Sunday, January 13, 2013

Weapons stolen during home invasion in NW Harris County

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A homeowner in northwest Harris County fell victim to armed burglars Friday morning.

According to the constable's office, the crime rate in the Ponderosa subdivision is not high. There were no recorded burglaries last month, according to the chief deputy constable there, and only two in November. But none of that matters to the man who was targeted on Friday morning. He talked to Eyewitness News, but he doesn't want to be identified.

"I look over just in time to see all of them get out with their guns in their hands, and they're pointing them right at me," he said. "They said, 'Get in the house.'"

Four men wearing masks, and one of the guns was pointed at the family dog.

The victim recalled, "I said, "Please don't shoot that dog. That dog is not aggressive. She's a great dog.' And he said, 'Well, then put her in the back yard.'"

That's when the victim says the ransacking operation began. Electronics and what little jewelry he had were all taken. And there were the guns. The robbers got away with about half a dozen. A locked gun case with shotguns still inside was discarded as the men jumped in a waiting car.

"It wasn't fun watching it," the victim told Eyewitness News. "One guy had a constant gun on me the whole time. I was pretty much focused on him, looking down the barrel of his gun. He kept screaming, 'I'm going to shoot you. I'm going to shoot you.'"

The house has been hit before. The last time, this contractor says his tools were stolen. But this is different. It's personal and he doesn't want it to happen again, and he says he wants to move, but he doesn't know where.

Four male suspects were described only as being somewhat young, last seen making their getaway in a white compact sedan. Anyone with information on who they may be is asked to call the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
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local, deborah wrigley

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Water supply may run dry for Baytown-area residents

Residents packed into the Harris County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1A meeting, demanding the agency pays the $249,897.64 it owes the city of Baytown before their water services get disconnected. Residents packed into the Harris County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1A meeting, demanding the agency pays the $249,897.64 it owes the city of Baytown before their water services get disconnected. (The Baytown Sun)

  BAYTOWN, TX (KTRK) -- Faucets could soon run dry at dozens of Baytown-area homes if a Harris County water supply district doesn't keep its promise to pay off an outstanding bill worth nearly a quarter-million dollars.

Residents who live near McNair recently received notices that their water services will be disconnected Tuesday if their water district, the Harris County Fresh Water Supply District No. 1A, doesn't pay the $249,897.64 it owes the city of Baytown from a 2009 agreement.

As a result, more than 100 residents packed into the district's regularly scheduled meeting Thursday and demanded action.

The district said it has withdrawn money from its reserves fund and plans to pay the entire bill no later than Monday.

We worked on this story with our Houston Community Newspaper partner, The Baytown Sun.
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Chase suspect manages to elude police despite massive search

A chase suspect is still on the loose after escaping from West University police. A chase suspect is still on the loose after escaping from West University police.

  WEST UNIVERSITY, TX (KTRK) -- A massive overnight police search in Bellaire started with a traffic stop in West University Place.

Police dogs went door-to-door in neighborhoods around Newcastle and Larch, looking for a driver who bailed out and ran away.

West University police pursued the driver from the original traffic stop to where he bailed out of his car on Bissonnet and Avenue B. He then hopped a fence near Newcastle.

Despite that yard-to-yard search, the suspect was not found before a downpour of rain forced officers to cancel the search after only an hour.
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Four firefighters, two others injured in collision involving fire truck in east Harris Co.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Six people were injured in a collision that involved a fire truck in east Harris County Friday night.

It happened at the intersection of Hollywood and Brown Wood Street.

According to officials with the Cloverleaf Volunteer Fire Department, four firefighters were their way to run a few errands. They were less than a block from the fire station when officials say the driver of a black Dodge pickup slammed into the side of the fire truck, flipping the emergency vehicle over.

According to witnesses, the pickup truck driver ran a stop sign.

"The truck and come hit the fire department truck, and dumped over" witness Rene Vences said.

"It's horrible. I just --- my brother. They said he's OK," said Elizabeth Beaver, whose brother was among the firefighters involved in the wreck.

Officials had to extricate two people out of the pickup. They were both taken to Ben Taub with serious injuries.

Four firefighters also were transported to be treated for minor injuries.
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Former Clear Creek ISD teacher accused of having relationship with student

  LEAGUE CITY, TX (KTRK) -- A former Clear Creek ISD teacher is facing allegations she had a sexual relationship with one of her students.

Stephanie Raleen Forbes, 40, was arrested Thursday afternoon in the 300 block of Sorrelwood Dr. in League City on charges of sexual assault of a child and improper relationship between educator and student, according to the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.

Detectives say they launched an investgation last month after Clear Creek ISD officials were notified of allegations that Forbes had an ongoing sexual relationship with a student. She resigned from the district after detectives launched an investigation into the accusations.

Forbes was released from the Galveston County Jail after she posted a $20,000 bond.

The investigation is ongoing.
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Police find two-year-old Alizae Mata, cancel Amber Alert

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police say a young girl who allegedly was kidnapped by a family friend was found unharmed late last night in southeast Houston.

Houston police say they located Alizae Mata around 11:30pm after they tracked her alleged abductor, 22-year-old Jessenia Saldana, to an apartment complex in the 8400 block of Broadway.

Alizae and Saldana had been missing since they left to run errands Wednesday afternoon. According to police, the little girl was allowed to go with Saldana, but then the two never returned.

Police say Saldana called the girl's mother, Crystal Mata, Thursday evening and told her she would drop Alizae off at Memorial Hermann Hospital. The mother rushed up to the hospital, but the pair was not there.

As a result, the Houston Police Department issued the Amber Alert, and Alizae's mother was left pleading for help.

"I think she was here. I just don't know where. I don't know where. And this part is scaring me, I don't know where my baby is. I don't know who she's with anymore. Please, I'm scared for my baby's life. She's only two," Crystal Mata told Eyewitness News shortly before the alert was canceled.

The mother and daughter were reunited last night. Police say the child appears to be OK, but investigators recommend she gets checked out fo a doctor.

Saldana was arrested at the scene and now faces a charge of kidnapping.
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Worker seriously injured while cutting down large tree in north Harris Co.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A tragic accident seriously injured a worker who was cutting down a large tree.

It happened Thursday afternoon at Bamwick and Ella in north Harris County.

Eyewitnesses say the man was working to remove the tree when it suddenly began falling the wrong direction. The man, who was tied to the tree, was thrown 20 feet into the air into another tree.

He was flown to a hospital with serious injuries.
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Homicide detectives probing baby's death in north Houston

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston father is under arrest after police discovered his child dead in north Houston on Thursday.

It happened around midday at an apartment complex in the 16000 block of City View Place, and the HPD crime scene unit spent the rest of the day scouring the scene for evidence.

Police were dispatched to the complex around 1:30pm after they received a call from someone claiming there was a child in cardiac arrest.

Police say it looked as if the two-year-old boy, who's been identified as Jashaun Davis, had been badly beaten.

According to an officer on scene, the toddler's father, Tyrone Jefferson, was questioned by detectives and told he them his son became unresponsive after a spanking. According to court documents, the toddler's head was struck against a wall. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at a nearby hospital.

Police say the mother was at work when the incident happened. She seemed completely devastated when she spoke with us Friday.

"I was gonna tell him to leave that same day. It was too late. I love that boy more than life itself," the boy's mother, Angela Davis, said.

Jefferson, 24, was later charged with capital murder.

Meanwhile, neighbors are still trying to figure out what happened.

"He looked innocent, like he wouldn't do something like this, but you know never know what's in people's mind," neighbor Evelyn Cloud said.


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West U officer collides with SUV while responding to call

A West University police officer collided with another driver while en route to a call overnight. A West University police officer collided with another driver while en route to a call overnight.

  WEST UNIVERSITY, TX (KTRK) -- A West University officer believed to have been responding to a chase ended up in a car crash at Weslayan and Bissonnet.

Her patrol car and a civilian SUV collided. The impact was intense enough to crumple the patrol car's hood. The officer was taken to the hospital to be treated for her non life-threatening injuries.

The civilian woman driving the other vehicle was not hurt.
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Police: Fight over dog in NW Houston turns deadly

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A deadly fight between roommates all started over a dog, and officials say the shooting may have been self-defense. The fatal encounter happened at an apartment complex off Hollister in northwest Houston late Wednesday night.

A 21-year-old man had lived at the apartment for a while but he took in a roommate a few months back. But on Wednesday night there was a fight centered around a dog named Bear and it ended in death.

HPD Homicide Officer Brian Evans said, "When the secondary roommate was apparently attempting to choke a dog that was inside the apartment belonging to the primary lease holder, that individual then turned his attention from he dog to the lease holder and they became involved in a physical altercation."

Not long after that a gun was fired. The roommate who had choked the dog was shot. A neighbor heard the commotion.

"I looked over by the window and then I see the guy screaming and he says it hurts," recalled Ingrid. "But I didn't hear the gunshot, just the guy screaming."

The man police have identified as Brian Harper later died at a nearby hospital. Both roommates were 21 years old, and were often seen taking the dog outside. They were described as quiet and pleasant. One neighbor says one of the men was involved with an area church.

"He told me he was a youth pastor and he loved his job and he loved doing what he was doing," said neighbor Harold Davis. "He talked about the kids at the church all the time."

The roommate who shot his friend was questioned by police but he was not arrested and he is not charged. Police say it may be a case of self-defense.

"All of the evidence that we have on that scene appears that may be the case," said Officer Evans. "We don't have anything to indicate it was a struggle over than a self-defense type situation."

Because of that, police say the case will be presented to a grand jury which will decide whether charges are merited or not. The name of the tenant who shot Harper, according to police, is not being released because he has not been charged with a crime.

The dog was taken into the custody of animal control, which is seeking to return it to its owner.
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local, deborah wrigley

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Candidates face off in race to replace late senator

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Early voting is now underway for the special election to replace the late State Sen. Mario Gallegos. He died back in October due to liver disease complications and now, eight candidates are fighting to replace him.

This special election features a couple of familiar names and some political newcomers. They faced off Friday in a debate with the election just two weeks away, and all of whom think they can best serve District 6.

When Gallegos was re-elected posthumously in November, it set in motion a flurry of post-Election Day campaigning.

There are eight people who want to fill the long-held seat in the Texas Senate and six of them were at an east-end chamber luncheon on Friday afternoon, making pitches to the district's civic leaders.

"District 6 voters have a choice, and they are at a crossroads at the presdent time," Democratic candidate Rodolfo Reyes said.

"First of all, we have to have people responsible for how they spend their money," Republican candidate Dorothy Olmos said.

The informal forum was an opportunity for all of the candidates to talk about jobs, the port of Houston, and healthcare but most of all themselves.

"We haven't had anyone that can address the needs and go to Austin to ascertain funds to make sure those needs are actually met," Republican candidate R.W. Bray said.

"There needs to be a change. There needs to be a change in how leadership is done ,not just in Austin, but here in our community. I want to be that leader," Democratic candidate Joaquin Martinez said.

It was also another chance for the two most recognizable political names on the ballot to sit at the same table: State Rep. Carol Alvarado and former Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia. They have been the most visible campaigns and haven't been shy about trying to distinguish themselves from the others.

"Especially in an open race you're going to have numerous candidates. But I feel good about the type of campaign that we're running. It's positive and we're sticking to the issues," Alvarado said.

"When people are running for office -- there's eight of us -- everybody has to look at their background and their record and I've got a proven record of public service that's always been about putting people first," Garcia said.

Early voting for the special election is already open. Election Day is January 26. If there is a runoff, it would be in either late February or early March.
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local, tom abrahams

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Earl Campbell and his son Tyler have something in common, and they're battling it together

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- He is one of the greatest warriors ever to take to a Texas football field. Earl Campbell is a Heisman Trophy winner, a Hall of Famer and the heart of the Oilers 'Luv Ya Blue' era. Now, the Tyler Rose is battling a different opponent; this time on behalf of the son who's named for his hometown.

Eyewitness News sat down with both Earl and Tyler Campbell recently at their office in Austin.

Tyler Campbell sees his father like most of us do.

"My dad, in my book, is Superman," said Tyler.

Just ask the thousands of fans who cheered Earl Campbell when he appeared on the field at the Texans' game last weekend. It didn't even matter that he was on a walker.

But this Earl is a far cry from the powerful running back who broke records at the University of Texas and then as a Houston Oiler.

"It's funny, but my dad and I have the same story, whether people realize it or not, because I know what it's like to have the inability to walk," Tyler told us.

He was a junior at San Diego State five years ago when something happened the day after a game.

"I proceeded to get up and when I got out of bed, I fell flat on my face," said Tyler.

His roommate took him to the team doctor.

"My limbs were functioning on the left side, but not on the right side. And by this time, when we got to the training room, my speech was slurred," Tyler said.

Many tests later, it wasn't a concussion, but Multiple Sclerosis. Tyler told almost no one, not even his dad.

"I didn't want anyone to feel sorry for me and I didn't want anyone to see me as weak," he said.

When Earl finally learned the truth,

"I kept asking my wife, 'Did he get it from me?' And she'd say, 'No, it's just something that happened,'" Earl told us.

Now the two have joined forces in the battle against MS, raising more than $60,000 and learning from each other.

"To be that young with this is one thing -- but he always smiles, he's always upbeat, he's always got it going," said Earl.

Tyler told us, "So, my perspective is I'm looking at Superman and Superman doesn't quit. So how am I going to quit?"

Tyler now runs his father's meat products business full time, and he and Earl are planning another fundraiser for the MS society in the spring.

But the biggest news? Tyler and his wife are expecting their first baby!
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local, melanie lawson

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Rain moves east, mild temperatures today

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Skies are clearing out this morning. Look for sunshine and mild temps this afternoon.

Bands of clouds and rain are wrapping around on the backside of this low, bringing rain and storms to parts of the south, especially Louisiana right now.

Flooding rain, dangerous lightning and even the threat for isolated tornadoes will continue across the Deep South today. Quiet weather for our area Friday, with highs around 70.

Our next cold front moves into southeast Texas this weekend. Rain and storms are likely Saturday, Sunday and Monday. We're concerned about the possibility of dangerous lightning impacting the Houston Marathon Sunday morning. Colder air will move in behind this front on Sunday.
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Video captures break-in at Sugar Land business park

  SUGAR LAND, TX (KTRK) -- Two men and a woman are on the run after police say they broke into two offices at a business park in Sugar Land last week.

According to Sugar Land police, the three people broke into offices at 1 Sugar Creek Blvd. back on January 5 at around 2pm.

The trio was captured on surveillance video going into the pried-open front doors of Petrolog International and the Leon Law Firm. The video shows two men entering one office as the women stands at the doors.

According to police, nothing was taken from either office suite.

Anyone with information should call the Sugar Land Police Department at (281) 275-2540 or Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at (281) 342-TIPS (8477).
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Saturday, January 12, 2013

Woman found shot to death inside running SUV in SW Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston police may have a hard time solving a woman's murder. She was gunned down behind the wheel of her SUV, and there are few clues as to what may have happened.

The woman was found dead along Birdwood near Renwick in southwest Houston late Thursday night. She was killed just a couple of blocks away from her apartment complex, and the murder has her friends and neighbors very concerned right now.

Friends are leaving stuffed animals and balloons, building a small roadside memorial in memory of a woman who was shot and left to die.

"She was great," said Kim Ortiz, a friend of the victim. "She was funny, friendly."

Ortiz says the 29-year-old victim was her best friend. Police say the woman was driving her SUV when an unknown person shot her in the head on the 5400 block of Birdwood around 11pm Thursday. Several neighbors woke up to the commotion.

Neighbor Lew Williams said, 'Heard three shots, very loud. It sounded like it was bang... and then bang, bang."

Investigators say the victim wasn't robbed. And they're speculating road rage could have played a part in this murder. The woman's friends just want some answers.

"She was trying to get back on her feet," Ortiz said. "She was bettering herself. She was going to school."

Police believe the victim backed her SUV off the street and onto a field trying to escape the gunman. A neighbor passing by found her dead behind the wheel. Several witnesses told police they saw a black Tahoe speeding from the scene after the shooting.

"I hope that if somebody knows that person or knows what happened, they could say something. Because we're all wondering," Ortiz said. "We all just want to know something. Something needs to be done. Justice needs to happen."

Officials have not yet released the victim's name. Investigators are canvassing the neighborhood and looking for surveillance video.

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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local, demond fernandez

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Former Astro Craig Biggio on Hall of Fame vote: 'It's the reality of the era'

AP  HOUSTON -- Craig Biggio thinks he might have been bypassed for the Hall of Fame because he was on the ballot for the first time with several big stars linked to performance-enhancing drugs.

Biggio received the highest vote total in a year that produced no electees to Cooperstown on Wednesday. Biggio, 20th on the career list with 3,060 hits, appeared on 68.2 percent of the 569 ballots -- 39 votes shy.

Steroids Era stars Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa were also on the ballot for the first time and all fell far short of the required 75 percent. Biggio thinks it's unfortunate if he was lumped in with others associated with performance-enhancing drugs

"I think it's kind of unfair, but it's the reality of the era that we played in," he said. "Obviously some guys are guilty and others aren't, and it's painful for the ones that weren't."

He wasn't completely sure whether feelings about the others played a role in his coming up short.

"I can't get in the minds of the writers, but it's a possibility that that could have definitely been part of the deal," he said.

Later, he seemed to tire of the incessant questions about whether being on the ballot with players linked to steroids kept him out of the Hall of Fame this year.

"All I know is that I went out there and played the game and I loved the game and I went out there to win, and we have a lot of flags on that wall out there that represent that, and that's really the most important thing to me," he said.

He thinks he probably also was hurt by the preference of some writers not to vote for first-time eligibles. Biggio, who played his entire 20-year career with the Astros, was disappointed but says the exclusivity of the Hall makes it mean that much more when one gets in.

"When you look at the Hall of Fames, that's what makes baseball pretty special, pretty unbelievable. We're not letting six guys in every year," Biggio said. "You had a list of a lot of guys that were very qualified and nobody was let in. It just says a lot about how special that building really is."

Biggio retired after the 2007 season as Houston's leader in games, at-bats, hits, runs, doubles, extra-base hits and total bases. He is second in franchise history in RBIs and stolen bases and has the third-most home runs.

Voting is done by writers who have been members of the BBWAA for 10 straight years at any point. Biggio doesn't have a vote, but said he would have voted for both Bonds and Clemens if he did.

"Barry Bonds was the greatest hitter that I've ever played against ... and Roger was one of the greatest pitchers of all time," he said. "I would have yes, I think those guys are Hall of Fame players. Barry and Roger, their numbers speak for themselves and what they did on a baseball field speaks for itself."

Fellow Astro Jeff Bagwell also was among the top vote-getters with 59.6 percent. He debuted in 2011 with 41.7 percent and jumped to 56 percent a year ago.

Biggio said it would be special to get inducted alongside his longtime teammate and friend.

"We got a 68, and I'm going to go back and study a little harder and hopefully get a 75 next year," Biggio said with a chuckle.
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mlb, houston astros, sports

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Apartment fire in Rosenberg displaces 18 families

A fire in the kitchen quickly spread at an apartment complex in Rosenberg. A fire in the kitchen quickly spread at an apartment complex in Rosenberg.

  ROSENBERG, TX (KTRK) -- A fire in a kitchen quickly spread through an apartment complex in Rosenberg last night.

It happened at the Pecan Park Apartments off Westwood near Lane Drive around 11pm.

Firefighters say the flames quickly spread from a downstairs kitchen through four units, forcing them to pull two alarms on it. The fire knocked out power to the building. A total of 18 families have been displaced.

There was no report of any injuries.
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Man charged in wife's shooting death last month reportedly killed himself Thursday

Thomas A. Quinlan Thomas A. Quinlan, 58, had been charged with murder in the December shooting death of his wife, Donna Quinlan

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man charged in the shooting death of his wife last month reportedly killed himself on Thursday.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office says shortly before 10am Thursday they were contacted by security reporting that Thomas A. Quinlan came into the April Sound Subdivision going to his home on North April Waters. Security officers knew of the emergency protective order in place against Quinlan prohibiting him from being at the house.

Quinlan was arrested on December 30, 2012, for the shooting death of his wife, Donna Quinlan.

Deputies say when they arrived Thursday, they learned that no one was in the home other than Quinlan and they could not make contact with him. SWAT deputies entered the home and say they found Quinlan dead of what is believed to be a self-inflicted wound.

Quinlan was released from the Montgomery County Jail on January 3 after posting the $500,000 bond set at the time of his arrest last month.

Deputies say the investigation continues.
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Houston car thieves' wish list for December

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- When it comes to car thieves, certain types of vehicles are at the top of their wish list.

The following is a rundown of the "Top 10" makes of vehicles stolen during the month of December: Ford Trucks 155 Chevrolet Trucks 151 Honda Cars 123 Dodge Trucks 64 Chevrolet Cars 45 GMC Trucks 44 Toyota Cars 27 Dodge Cars 26 Ford Cars 24 Buick Cars 21
Source: Houston Police Department (Copyright ©2013 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Drive-by shooting kills one, injures another in NE Houston

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Police are looking for anyone connected to a northwest Houston drive-by shooting that left one person dead and another injured.

The shooting happened around 6:30pm at an apartment complex on Cedar Post Lane at Westview Drive.

Police say two men were shot in a drive-by shooting outside the complex.

One of the victims was shot in the chest and died from his injuries. It wasn't immediately clear whether the other was shot, but we're told he is in stable condition.

So far, police have no motive or suspects in the shooting.

An investigation is ongoing.
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Toll road planned along Highway 249 in NW Houston as part of expansion project

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- If you live on the northwest side, plans are in motion that could ultimately make your life a lot easier. County officials are one step closer to possibly creating a new toll way along Highway 249 from Spring Cypress all the way to FM 1488.

Along Highway 249, the signs are up, even if the project to turn this stretch of Tomball Parkway into a toll road has not yet begun.

"It's whatever the government tells us to do," said local flower shop worker Cyndi Sharp. "Do we really have a choice?"

Sharp may not be sold on the toll road idea. But Commissioner Jack Cagle is a big supporter of the 249 toll road. To get it done, Harris County commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding to lend Montgomery County up to $20 million to help study the toll project.

"Without Montgomery County, we won't be able to service our constituents who live in Harris County," Cagle said.

The toll road will eventually go through Harris and Montgomery counties, so if and when expansion occurs, both counties can continue at the same pace.

"Six or eight years ago, people didn't want to hear the word toll road," said Bruce Hillegeist with the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce.

Hillegeist says his organization knows the reality is they won't get any expanded Highway 249 if there is no toll. So the first phase of the project is set to start this fall, with two more phases planned for years ahead.

"The Texas Department of Transportation really laid it on the line for us -- no toll, no road," Hillegeist said.

A commissioner with Montgomery County tells Eyewitness News he also supports the toll road project.
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local, miya shay

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Man wanted for sex crimes in OH caught in New Caney

NEW CANEY, TX (KTRK) -- Montgomery County deputies uncovered what they say is an extensive child porn collection during a raid in New Caney last night.

Authorities say they also found a disturbing collection of children's underwear during their search of a mobile home belonging to the parents of 23-year-old Shane Trumble. The mobile home on FM 1485 is where investigators say Trumble was hiding out.

Trumble's family is now being evicted from this RV Park following last night's arrest. They have until this weekend to move out.

During Trumble's arrest, detectives apparently found iPads and computers with multiple hard drives and 30 gigabytes of child pornography.

Montgomery County constable deputies say back in June, Trumble moved to the Wild Country RV Park with his relatives. Before then, he lived in Ohio, where he was wanted for sex crimes against children.

Authorities say he never registered as a sex offender here in Texas.

"I have grandkids that live here on the property. I don't want those type of people in the park," said Roger Hollon, manager of the Wild Country RV Park. "If they've been placed in a national registry where you could pull up by their name and their face, we would know who we would be looking at and they wouldn't have been in here."

Trumble is being held without bond in the Montgomery County jail. He also faces charges out of Ohio. In addition, he faces four counts of possession of child pornography related to those cases here in Texas. His bond is set for those cases at $400,000.
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local, sonia azad

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Police: Pearland 11-year-old threatened to bring gun to school

SkyEye 13 HD was over the scene at Rogers Middle School in Pearland where police say an 11-year-old threatened to bring a gun to school. SkyEye 13 HD was over the scene at Rogers Middle School in Pearland where police say an 11-year-old threatened to bring a gun to school.

  PEARLAND, TX (KTRK) -- A Pearland middle school student is facing charges for allegedly threatening to bring a gun to school.

Pearland police say on Wednesday evening, they received a report that a Rogers Middle School student had threatened to bring a gun to school Thursday. According to the person who made the report, the student made the threat because he had a 'bad day' on Wednesday.

Police interviewed other witnesses and then contacted the Brazoria County District Attorney's Office. Charges of 'Terroristic Threat' were filed against the suspect.

The 11-year-old was not allowed to attend school Thursday. He was detained by police and taken to the Brazoria County Juvenile Detention Facility in Angleton.
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pearland, local

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Amber Alert issed for missing Pasadena baby

Kaitlyn Lavois is believed to have been taken from a day care in Pasadena Friday by her grandmother, who didnt have permission to get her. Kaitlyn Lavois is believed to have been taken from a day care in Pasadena Friday by her grandmother, who didn't have permission to get her.

  PASADENA, TX (KTRK) -- Pasadena Police have issued an Amber Alert for a four-month-old who they say was taken from a day care by her grandmother without permission Friday.

The alert was issued for Kaitlyn Lavois, who is believed to have been taken by her grandmother, Robin Lavois, without the parents' approval or knowledge.

The two were last seen in Baytown at around 9:30pm.

Robin Lavois is believed to be driving a green, four-door 1996 Toyota Camry with license plate 783CGH.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect, vehicle or child is asked to immediately contact the Pasadena Police Department at 713-477-1221.
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Mayor Annise Parker declares Friday, Jan. 11 as 'Go Houston Texans Day'

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Mayor Annise Parker has declared Friday, January 11, 2013 as "Go Houston Texans Day."

Houstonians are encouraged to wear their Texans gear or something red to work that day in support for the team as it takes on the New England Patriots in Sunday's AFC Divisional playoff game.

"This season -- the best in the franchise's 11 year history -- has been mesmerizing," said Mayor Parker. "We have watched Gary Kubiak and Matt Schaub lead our team to victory more times than ever before, and our defensive powerhouse J.J. Watt has become a household name. Texans fans are steadfast and I know they will show their team spirit as our Bulls on Parade head toward a victory on Sunday!"

She also announced that City Hall will be lit Battle Red through the weekend as an additional show of the city's support for the team.

Don't forget to catch our 'Houston Texans: Road to the Ring' special Friday at 7pm on ABC13, as the Texans try to take another major step to their first Super Bowl.
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houston texans, nfl, local

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Charges possible in fatal motorcycle wreck

Three main lanes on the West Beltway at Eldridge were shut down for four hours Friday because of a four-vehicle accident that killed a motorcyclist. Three main lanes on the West Beltway at Eldridge were shut down for four hours Friday because of a four-vehicle accident that killed a motorcyclist.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The driver of an SUV could face charges in a four-vehicle accident that killed a motorcyclist in west Houston Friday afternoon.

The wreck happened around 5:20pm on the northbound lanes of the West Sam Houston Tollway at Briar Forest Drive.

According to Precinct 5 deputies, a motorcycle rider had slowed down for traffic in front of him and was rear-end by a Honda Goldwing. The motorcyclist was thrown from the bike, hit the concrete and possibly a vehicle in front of him.

His motorcycle kept going and crashed into another vehicle, while the driver of the SUV also hit another car.

Deputies say the victim appeared to be a middle-aged man. He died at the scene.

Other people involved in the wreck suffered minor injuries.

Deputies say charges against the driver of the SUV are possible, but they don't believe alcohol is a factor. The DA's office was at the scene investigating.

The accident forced crews to close several main lanes of the tollway for four hours Friday evening.
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Cleaning up neighborhood dumping ground

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A northeast Houston neighborhood has been turned into a complete dumping ground, with trash, needles, old couches and more tossed in their backyards. And these residents are sick of it.

They take pride in their neighborhood, but can only sit back and watch when others constantly treat it as a dump. Residents say it's been happening for years along Bretshire near Parker.

"On a scale of one to 10, we're 11," said Arnold Larkins, president of the Fontaine Scenic Woods Civic Club. "We're 11 with frustration."

The frustration is over piles and piles of trash illegally dumped along Bretshire Street in northeast Houston -- a problem plaguing the Fountaine Scenic Woods neighborhood for years.

"They've had boats out here before, old couches," one resident said.

Larkins said, "We've had as much as old cars dumped here."

And the fury from these eyesores, fueled by phone calls from fed up residents, has spilled over to Houston cicy council member Jerry Davis, who is now taking these messy matters into his own hands -- literally.

Davis swapped his loafers for work boots to help city crews and volunteers clean up illegal dumping sites in his district. Davis says enough is enough. Residents say it's time for permanent change.

Davis said, "We've got to come together from the government side, city side, as well as the constituents in this area to come together to begin to police this to be able to understand why this is problematic."

"We've battled this a long time but this time hopefully we'll find a remedy and we can come up with something that can make the community a little bit more livable," Larkins said.
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local, samica knight

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Baytown man accused of selling counterfeit Texans jerseys

BAYTOWN, TX (KTRK) -- A Baytown man is accused of trying to cash in on the Texans fever sweeping through our area.

When it comes to buying Texans gear right now, Baytown police are urging buyers to beware. Detectives say they caught one guy trying to pass off some decent looking knockoff jerseys as authentic.

From a white Arian Foster jersey, to Andre Johnson's No. 80 in blue, even to a bright pink J.J. Watt jersey for the ladies; they may all look like official NFL sanctioned Houston Texans jerseys, but Baytown police say look again.

Detectives say the jerseys are knockoffs that were being sold by Edward Lawrence Williams.

"Selling items like this on the black market is pretty big counterfeiting. It's a big business," said Lt. Eric Freed with the Baytown Police Department.

Investigators say on December 10, 2012, undercover officers caught Williams selling several dozen counterfeit jerseys for $65 apiece from his truck parked outside a tobacco store at 1600 N. Alexander Drive. They say the man was telling his customers those jerseys were the real deal -- like those you can find being sold in the Texans store.

"The detective inspected the garment and noticed some issues with the stitching," Lt. Freed said.

The jerseys Williams was allegedly selling do have the Texans mark, the NFL logo and the Nike swoosh. But police say the labels are all off-center, the threads are shredding and the stitching's all uneven.

"They're capitalizing on the forward momentum of our Houston Texans," said Lt. Freed.

We went to Williams' residence to get some answers about his jerseys. There, a woman who identified herself to Eyewitness News as Williams' wife says someone gave him the shirts to sell and claims he didn't know they weren't authentic.

Court documents state 41 counterfeit Texans jerseys with Nike emblems were seized. The items were valued at more than $2,600 total.

Experts examined the jerseys and police say they confirmed the jerseys are counterfeit.

Baytown police say Williams, 46, has a criminal history including arrests for assault and criminal mischief. Now he's facing felony charges of trademark counterfeiting.
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baytown, local, demond fernandez

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Texans pride especially strong at one local school

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston is covered in a sea of red and blue as Mayor Annise Parker declared today "Go Texans Day".

All over town, expect to see people sporting their Texans gear in anticipation of the team's big playoff match-up with New England this weekend. Team spirit is especially high at a school that has very close ties to the man who will be calling the plays on Sunday.

St. Pius is proud to claim Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak as one of its alums. He played football and graduated from there in 1979.

On campus today, students traded the usual school uniforms at St. Pius for Texans jerseys, Texans T-shirts and the like, just as fans across the city are.

The students are all dressed to show their Houston Texans pride, and pride in a person who once walked the same halls.

Students also created and hung signs declaring their support for the St. Pius alum.

"I think it's just big that we continue to support him," said St. Pius student Kohl Stewart. "It makes it fun that he's one of us and his name is everywhere and he's the face of the franchise."

"To feel like that man went here, it just makes the Texans pride that much more here," added student Jourdan Alvarez.

"It's amazing, especially since he's such a hard worker and everything he's done is incredible," said student Brianna Santiago.

Don't forget to catch our 'Houston Texans: Road to the Ring' special Friday at 7pm on ABC13, as the Texans try to take another major step to their first Super Bowl.
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houston texans, nfl, local, elissa rivas

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Bond reinstated for car dealer accused of raping teen girl at his Crosby dealership

Riku The Finnisher Melartin Car dealer Riku 'The Finnisher' Melartin Thursday faced a judge, who reinstated Melartin's bond on rape charges.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We have an update in the rape case against local car dealer Riku Melartin.

A judge Thursday reinstated the $100,000 bond for Melartin. His attorney says the bond was revoked last week because of a paperwork issue.

Melartin is accused of raping a girl at his dealership in Crosby. The girl and her mother worked for Melartin, and say they want justice, while Melartin's attorney says his client is ready to go home.

"It's been hard. It was hard to see him come out, but I'm confident that we will get justice. I'm confident in that," said the mother of the alleged victim.

Melartin's attorney, Jim Butler, said, "Happy that he gets to go back home. All the other emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other are still there."

Melartin and his assistant, George Koutani, are both also accused of fondling the 16-year-old at Melartin's dealership.
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