadena police.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

local, christine dobbyn

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Road work to be done 20 years early?

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Good news for your commute, if your travels bring you through the northwest side of town. New funding means construction projects along the Northwest Freeway will be finished as much as two decades earlier than originally planned.

Highway 290 is one of the 25 most congested roadways in Texas -- iIf you drive on 290 during rush hour, you know. But transportation safety officials say that won't be the case for long as change is coming; 20 years sooner than expected.

TxDOT engineer Michael Alford explained, "We will be able to deliver these projects in about four years from now."

The projects stretch along Highway 290 between I-610 and FM 2920 and include widening 290 to 11 lanes -- four inbound, four outbound, with two to three reversible middle lanes for HOV and a toll lane.

"I think it will improve the traffic flow tremendously," said driver Lisa Byrd.

Also part of the plan is preserving right-of-way for a bike trail and eventually building a Hempstead Tollway, parallel to 290.

"These initial dollars that we have will take us out to the Grand Parkway area," Alford said. "Then we'll start working west of the Grand Parkway as funding becomes available."

TxDOT will contribute $787 million. The Harris County Toll Road Authority is pitching in $400 million. State lawmakers plan to continue the push for funding because, they say the pathway to economic health starts right here.

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst said, "I want to keep the state growing, you want to keep the state growing. We can't do it without excellent infrastructure."

All of the projects we talked about will be under construction by the middle of 2014.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »

local, sonia azad

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Houston Schools' Students Get Hands-On Experience at Space Center

Astros to announce new manager in press conference

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Astros organization is expected to announce its pick for manager this morning.

A press conference is scheduled for ten. Owner and Chairman Jim Crane, GM Jeff Luhnow and team President George Postolos will all be in attendance.

Nationals third base coach Bo Porter is expected to get the job. The Houston resident should finish the season in Washington before taking up the reins. The Astros' young team has struggled but management hopes to be in contention in a few years.

"We don't want to hire someone to just be here for one phase of it. We want someone who can grow with the players, grow with the organization and help us sustain success once we get there," said Luhnow.

Management had a short list of nine possible coaches.

(Copyright ©2012 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more MLB »

houston astros, mlb

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