November 2008 - Posts

MANHUNT MONDAY 12/01: GABRIEL BERNAL

MANHUNT MONDAY

Sheriff BadgeEP SHERIFFF patch color small2

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2008

WANTED FUGITIVE:

GABRIEL BERNAL

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(ABOVE ARE PHOTOS OF FUGITIVE BERNAL FROM PREVIOUS ARRESTS)

GABRIEL BERNAL-WANTED FOR:

  1. AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A CHILD-**NO BOND**

  2. MOTION TO ADJUDICATE GUILT-**NO BOND**

  3. SEX OFFENDER DUTY TO REGISTER-$10,000 BOND

  4. UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE COMMUNITY CORRECTION FACILITY- $10,000 BOND

FUGITIVE INFORMATION: Crime Stopper logo

NAME: BERNAL, GABRIEL (29)

AKA: DELGADO, GABRIEL - RODRIGUEZ, GABRIEL

DOB: 06-08-79

HEIGHT: 5'05”

WEIGHT: 180 lbs.

HAIR: Brown

EYES: Brown

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The Manhunt is on for GABRIEL BERNAL 

BERNAL is wanted for a multiple felony offenses stemming from an AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT CHARGE OF A CHILD back in June 2000. In 2002, BERNAL violated the terms of his probation. As of 2003, BERNAL has absconded from the El Paso Parole Office & his whereabouts remained unknown.

NEW INFORMATION RECEIVED INDICATES BERNAL MIGHT BE ONCE AGAIN FREQUENTING THE SUN CITY AS HE CONTIUES TO ELUDE CAPTURE.

BERNAL is originally from San Jose California, has family in Los Angeles, California & has numerous contacts in El Paso, TX. 

Crime Stopper logoAnyone who knows the whereabouts or has seen GABRIEL BERNAL or other fugitives featured on “MANHUNT MONDAY” is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 546-2280 or Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 566-TIPS (8477). Callers will remain anonymous & may be eligible for a reward if the information provided leads to the apprehension of the individuals featured.

END OF FEATURE FOR "MANHUNT MONDAY"

CALEA-716188 The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2001 was the first Sheriff’s Office in the State of Texas to be Internationally Accredited from CALEA and is now the recipient of the First CALEA Tri-Arc award in Texas (4th in the Nation) to have accreditations in: Law Enforcement, Communications, Training Academy.

FBI NABS FUGITIVE PREVIOUSLY FEATURED AS EL PASO'S "MOST WANTED"

MANHUNT MONDAY

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CAPTURED FUGITIVE:

JULIO ADRIAN MARTINEZ

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EL PASO, TX- Mid-week last week the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) took into custody one of El Paso's "MOST WANTED" fugitives. FBI AGENTS picked up Julio Adrian Martinez at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry. Martinez was wanted for kidnapping 15 year-old Janelle Calderon of Vinton, TX back on September 23, 2008. Martinez was also featured on the September 29th edition of "MANHUNT MONDAY" as the Sheriff's Office MOST WANTED FUGITIVE. The Federal Bureau of Investigations took over the case a short time later. Martinez was charged with TRANSPORTING A MINOR WITH INTENT TO HAVE SEX. He is currently incarcerated at the El Paso County Detention Facility under **NO BOND**. This arrest marks MANHUNT MONDAY CAPTURE #3.

BACKGROUND: SHERIFF'S OFFICE ARCHIVES SEPTEMBER 2008

JULIO ADRIAN MARTINEZ was WANTED for the of Kidnapping 15 year-old Janelle Calderon of Vinton, TX.

VINTON, TX- Tuesday night, 09-23-2008 at approximately 8:04 PM, Sheriff's Deputies were dispatched to 7848 Kiely Rd. Space #3-B, Vinton, TX in reference to a Kidnapping. Deputies arrived moments later and met with the Victim's relative stating her cousin Janelle Calderon (15) was forcefully taken against her will in front of the home. Apparently Janelle and her 20 year-old ex-boyfriend identified as Julio Adrian Martinez were talking outside of the home when suddenly he forced her into a vehicle driven by an unidentified male accomplice & left the scene with the Victim in a Brown Kia Sephia with unknown paper tags dated 09-28-08. Martinez had previously warned Janelle if she ever left him and did not go with him that he would cause harm to her entire family killed. Sheriff's Investigators (CID) were summoned to the scene & are continuing with the investigation. Apparently, a previous similar incident involving the Victim and Suspect had been previously reported to Anthony, TX PD.

A state wide Amber Alert was initiated late Tuesday night (09/23) for the recovery of the 15 year-old kidnapped victim Janelle Calderon. A Multi-Agency Effort was launched in locating the brown Kia Sephia with the Victim & Suspects.

Wednesday afternoon (09/24) after 2 p.m.  a female teenager entered the pedestrian walkway at the Paso del Norte Bridge and told Customs & Border Protection officers that she was the subject of an Amber Alert and was being sought by law enforcement. Customs & Border Protection officers were able to confirm the information provided by the teen and then contacted the Sheriff’s Office.

Minutes later, the Victim was in custody of the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division (CID) & reunited with her mother.

Another case is also pending reference an additional kidnapping where suspect Martinez kidnapped the victim previously during September of 2008 that originated as a runaway case. That case is being investigated at this time.

MARTINEZ has a previous arrest of Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute & has an extensive arrest record in New Mexico. Martinez is known to have contacts & frequents Juarez, MX / Canutillo, TX / Chaparral, NM / Otero Co. / Anthony, NM & TX / & El Paso, TX.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Julio Adrian Martinez or other fugitives featured on “MANHUNT MONDAY” is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 546-2280 or Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 566-TIPS (8477).

(BELOW ARE UPDATED PHOTOS OF MARTINEZ' TATTOOS)

TATTOOS: Martinez has multiple tattoos on several parts of his body

  1. The name “Janelle” on right wrist

2. “SU” & “CITY” on his knuckles

3. “Chuco Town” on the back of his neck

4. “Alejandro” or “Alejandra” on upper right arm / shoulder

5. “915” on back of left arm

6. tribal tattoo on front his neck

7. several other Aztec / prison style tattoos worn by inmates in penal institutions

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END OF FEATURE FOR "MANHUNT MONDAY"

CALEA-716188   The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2001 was the first Sheriff’s Office in the State of Texas to be Internationally Accredited from CALEA and is now the recipient of the First CALEA Tri-Arc award in Texas (4th in the Nation) to have accreditations in: Law Enforcement, Communications, Training Academy.

NAMES RELEASED OF 32 ARRESTED IN THANKSGIVING EVE WARRANT ROUND-UP

NEW BANNER

3850 Justice Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938EP SHERIFFF patch color small2

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Deputy Jesse Tovar / PUBLIC AFFAIRS  
Direct: (915) 538-2223
Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5370)
EMAIL: jtovar@epcounty.com

Release Date & Time: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2008

WHO: El Paso County Sheriff's Office (WARRANTS SECTION / PATROL)

WHAT: WARRANT ROUND-UP NABS 32 WANTED FELONS
WHERE: EL PASO COUNTY, TEXAS
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2008
WHY: HIGH RISK WARRANT ROUND-UP

32 ARRESTED IN HIGH RISK WARRANT ROUND-UP

INFORMATION: 

On Wednesday 11-26-08 (Thanksgiving  Eve) during the early morning hours, the EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE with assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) & DPS STATE TROOPERS executed several HIGH RISK FELONY WARRANTS. A total of 32 individuals with outstanding SO criminal felony warrants were apprehended. The warrants ranged from AGGRAVATED ASSAULT, SERIOUS DRUG OFFENSES, SEX CRIMES, & VARIOUS OTHER FELONIES. A total of 19 men & 13 women were arrested, $410.116 total bond amounts, 11 warrants executed had **NO BOND**.

Among the individuals arrested were:

1. MORALES,FERNANDO (29)

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6100 block of Sun Valley Dr. El Paso, TX

 BURGLARY  OF HABITATION

 $10,000

2. BELTRAN,ANTHONY (20)

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11300 block of Lake Geneva El Paso, TX

2-counts AGGRAVATED ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON

$65,000

3. OLIVAS,CECILA (39)

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600 block of N. Carolina El Paso, TX

TAMPERING WITH GOVERNMENT RECORDS

$5,000

4. BARLOW, JO ANN (61)

PHOTO UNAVAILABLE

8400 block of N. Loop El Paso, TX

POSSESSION / TRANSPORT  CHEMICAL CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE

$15,000

5. GONZALEZ, RICARDO (33)

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6200 block of S. Florence El Paso, TX

CRIMINAL NON-SUPPORT

**NO BOND**

6. TORRES,ARMANDO (46)

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7700 block of Corozal El Paso, TX

DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED 3rd or MORE

**NO BOND**

7. REYES, ANTONIA (35)

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900 block of Destello El Paso, TX

FRAUDULENT USE OF IDENTIFYING INFO.

$1,500

8. PEARCE, SANDRA (44)

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5100 block of Hercules El Paso, TX

SECURE EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTATION BY DECEPTION

$1,500

9. GREGORY, TINA (40)

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4900 Block of Titanic El Paso, TX

ROBBERY

**NO BOND**

10. PENA, MARY VEL (29)

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60 block of Palm El Paso, TX

TAMPERING WITH GOVERNMENT RECORDS

$1,500

11. LUNA, OSCAR (46)

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7700 block of Veracruz El Paso, TX

CRIMINAL NON-SUPPORT

**NO BOND**

12. ACUNA, DENISE (26)

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14400 block of Ed Merrins, El Paso, TX

SECURE EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTATION BY DECEPTION

$1,500

13. HERNANDEZ, STEVE (39)

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4600 block of N. Mesa El Paso, TX

THEFT OF PROPERTY >$20 <$500

RESISTING ARREST

ASSAULT ON A PUBLIC SERVANT

$2,000

$2,000

$5,000

14. ZUBIA, LUIS (40)

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200 block of Cuprite El Paso, TX

CRIMINAL NON-SUPPORT

$8,500

15. MUNOZ, LUIS (18)

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10300 block of Shamrock El Paso, TX

2 counts - AGGRAVATED ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON

$90,000

16. MORROW, STEPHANY (42)

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4900 block of Round Rock El Paso, TX

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (COCAINE)< 1GRM

$3,000

17. GONZALEZ, EDWARD (20)

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100 block of Marquita Ln. El Paso, TX

PROBATION VIOLATION (THEFT)

**NO BOND**

18. HERNANDEZ, ROBERTO (25)

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200 block of Mclintock El Paso, TX

PROBATION VIOLATION (AGGRAVATED ROBBERY)

**NO BOND**

19. MEDINA, EDUARDO (47)

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7100 block of Orange Tree El Paso, TX

CONTEMPT OF COURT - BEXAR COUNTY

**NO BOND**

20. MONTENEGRO, JULIE (27)

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7500 block of Adobe El Paso, TX

FORGERY

**NO BOND**

21. GARCIA, MIGUEL (36)

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4500 block of Rosa Ave. El Paso, TX

CRIMINAL NON-SUPPORT

**NO BOND**

22. MORALES, DANIEL (36)

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6000 block of Sun Valley Dr. El Paso, TX

CRIMINAL NON-SUPPORT

$12,000

23. ORTEGA, GUSTAVO (32)

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10100 block of Bon Aire El Paso, TX

CRIMINAL NON-SUPPORT

$11,950

24. LIMON, JOSEPH (29)

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6000 block of Oleaster El Paso, TX

CRIMINAL NON-SUPPORT

$3,500

25. ROQUE, JOSE (28)

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14100 block of McMahon El Paso County, TX

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON

$40,000

26. MAYS, RYAN (23)

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7800 block of Broadway El Paso, TX

UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCE FROM COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY - DISMISSED

$5,000

27. GRIEGO, YOLANDA (43)

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3100 block of Findley El Paso, TX

SECURE EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTATION BY DECEPTION

**NO BOND**

28. GARCIA, JOSHUA (19)

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600 block of Alicia El Paso, TX

4 counts - BURGLARY OF HABITATION

$100,000

29. HERRERA, CARLOS (59)

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3800 block of Felix E Paso, TX

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (COCAINE) > 4 grams < 200 grams

$15,000

30. OLVERA, GERARDO (25)

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4000 block of Laredo El Paso, TX

2 counts - CRIMINAL NON-SUPPORT

$10,500

31. SOTO, GUADALUPE (32)

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200 block of Clemson El Paso, TX

DRIVING WHILE LICENSE INVALID

$666.00 FINE

32. HERAZ, EDGAR (37)

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7800 block of Caliche El Paso, TX

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON


**NO BOND**


END OF NEWS RELEASE

CALEA-716188   The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2001 was the first Sheriff’s Office in the State of Texas to be Internationally Accredited from CALEA and is now the recipient of the First CALEA Tri-Arc award in Texas (4th in the Nation) to have accreditations in: Law Enforcement, Communications, Training Academy.

CRIME STOPPERS "MOST WANTED" NABBED BY BORDERSTAR DEPUTIES

NEW BANNER

3850 Justice Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938             EP SHERIFFF patch color small2

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Deputy Jesse Tovar / PUBLIC AFFAIRS     
Direct: (915) 538-2223
Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5370)
EMAIL: jtovar@epcounty.com

Release Date & Time: Monday, November 24, 2008 4:30 PM  

WHO: EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE (OPERATION BORDERSTAR) 

WHAT: CRIME STOPPERS "MOST WANTED " FUGITIVE ARRESTED BY BORDERSTAR DEPUTIES
WHEN: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2008 2:45 PM

WHERE: 320 SELVA, CANUTILLO, TX 79835

 WHY: CAPTURED FUGITIVE

BACKGROUND:

Deputy-2

 EL PASO, TX- Monday afternoon, 11-24-08 at about 2:45 PM Sheriff Deputies working OPERATION BORDER STAR received an anonymous tip on the whereabouts of a subject being listed as  one of EPPD / CRIME STOPPERS "MOST WANTED". The tip led Deputies to a residence located in the 320 block of Selva Canutillo, TX. Deputies made contact with the residents and advised they were looking for wanted subject Michelle Penafiel (29). The residents gave authorities consent to search the home where fugitive Michelle Penafiel was found hiding in a closet. She was taken into custody without incident.

Deputies arrested Michelle Penafiel (29) who was wanted on an outstanding criminal warrant for CREDIT CARD ABUSE- $5,000 BOND. Penafiel was booked & remains at the El Paso County Detention Facility.

Penafiel of the 7100 block of Doniphan was featured as one of Crime Stoppers of El Paso's  "Most Wanted" in the Sunday, November 23, 2008 Edition of the El Paso Times. 

Crime Stopper logo Crime Stoppers of El Paso features El Paso's "Most Wanted" in every EP TimesSunday edition of the El Paso Times which lists fugitives sought by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office & the El Paso Police Department. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of any of the "Most Wanted" is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of El Paso at (915) 566-TIPS (8477).

ARRESTED FUGITIVE:

MICHELLE PENAFIEL (29)

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CHARGE: CREDIT CARD ABUSE- $5,000 BOND

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office in coordination with the United States Border Patrol, the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition, the Coastal Bend Sheriffs Coalition and border area police departments, the State of Texas launched Operation Border Star in mid-September 2007. This operation is a unified high intensity, multi-agency effort focused on reducing crime in targeted regions along the Texas-Mexico border. The operation will continue for a time period that will remain undisclosed for operational security purposes.

“By joining together with our local, state and federal partners, we will support the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol, and protect our communities by dominating the border,” Perry said. “While securing our international borders is ultimately the responsibility of the federal government, Texas can and will assist in that effort to maximize its effect.”- Governor Rick Perry

END OF NEWS RELEASE

CALEA-716188   The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2001 was the first Sheriff’s Office in the State of Texas to be Internationally Accredited from CALEA and is now the recipient of the First CALEA Tri-Arc award in Texas (4th in the Nation) to have accreditations in: Law Enforcement, Communications, Training Academy.

MANHUNT MONDAY 11/24/08: DARRELL LEWIS

MANHUNT MONDAY

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2008

WANTED FUGITIVE: 

DARRELL LEWIS

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(ABOVE ARE PHOTOS OF FUGITIVE DARRELL LEWIS FROM PREVIOUS ARRESTS)

DARRELL LEWIS-WANTED FOR:

  1. PROBATION VIOLATION (ORIGINATING FROM A 2007 POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA CHARGE) -

**NO BOND**

FUGITIVE INFORMATION: Crime Stopper logo

NAME: LEWIS, DARRELL (25)

AKA: DARRELL LAJAY

DOB: 06-25-83

HEIGHT: 5'05”

WEIGHT: 140 lbs.

HAIR: Brown

EYES: Brown

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The Manhunt is on for DARRELL LEWIS

LEWIS is wanted for a Probation Violation stemming from previous Possession of Marijuana arrest back in 2007. Due to his recent arrest November 11th, LEWIS has violated the terms of his probation.

Sheriff's Officials have confirmed that after his arrest on November 11, 2008- LEWIS continued working as an instructor at a local martial arts establishment working with children. LEWIS knows he is wanted and is on the run eluding capture from authorities.

Early last week, a Law Enforcement CAUTION advisory was distributed among Law Enforcement Agencies as it was discovered that after his arrest on November 11, 2008- LEWIS stated to authorities he could have killed the Deputy he assaulted. The officer safety advisory went out to Law Enforcement in the event authorities made contact with LEWIS.  

LEWIS has an extensive history of drug related arrests (marijuana) & is considered to be violent & dangerous.

Deputy-2

SHERIFF's OFFICIALS BELIEVE LEWIS REMAINS IN OUR AREA POSSIBLY STAYING WITH FRIENDS. A REMINDER TO ANYONE WHO MAY BE AIDING OR HIDING LEWIS THAT HINDERING THE APPREHENSION OF A FUGITIVE IS A FELONY. 

 

According to the Texas Penal Code:

§ 38.05. HINDERING APPREHENSION OR PROSECUTION.

(a) A person commits an offense if, with intent to hinder the arrest, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of another for an offense or, with intent to hinder the arrest, detention, adjudication, or with intent to hinder the arrest of another under the authority of a warrant or capias, he:

(1) harbors or conceals the other;

(2) provides or aids in providing the other with any means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape; or

(3) warns the other of impending discovery or apprehension.

(b) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(3) that the warning was given in connection with an effort to bring another into compliance with the law. (c) Except as provided by Subsection (d), an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the person who is harbored, concealed, provided with a means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape, or warned of discovery or apprehension is under arrest for, charged with, or convicted of a felony, including an offense under Section 62.102, Code of Criminal Procedure, or is in custody or detention for, is alleged in a petition to have engaged in, or has been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct that violates a penal law of the grade of felony, including an offense under Section 62.102, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the person charged under this section knew that the person they harbored, concealed, provided with a means of avoiding arrest or effecting escape, or warned of discovery or apprehension is under arrest for, charged with, or convicted of a felony, or is in custody or detention for, is alleged in a petition to have engaged in, or has been adjudicated as having engaged in delinquent conduct that violates a penal law of the grade of felony. 

BACKGROUND: EL PASO, TEXAS-  On Tuesday, 11-11-2008 at 8:30AM, a Sheriff's Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a pickup truck at I-10 East, Mile Marker 33. During the stop, the Deputy noticed the driver was acting extremely nervous & suspicious. The Deputy instructed the subject to exit his truck to question him further. The driver suddenly proceeded to assault the Deputy then tried to flee on foot in a desperate attempt to get away. The Deputy gave chase and caught up to the the suspect and after a brief struggle, was finally able to place him into custody. A search of the truck revealed 58 pounds of marijuana which were hidden in duffle bags on the back seat. The subject was identified as Darrell Lewis (25) of the 7900 block of La Jolla. He was arrested & charged with POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA >50 lbs. < 2,000 lbs. & ASSAULT ON A PUBLIC SERVANT.  Lewis was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility & is currently out on bond. Lewis claims he is a local martial arts instructor.

Crime Stopper logoAnyone who knows the whereabouts or has seen DARRELL LEWIS or other fugitives featured on “MANHUNT MONDAY” is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 546-2280 or Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 566-TIPS (8477). Callers will remain anonymous & may be eligible for a reward if the information provided leads to the apprehension of the individuals featured.

END OF FEATURE FOR "MANHUNT MONDAY"

CALEA-716188 The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2001 was the first Sheriff’s Office in the State of Texas to be Internationally Accredited from CALEA and is now the recipient of the First CALEA Tri-Arc award in Texas (4th in the Nation) to have accreditations in: Law Enforcement, Communications, Training Academy.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS ASKING ASSISTANCE FROM THE PUBLIC IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME

metro1 EP SHERIFFF patch color small2

EL PASO, TEXAS- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office recognizes that assistance from the public is the key element in apprehending fugitives, clearing unsolved cases & reporting criminal activity. The Sheriff's office is asking help from the community in reporting any suspicion of criminal or narcotic activity. Working together, the Community & Law Enforcement will help prevent or hinder criminal activity in our neighborhoods.

If anyone suspects or knows of ongoing criminal or narcotic activity in your neighborhoods, the Sheriff's Office is urging you to contact Crime stoppers of El Paso at (915) 546-TIPS (8477).    

Crime Stopper logo

END OF NEWS RELEASE

CALEA-716188 The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2001 was the first Sheriff’s Office in the State of Texas to be Internationally Accredited from CALEA and is now the recipient of the First CALEA Tri-Arc award in Texas (4th in the Nation) to have accreditations in: Law Enforcement, Communications, Training Academy.

UPDATE: FIRE AT OLD MAGIC LANDING AMUSEMENT PARK RULED AS ARSON

NEW BANNER

3850 Justice Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938 EP SHERIFFF patch color small2        

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Deputy Jesse Tovar / PUBLIC AFFAIRS     
Direct: (915) 538-2223
Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5370)
EMAIL: jtovar@epcounty.com

Release Date & Time: Thursday, NOVEMBER 20, 2008 4:00 PM

WHO: EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE (LOWER VALLEY PATROL / CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY DETECTIVES)
WHAT: ARSON INVESTIGATION COMMENCES

WHERE: 11090 GATEWAY EAST EL PASO COUNTY, TX

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2008 7:15 PM
WHY: UPDATE - FIRE RULED AS ARSON

Deputy-2

UPDATE: Sheriff's Office Arson Investigators have ruled last nights fire at the old Magic Landing Amusement Park as ARSON.  Detectives found two areas on what remained of the structure as the point of origins in which one successfully ignited the building.

Crime Stopper logo Sheriff Officials are urging anyone with information of who is responsible for this Arson to contact the Sheriff's Office at (915) 546-2280 or Crime Stoppers of El Paso at (915) 566-TIPS (8477).

BACKGROUND:

Wednesday night 11-19-08 at 7:15 PM, Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a structure fire at the old Magic Landing Amusement park grounds located at 11090 Gateway East, El Paso County, TX. Deputies along with emergency services arrived moments later to find a large structure inside the park fully engulfed in flames. Five Volunteer Fire Departments -Socorro Fire Department, Horizon Fire Department, Clint Fire Department, San Elizario Fire Department &  Montana Vista Fire Department all responded and began battling the blaze. Fire crews had to cut the locks from front gate to give access to fire department unit’s. Sheriff's Office Arson Investigators were summoned to the scene. Fire fighters continued fighting the fire & were able to completely extinguish it just before midnight.

The Property owners did not have an estimate on the value of the damaged property but did say they are insured for the loss. Property owners have advised they will prosecute anyone who may be responsible for this latest incident. 

Sheriff's Office Arson Investigator's are continuing the investigation & have not ruled out Arson as the cause of this fire.

NO OTHER INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED AT THIS TIME.

AN ATTEMPT TO UPDATE THIS CASE WILL BE MADE IN THE NEAR FUTURE. 

SHERIFF'S OFFICE ARCHIVES:

June 5, 2008- Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a property located at 11090 Gateway East (Magic Landing Amusement Park), El Paso County Texas in reference to criminal trespass in progress. Deputies working Operation Border Star arrived a short time later and met with the reporters who advised Deputies they observed suspicious activity inside the property grounds such as flashing lights. Responding Deputies located 2 vehicles west of the location mentioned above.

Deputies entered the property in an attempt to locate the trespassers. Deputies heard noises & observed light coming from different areas inside the park grounds.

Multiple subjects inside the property then began running towards the west part of the property near the location of their vehicles. Deputies briefly chased, caught up, & detained 6 subjects (5 males, 1 female).

Sheriff Deputies contacted the property owner who filed charges against the subjects. All 6 were arrested and charged with Criminal Trespass.

Magic Landing is private property that is surrounded by a fence and signs posted "No Trespassing."

April 13, 2008- Sheriff Deputies along with several volunteer Fire Departments were called to this same property in reference to an Arson Fire. A estimated $485,000.00 was the total loss in that fire.

Property owners advised Sheriff's Officials they will prosecute anyone else caught on their properties without their consent.

END OF NEWS RELEASE

CALEA-716188 The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2001 was the first Sheriff’s Office in the State of Texas to be Internationally Accredited from CALEA and is now the recipient of the First CALEA Tri-Arc award in Texas (4th in the Nation) to have accreditations in: Law Enforcement, Communications, Training Academy.

TEXAS BORDER SHERIFF'S COALITION INSTITUTE BORDER SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS

TBSC   November 20, 2008

News From:

The Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition

For More Information: Donald L. Reay, Executive Director

(915) 351-0621

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition (TBSC) has instituted the Texas Virtual Border Watch Program to enlist the public’s assistance in preventing crime along the Texas-Mexico border. This initiative provides real-time streaming video over a web-based network to enable the public to report suspicious activity to the appropriate law enforcement agency via email. Day and night surveillance cameras have been placed strategically throughout the border region to deny drug and human smugglers unobserved access to the U.S. by placing high-threat areas under public surveillance. The numbers and locations of these cameras will constantly change based on threat. To view the Texas Virtual Border Watch cameras, the public can visit the www.BlueServo.net website.

“A significant number of Texas landowners who live and work along the border have requested cameras to be placed on their property. This initiative advances the concept of a neighborhood watch by leveraging the latest surveillance technology to create a ‘virtual’ neighborhood watch program,” said Arvin West, Hudspeth County Sheriff and 1st Vice President of the TBSC. “By putting more eyes on the Texas-Mexico border, law enforcement can better protect our state from powerful and ruthless Mexican crime cartels and violent transnational gangs.”

“It is a well-known fact that public involvement in community watch programs reduces crime,” said TBSC Executive Director Donald L. Reay. “Governor Rick Perry and the Texas Border Sheriffs recognize the value of leveraging technology, public-private partnerships and the public to protect Texans.”

Governor Perry has provided $2 million in Criminal Justice grant funds to the TBSC for this initiative. Working with local law enforcement agencies, the State of Texas conducted a test in November 2006 to assess video camera capabilities and public interest in reporting suspicious activities observed over the Internet. Twenty-one cameras were used during a four-week pilot period, resulting in over 27,940,119 hits and 2,780 reports of suspicious activity.

Governor Rick Perry stated, “Leveraging advanced technology is a key part of our state-led approach to making our border stronger and our nation safer, and I am pleased with and will continue to support the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition commitment to seeing this virtual border watch concept fully realized.” Governor Perry also said, “Under this innovative program and the watchful eye of law enforcement and the American people, those criminals, predators, and terrorists looking to exploit our border with Mexico or do harm in our communities will lose their greatest strategic asset: the cloak of secrecy.”

To minimize costs and maximize coverage, the TBSC entered into a public-private partnership with BlueServo to provide this much needed capability. The TBSC and BlueServo anticipate that a high volume of traffic to the website will generate advertising revenue to defray the infrastructure and costs of operating the Texas Virtual Border Watch Program, which would enable a substantial increase in the number of cameras deployed.

The Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition is comprised of 20 sheriffs from counties along the Texas-Mexico border. The coalition was formed in 2005 to protect Texans from criminal organizations that had long exploited the state’s southern border.

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SHERIFF'S OFFICE CONDUCTS ACTIVE SHOOTER EXERCISE AT ALDERETE MIDDLE SCHOOL

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3850 Justice Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938 EP SHERIFFF patch color small2        

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Deputy Jesse Tovar / PUBLIC AFFAIRS     
Direct: (915) 538-2223
Pager: (915) 533-0733 (#5370)
EMAIL: jtovar@epcounty.com

Release Date & Time: Wednesday, NOVEMBER 19, 2008 1:15 PM

WHO: EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE (UPPER VALLEY PATROL / COMMUNITY SERVICES SECTION / SWAT)
WHAT: ACTIVE SHOOTER EXERCISE AT ALDERETE MIDDLE SCHOOL

WHERE: ALDERETE MIDDLE SCHOOL - 801 TALBOT CANUTILLO, TX

WHEN: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008 9:00 AM
WHY: ACTIVE SHOOTER EXERCISE

Deputy-2

CANUTILLO, TX- TUESDAY MORNING 11-18-08 AT 9:00 AM, THE EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE IN COORDINATION WITH THE CANUTILLO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT HELD AN "ACTIVE SHOOTER" EXERCISE AT ALDERETE MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCATED AT 801 TABOT, CANUTILLO, TX.  

DEPUTIES FROM THE PATROL & COMMUNITY SERVICES SECTION PARTICIPATED IN THE EXERCISE.

SWAT OFFICERS, ALREADY FAMILIAR WITH THE EXERCISE WERE USED AS ROLE PLAYERS, SAFETY OFFICERS, AND ON SITE QUALITY CONTROL.

THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THIS OPERATION WAS:

  1. TO TEST THE OPERATIONAL READINESS OF THE RESPONDING OFFICERS.
  2. TO TEST THE SCHOOL’S RECOGNITION OF WHEN TO ACTIVATE ACODE BLUE”.

LETTERS HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY SENT OUT TO PARENTS & SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS ASSISTED WITH THE EVALUATION OF THE LOCKDOWN -"CODE BLUE".

ROLE PLAYERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO ENTER THE SCHOOL AND WALK AROUND TO SEE IF ANY TEACHER OR EMPLOYEE WOULD CHALLENGE THEM ON WHAT THEY WERE DOING THERE. ONCE DEEMED A SECUITY RISK, A "CODE BLUE SIGNAL" WAS CALLED BY STAFF.

STUDENTS WERE ALSO USED AS ROLE PLAYERS.

THE RESPONDING DEPUTIES DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS AN EXERCISE UNTIL THEY ARRIVED. FEEDBACK FROM THE EXERCISE WAS VERY POSTITIVE, AS IT PROMPTED TEAMWORK FROM THE COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICERS AND SHIFT PATROL OFFICERS. BOTH ARE TRUE FIRST RESPONDERS TO ACTIVE SHOOTER INCIDENTS AND SUCH TRAINING REINFORCES THEIR ACTIONS. OFFICERS DID AN EXCELLENT JOB IN RECOGNIZING THE INCIDENTS AS THEY TOOK PLACE. 

THIS WAS UNLIKE OTHER TRAINING EXERCISES AS THE MEDIA, RESPONDING DEPUTIES & MOST SCHOOL EMPLOYEES DID NOT KNOW HOW & WHAT WAS TAKING PLACE. THIS WAS VITAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THIS EXERCISE GIVING IT A "REAL WORLD" TYPE FEEL.

THIS IS THE FIRST EXERCISE OF ITS KIND IN EL PASO, AND WAS COPIED FROM A SIMILAR EXERCISE IN ABILENE TEXAS.

Jimmy Apodaca

"THIS OPERATION WAS DEEMED VERY SUCCESSFUL AS THESE EXERCISES REINFORCE OPERATIONAL READINESS FOR PATROL OFFICERS, WHO ARE CRITICAL IN MITIGATING THESE INCIDENTS. I WANT TO THANK THE STAFF & STUDENTS AT ALDERETE MIDDLE SCHOOL & THE MEMBERS OF THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THIS EVENT"- SAID SHERIFF JIMMY APODACA 

(PHOTOS OF EXERCISE BELOW COURTESY EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE)

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END OF NEWS RELEASE

CALEA-716188 The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2001 was the first Sheriff’s Office in the State of Texas to be Internationally Accredited from CALEA and is now the recipient of the First CALEA Tri-Arc award in Texas (4th in the Nation) to have accreditations in: Law Enforcement, Communications, Training Academy.

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3850 Justice Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938