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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Woman dies while trying to cross Harris County highway

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Investigators say a woman was struck and killed while trying to cross a busy road Sunday morning.

It happened around 2am in the 4100 block of Highway 6 near Clay Road in west Harris County.

Deputies say the victim was walking westbound across Highway 6 when she was struck by a southbound Toyota Camry.

The driver stopped at the scene and waited for crews to arrive.

The woman was dead by the time crews arrived.

Investigators say no charges are expected against the driver. The crash remains under investigation.

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Harris County commissioners spare job of woman battling cancer

  Pooja LodhiaHOUSTON (KTRK) -- A woman who's worked for Harris County for more than 20 years is suffering from cancer and is too sick to go to work. Her family claims the county had threatened to fire her, but now she's getting support from the county and the commissioners.

It's a situation that could happen to anyone. Luckily, this woman had family, friends and strangers who care very deeply about her.

Emilio Trevino's voice breaks as he introduces Harris County commissioners to his mother, Francis Thurman.

"I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, a rare type of breast cancer," she told commissioners.

Francis is currently undergoing an aggressive chemotherapy regimen. She can't eat, she can't drive and she can't work.

"At a certain point, you don't want to do chemo anymore," she said. "You get sick, you're nauseated and you're hungry but you can't eat."

Francis has worked here at the county's voter registrar's office for 23 years. But she just learned she could lose her job for taking too many sick days. She was told she had four days to come back or she would lose her job and health insurance.

"My mother is a fighter and responsible employee," Emilio told commissioners.

Francis' son and her co-workers went to Commissioners Court Tuesday to plead with count leaders to give her the time she needs to recover. And Team Francis got what it came for.

"You know, we're family," Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said. "For the tax assessor, right before Christmas, to say in four days you're terminated, that's just not appropriate."

County officials promised to work with Francis and look into changing policies to make sure this doesn't happen to anyone else.

"I feel so blessed and I would like to encourage others that don't give up. Just reach out, and if someone doesn't reach back, keep reaching, keep reaching," Francis told us.

Now the county hasn't come up with specific plans to deal with this situation but Francis says just knowing that they're working on it gives her relief. She says knowing that will make it easier for her to get through treatment.

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Deputies investigating woman's shooting death in SW Harris County

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Harris County deputies are trying to figure out who killed a woman found dead in a driveway.

This happened at a home on Las Brisas near Paso Real in southwest Harris County this morning. Deputies say they found a woman dead in the driveway. She had been shot to death.

The medical examiner left with the woman's body and the car in the driveway was also taken away for the investigation. They're not releasing the woman's identity or age.

A family member who identified himself as the victim's uncle told Eyewitness News that the victim was at this location because her sister lives at the house.

A man with bags over his hands was led away from the scene, but so far investigators have given out very little information. We'll bring you updates as we get them.

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Plane upside down after landing in Brazoria County

  BRAZORIA COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- A pilot somehow avoided injury after his plane landed upside-down in a field in Brazoria County on Friday.

It happened around 3pm. According to DPS, the pilot reported engine trouble and tried to land the Cessna in a field near Highway 6 and FM 521. The plane flipped after it touched down. The pilot was not injured.

Houston Southwest airport is about two miles to the southwest of where the plane ended up. That may have been from where the pilot took off. We'll continue to follow this story and bring you any new information.

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Man struck by train in NE Harris County

A man was taken to the hospital after being struck by a train in northeast Harris County.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man is in the hospital after being hit by a train overnight in northeast Harris County.

It happened Hartman near the Beaumont Highway. The man was airlifted to the hospital. There's no word yet on his condition.

It's still not clear how he ended up on the tracks. As we get more details on this story, we'll post them here.

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Man struck by lightning while working on school roof in NW Harris County

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man was hospitalized Sunday morning after being struck by lightning while working on a roof in northwest Harris County.

It happened at Primrose School of Barker-Cypress in the 16500 block of Dundee Road.

According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the construction crew was trying to come down from the roof when the weather quickly worsened. The 30-year-old victim was on his way down when a bolt of lightning struck him and knocked him unconscious.

The foreman performed CPR until deputies arrived and took over. An ambulance then arrived and took over for the deputies, taking him to North Cypress Medical Center in critical but stable condition.

Deputies said he was breathing on his own and was later transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital for continued treatment.

Officials tell us it is difficult to tell how a lightning strike has affected a person's body until around 24 hours after the incident.

We will continue following this story and will update you on Eyewitness News and abc13.com when new information is available.

A few minutes after the incident on the roof, another bolt of lightning struck a home on Ellendale Court, also in northwest Harris County.

The lightning stripped the bark from a pine tree.

Homeowners say an electrical surge went through the house, knocking out the power. Sparks started flying out of the oven and the house filled up with smoke, they said, but no one was hurt.

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At least two killed in fiery NW Harris County crash

  Pooja LodhiaHOUSTON (KTRK) -- Deputies are investigating a crash that left at least two people dead Sunday night in northwest Harris COunty.

Emergency crews were called to North Sam Houston Parkway West and Highway 249 around 8:30pm.

Deputies confirm at least two people died in what appears to be a one-car accident.

According to witnesses, three people were in the now-crumpled sedan. There were witnesses who say a baby was in the back of the vehicle, though that's not yet been confirmed.

Witnesses tell us they saw a car weaving back and forth on the feeder road to Beltway 8. They believe the man and woman inside the car were having an argument.

Suddenly, they saw the car jump a curb and crash head-on into a pillar.

They say the car looked like a pancake folded in half. The people were trapped inside.

"It hit the pillar sideways and my brother stopped his car and jumped out and he pushed it over and he was trying to help them get out but you couldn't open the doors or nothing like that, so we couldn't do anything but call 911 and let them do their jobs," witness Percy Hines told us.

Hines also said the car was on fire.

We will update you further as we get more information on this story.

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Two people killed in wreck in N. Harris County

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Deputies are working a double fatal accident in north Harris County.

It happened on Airline at West Hambrick. Investigators say a head-on collision killed a passenger in one of the cars and a female pedestrian.

Three others were taken to the hospital. There's no word on their conditions at this point.

Authorities are working to figure out what caused the accident.

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Rash of burglaries, theft in one north Harris County neighborhood

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There is concern from neighbors in one north Harris County community who are dealing with a big spike in burglaries.

There have been nearly two dozen homes broken into in just the past month in the Northridge Park area, nestled between I-45 and the Hardy Toll Road near Bush Intercontinental Airport.

In this neighborhood, people work hard and generally feel safe, especially with patrol unit cars parked in driveways.

"Sheriff stays there, HPD officer stays there," said one neighbor.

But lately, that's changed.

"It was just a surreal feeling to come into your house knowing someone had rummaged through there," said crime victim Greg Okuhara.

Last week, Okuhara came home from work to find someone kicked open his front door, ransacked his bedroom and stole his stuff.

"Some computers, Xbox gaming system, golf clubs and some hockey jerseys," said Okuhara.

According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office crime report, he is not alone. In the last 30 days, there have been 22 home burglaries within the 77073 zip code.

"I didn't think it was that high, but I knew it was pretty, pretty bad," said neighbor Roy Jackson. "Then when I saw it was kicked in a couple doors from my house I figured yes; that's why I'm checking on my stuff right now."

Forcing folks like Jackson to leave work twice a day, just to check on his house. It's a luxury most here can't afford, but Jackson's neighbors have peace of mind knowing someone is looking out for them.

"When your sense of security is violated like that, it's unfortunate," said Okuhara.

Besides the burglaries, there have been 32 thefts from cars in the last month.

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Harris Co. employees fired in connection to alleged sex scandal at county jail

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Six people entrusted with keeping law and order are now accused of violating the rules of the Harris County Sheriff's Office and breaking the law.

On Friday afternoon, Sheriff Adrian Garcia discussed the problem when he announced the results of an internal investigation.

The alleged sexual misconduct happened inside two jail facilities on Baker Street in downtown Houston -- the bigger detention center and across the street at the minimum security location.

Garcia says at both locations, the sexual activity happened inside the laundry room where there are no surveillance cameras. That's changing...and so is his staff.

"Their actions are inexcusable," said Garcia. "Today, I fired employees who have been employed here for over 10 years."

Among those fired were four detention officers and one deputy. Additionally, a deputy resigned and another retired while under investigation.

They join former Deputy Tony Richards as casualties of the probe that started in August of last year. He was fired in February and is now charged with having improper sexual activity with an inmate.

The others, according to the sheriff, are accused of either having sex with inmates or with other employees or as supervisors looking the other way.

"While people are in our custody, we have laws and rules to abide by," Garcia said.

Dean Sierra was checking into jail for the weekend for driving with a suspended license when we told him about he sex accusations.

"It doesn't surprise me at all," he said.

"I hear it a lot, I really hear it a lot so it doesn't shock me," said Montasha Curtis, who was in downtown to post a bond.

None of the others involved in the scandal have been charged so far, but the case is being referred to the Harris County District Attorney's Office. Garcia didn't name them Friday, but said some of them have been working at the sheriff's office for more than 10 years.

Garcia said he blames the previous administration for a culture that allowed this. He also said the sheriff's office already has taken additional measures, like installing more cameras at the jail to make sure this situation isn't repeated.

Stay with Eyewitness News and abc13.com for the latest details.

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Two men found dead in ditch in Waller County

  WALLER CO, TX (KTRK) -- Two people are in custody after two men were found in a ditch in Waller County early Saturday morning.

A call of shots being fired near Willow Brook at Penick was called in to the Waller County Sheriff's Office at around 1:15am. When investigators arrived, they found two Hispanic males lying in a ditch.

Two suspects -- a 16-year-old Hispanic male and a 26-year-old Hispanic male -- were arrested at around 3:30pm Saturday afternoon.

Investigators say a dispute over money may have led to the shooting.

We're gathering details and will update you online and on air as we learn more.

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Car smashes into dental office in NW Harris County

SkyEye 13 HD was over a dental office in northwest Harris County where a car crashed into the building

  SkyEye 13 HD was over a dental office in northwest Harris County where a car crashed into the building.

It happened at Oral Dental Cares on FM 1960 at Steepletop just before 10am Thursday. The crash left a giant hole in the building. The car was quickly removed.

There's no word on the cause of the crash, but deputies say there were no injuries.

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HCSCO: Speeding driver causes fatal accident in SE Harris County

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A driver was allegedly going more than a 100 miles an hour when he caused a deadly crash in southeast Harris County.

Sheriff's deputies say the driver admitted he was speeding when he lost control on a dip in the road on Clinton near Holland.

His Dodge Charger slammed into the back of a truck carrying a family of five. The truck went off the road and into a creek.

"The vehicle was submerged in water upside down. Rescue personnel responded to the scene. They were able to get the vehicle overturned," said Sgt. S. Wolverton with Harris County Sheriff's Office. "Obviously the people that did not suffer any serious injuries were able to get out of the vehicle."

A female passenger in the truck was killed. Three people suffered minor injuries and one wasn't hurt.

Charges are pending against the Dodge driver.

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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.

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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.

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Historic Alief Cemetery now under maintenance of Harris County

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Houston area has some historic cemeteries that are badly in need of cleanup. Often it's done by neighborhood groups, but in Alief the job was just getting to be too much for volunteers.

So the county has stepped in to pay some tribute to the past and create a park-like space for the community.

Surrounded by traffic that passes by day and night is a reminder of what Alief once was -- a farming community founded on the fields southwest of Houston. And Alief Cemetery was its burial ground for pioneer families, with lives that bridged the 1800's and 1900's.

The hard life reflected in some of the markers and the ages at which they died.

Volunteers did what they could over the years. One man mowed it a bit at a time, day by day. A Boy Scout troop and students helped out, but more consistent attention was needed.

Over time, the cemetery was forgotten, but later rediscovered by Marie Lee.

"Where people threw their trash, where builders threw their old concrete, and it was just a big mess," said Lee, with the Alief Community Association.

She and other volunteers cleaned it up when they could, but the job required more than that. So their county commissioner took the Alief Cemetery on as a precinct project.

State law allows counties to maintain historic cemeteries without perpetual care. Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack decided Alief Cemetery qualified.

"You go from something that people are appalled by to something they take pride in," said Commissioner Radack.

On Tuesday, county crews mowed the grass, county inmates collected trash, and a survey was taken for a fence that will surround the cemetery.

For Ernest Kobs, a Precinct 3 employee, it's both a job and a labor of love.

"People have a fear of being forgotten and I want to make sure people are not forgotten," Kobs said.

There are ghost stories about the cemetery -- strange lights and tales of an apparition near the graves. That doesn't frighten Marie Lee. But if there are ghosts here, she hopes they'll appreciate what the living have done for the dead.

"They've got a good haunting place now. At least they can find where they want to go," Lee said.

It's the third cemetery project Precinct 3 has adopted. Radack sees it as creating a community asset which can serve as a park-like setting for neighbors.

The inmate labor is free. The only cost to the precinct is fuel to transport people and equipment.

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Worker dies in NW Harris County electrocution

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man was died Sunday after being electrocuted on the job in northwest Harris County.

It happened while he was working at a strip center on FM 1960 near Kuykendahl.

The man was doing some electrical work at a facility under construction in the strip center.

Deputies say the man hit some live wires. When emergency responders arrived, the man did not have a pulse.

His name has not been released.

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Worker killed in accident at industrial facility in SE Harris County

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A worker has been killed in an accident at an industrial facility.

The industrial accident happened at around noon at Stolthaven Houston, Inc. at 15602 Jacinto Port Bl. in southeast Harris County. One 40-year-old male was confirmed dead by the Channelview EMS.

The medical examiner will determine the cause of death. No other details were immediately available.

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

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Fire destroys home in Montgomery County

  MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- An entire home went up in flames overnight and sent a man running outside with barely enough time to grab his cell phone.

The home in Montgomery County started to burn around 12:30am.

The homeowner says he was inside and saw his blinds glowing then realized his garage was on fire.

Fast-moving flames quickly spread to the house. By the time firefighters arrived, the home was fully involved.

The fire was so severe, crews from Tomball were called in to shuttle water.

No injuries were reported. There is no word yet on what caused the fire.

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