Latest news with #AmarilloPoliceDepartment
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Two men shot outside southwest Amarillo apartment complex; police investigating
Two men were hospitalized Sunday evening after a shooting in the parking lot of a southwest Amarillo apartment complex, according to the Amarillo Police Department. Officers were dispatched to the Granite at 34th Apartments, located at 3308 Eddy St. at 6:52 p.m. May 11 on reports of multiple gunshots and two wounded individuals at the scene. When officers arrived, they found two men in the parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were taken to a local hospital. Their conditions were not immediately available. According to police investigators, the two men had been standing near their vehicle when another vehicle pulled up. Police said a male suspect got out, pulled a gun, and allegedly shot both men before fleeing the scene. APD said its Violent Crimes Unit is continuing to investigate. No suspects had been arrested as of Monday morning. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call the Amarillo Police Department at 806-378-3038, option 2. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400, online at or through the P3 Tips app. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo police say two injured in shooting outside apartment complex
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Amarillo tackles crime decline, deadly traffic trend in city council talks
Amarillo city officials say crime is dropping, but fatal traffic crashes are rising, prompting renewed discussions on public safety, law enforcement strategies, and infrastructure improvements at Tuesday's city council meeting. With crime rates down 12.5% and vehicle thefts plummeting nearly 22%, police credit new technology and targeted patrols for the decline. However, a 20% jump in fatal crashes has raised concerns about speeding, distracted driving, and intersection safety — issues city planners are working to address through new initiatives like the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) plan. Interim Police Chief Jimmy Johnson, Assistant City Manager Donny Hooper, and Planning Director Emily Koller provided updates on crime trends, traffic fatalities, and roadway safety projects, while Mayor Cole Stanley addressed growing concerns from residents about the city's traffic light system and federal grant funding. Johnson presented the Amarillo Police Department's 2024 Crime Report, highlighting an overall 12.5% decrease in crime compared to the previous year. Violent crime — including homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault — fell by 5.3%, while property crime, including burglary, theft, and stolen vehicles, dropped by 14.2%. Key findings: Homicides: Down 6.3%, with 15 reported compared to 16 last year. Robberies: Declined 14.7%, from 204 to 174. Theft: Decreased 12.5%, with 577 fewer reported incidents. Stolen vehicles: Saw the largest percentage decrease at 21.9%. Arson: The only category to increase, rising 32.6%, from 43 to 57 cases. Johnson credited enhanced policing strategies, community engagement, and new technology for the improvements. 'We're using advanced technology to dissect every category of crime — from violent offenses to property theft,' Johnson explained. 'The data clearly shows that we've been trending down for 25 years. Upgrading our technology, such as the license plate readers that helped us recover 164 stolen vehicles last year, has been a game-changer for us.' Johnson further emphasized the department's multi-pronged crime reduction strategy. 'We analyze the 'crime triangle' — offender, victim, and location — to understand the dynamics behind each incident,' he said. 'This holistic approach allows us to implement targeted measures that not only respond to crime, but work to prevent it before it occurs. Whether it's adjusting patrol routes or intensifying community outreach, our aim is to stay one step ahead.' Mayor Stanley acknowledged the positive trend but emphasized that violent crime remains a key concern. 'Crime is down 12.5%, and that's with a current trend of reduction continuing into 2024,' Stanley said. 'That's encouraging, but we also saw an increase in crime in 2022 and 2023, so it's good to see things moving in the right direction again. The area we're all paying attention to is violent crime, because that's typically related to gang activity and criminal elements, rather than random acts of violence.' Stanley also spoke about public perception of crime, particularly in the age of social media. 'We know Amarillo is a safe community, but sometimes the perception is different,' he said. 'The best way to counter that perception is by building strong community relationships. The more you know your neighbors, the safer you feel.' He added that a greater police presence would be beneficial. 'I'd like to see more uniformed officers in black and whites, more police on patrol,' Stanley said. 'That's always good and helpful in creating a safer environment.' Hooper provided an update on traffic accident data and intersection safety measures, citing a 20% increase in fatal crashes citywide in 2024 compared to last year. Nine fatal crashes at controlled intersections resulted in 12 deaths, with key contributing factors including speeding, disregarding traffic signals, and impaired driving. Speeding was the leading factor, contributing to six of the nine fatal crashes at controlled intersections. Disregarding traffic signals accounted for three fatal crashes. Alcohol impairment was a factor in two crashes, while controlled substances played a role in one. Distracted driving was a noted cause in one fatal crash. 'Our annual reviews and ongoing traffic studies help us adjust intersection timings and speed limits,' Hooper said. 'For instance, while most residential streets remain at 30 mph, intersections near major highways are under close evaluation in collaboration with TxDOT.' Hooper also highlighted proactive measures aimed at reducing traffic-related fatalities. 'A big part of our job is looking at problem areas before they become tragedies,' he said. 'We don't just react to crashes — we study trends, examine roadway conditions, and look at driver behavior to find ways to make our streets safer. Sometimes that means changing signal timing, sometimes it means additional signage, and sometimes it's about educating the public on traffic laws.' Koller presented the final details of the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) plan, a 16-project initiative aimed at enhancing roadway safety through data-driven planning and federally backed improvements. 'Our goal is to create safer environments for everyone — from school zones to major thoroughfares,' Koller said. 'With projects like the safer speed installations near schools, we're not just reacting to incidents; we're proactively planning for a safer 2026 and beyond.' Koller also addressed concerns raised by a citizen regarding whether the city manipulates data to secure federal grants. 'The idea that the city would be manipulating something is just — wholly unethical,' she said. 'I would be turned in, the consultants would be turned in — there's just no way. There are national standards for managing traffic laws and transportation infrastructure, especially when it comes to signage and signals. Every community meets that baseline standard, so our process is straightforward and entirely above board.' City officials stressed that the integration of these data-driven approaches — from Koller's comprehensive SS4A plan and Hooper's traffic safety measures to Johnson's crime prevention strategies and Mayor Stanley's focus on citizen engagement — reflects a coordinated effort to maintain Amarillo as a safe and thriving community. Interim Chief Johnson reaffirmed the department's commitment to proactive policing and long-term safety improvements. 'We're not just reacting to crime and traffic concerns — we're taking steps to get ahead of them,' Johnson said. 'By leveraging technology, refining our strategies, and working closely with the community, we can make Amarillo not just safer today, but safer for the generations that follow.' This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo City Council discusses crime decline, deadly traffic trend
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Yahoo
Wanted Amarillo registered sex offender, woman linked to missing Oklahoma child
A man being sought as the Amarillo Crime Stoppers' fugitive of the week is also believed to be involved in a case of a child reported missing out of Oklahoma. The Amarillo Police Department said Aurelio Ezequiel Cardenas, a Hispanic male, age 27, is about 5 feet, 9 inches in height and weighs 145 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. Cardenas is wanted by the sheriff's office on sex offender's duty to register. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400 or submit a tip online at or by using the P3 tips app. An anonymous tip that leads to his arrest could earn a reward of $300. The Potter County Sheriff's Office said that Cardenas, along with the boy's noncustodial mother, were being sought in the case of Anthony Wayne Stroder, a 2-year-old last seen Jan. 27 in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's office at (806) 379-2900. The Missing People In America group noted the suspects' vehicle was found Feb. 24 in Amarillo with no tags or keys. The group also said that there is an active Endangered Missing Advisory (EMA) out of Oklahoma. "If you have any information regarding this missing child, please contact the Potter County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division and ask for Sgt Hooker. He can also be reached at 806-340-3915," the sheriff's office said via Facebook. "Be advised this is not a scam! This is a legitimate case currently being investigated by our agency. Thank you for your help in this matter." This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo police seek sex offender suspected in missing child case
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Yahoo
Amarillo police give update on nightclub shooting that killed 1, injured 8
A shooting early Sunday morning at Chesney's nightclub on South Polk Street in Amarillo left one person dead and eight others injured, the Amarillo Police Department announced Monday. At approximately 2:05 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26, authorities received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire in the 700 block of South Polk Street. Polk Street has long been a hub of nightlife in Amarillo, known for its vibrant bars and entertainment venues. Witnesses described a vehicle approaching the entrance of the open Chesney's nightclub before an unidentified individual got out of the vehicle and opened fire into the crowd with an AR-style pistol. After discharging approximately 15 rounds, the suspect got back into the vehicle and fled the scene. "A vehicle approached the entrance of Chesney's nightclub, and an individual exited, opening fire into the crowd," said Amarillo Police Department Public Information Officer Corporal Carmel Ogden said at a news conference held Monday morning. "Thanks to the bravery and persistence of a bystander, Randall County Sheriff's deputies were able to locate and stop the vehicle, leading to the apprehension of three suspects." A bystander pursued the suspect's vehicle and relayed its direction of travel to emergency services. This swift action enabled Randall County Sheriff's Office deputies to locate and stop the vehicle near Hillside and Bell streets. Three suspects were apprehended and taken to the Amarillo Police Department's Homicide Division for questioning. The shooter has been identified as 23-year-old Robert Kenney Knox, and the driver as 21-year-old Nahryah Hilesta Ines Hayes, both residents of Amarillo. A third passenger, 22-year-old Britt Brinson Cave, was also arrested. Knox and Hayes face charges of murder and eight counts of deadly conduct and discharge of a firearm. They are currently being held at the Potter County Detention Center. Cave was charged with public intoxication and is being held at the Randall County Detention Center. The shooting resulted in nine people with gunshot wounds. Six individuals were taken to local hospitals by paramedics, while three others arrived to hospitals by private vehicles. Tragically, 25-year-old John Love Louima, who was on a work visa from Haiti, later died from his injuries. Louima's family has been notified. The other victims are receiving medical treatment and are in various stages of recovery. "In our investigation, we've determined that the firearm used was an AR-style platform, kind of a pistol, with a magazine capacity of approximately 28 rounds," said Lieutenant James Clements of the Homicide Unit. According to Clements, the weapon involved is not illegal. Clements also addressed the wounded's medical status. While he could not give specifics, he said their conditions were not expected to worsen. "Right now, from what we understand, we're not going to release any information on the victims themselves for the privacy of the families," he said. "However, due to medical intervention, we feel that there are no further issues with digressing in their conditions." Police recovered the firearm, shell casings, and other evidence from the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting may be linked to an earlier altercation inside Chesney's nightclub. Detectives are working to reconstruct the events leading up to the incident and determine the motive behind the attack. Chief Martin Birkenfeld emphasized the gravity of the incident and the community's response. "The motive here is inexcusable. It's hate-fueled anger. It's not more complicated than that — it's stupid. Ugly, impulsive violence and something that we should not accept as a community. Something that we will not accept as law enforcement," Birkenfeld stated. "We've got to do better, and I don't have all the answers for that. The best we can do from our perspective is to hold people accountable for gun ownership." Birkenfeld continued, "We're going to continue to do that. Over the last few years, we've put a lot of resources into combating violent crime in Amarillo. We've increased the number of detectives in the homicide unit, and we are building our real-time crime center so we can get information to officers faster. We're going to do everything we can." He added, "Amarillo is still a safe place overall, but there are definitely places where you can put yourself in danger, and some of that has to do with the time of day and the location. We know that bars tend to get a little bit crazy as the night goes on. This incident started inside a bar, and it actually ended up with people leaving and coming back to do violence outside on the street." Birkenfeld further commented on the oversight of establishments like Chesney's, where the shooting occurred outside: "Certainly looking at any business that has an alcohol service permit. We look at that, we report that to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). We've done that in the past with Chesney's because of the problems there. Two years ago, we filed a protest on the renewal of their license, and we got to hear back from TABC on that, but there certainly is the potential for consequences." "We're going to look at every avenue because in the end, we want businesses to thrive and survive and do well but not at the cost of public safety," Birkenfeld said. "It's easy to want to blame a place, but we're placing the blame squarely on the person who pulled the trigger and shot those people." Lt. Clements provided additional details about the shooting location and circumstances. "The shooting occurred right at the entrance of Chesney's nightclub on South Polk Street, a location that typically sees a lot of activity, especially during late hours. The suspects targeted the crowd outside, turning what should have been a safe environment into a scene of violence. We are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired." Clements also addressed the response efforts, stating, "Our first responders acted with incredible speed and professionalism. The coordinated efforts between police, fire departments, and medical teams were instrumental in saving lives and minimizing further casualties. We are proud of how our team handled this crisis under such intense pressure." Regarding the involvement of the third suspect, Cave, Clements clarified, "Britt Brinson Cave was found to have no role in the planning or execution of the shooting. He was merely present in the vehicle at the time of the incident and did not conspire or participate in any way." The City of Amarillo issued a statement later Sunday through Mayor Cole Stanley, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic events. 'We mourn the loss of life and pray for healing for those injured. This is a devastating moment for our community, but I know Amarillo's strength and resilience will help us support one another through it,' Stanley said. He also commended the swift actions of law enforcement and the community, stating, 'I am incredibly grateful to our law enforcement officers, first responders, and the citizens whose actions helped bring resolution to this situation. Their efforts reflect the values of unity and care that make Amarillo a community I am proud to call home.' Mayor Stanley added, 'We are working closely with the police department to ensure that our nightlife venues are safe and that such incidents do not recur. Community safety is our top priority, and we will continue to invest in measures that protect our residents and visitors.' In addition to addressing the immediate aftermath, Chief Birkenfeld outlined future initiatives aimed at preventing similar incidents. "We are expanding our real-time crime center to enhance our ability to respond swiftly to emergencies and analyze crime patterns more effectively. Additionally, we are increasing community outreach programs to foster better relationships between law enforcement and residents, ensuring that our strategies are both effective and community-driven." Lt. Clements also highlighted ongoing efforts to support the victims and their families. "We have set up a dedicated support line for victims and their loved ones, providing access to counseling and resources to help them navigate this difficult time. Our priority is not only to bring justice, but also to support our community members affected by this tragedy." The Amarillo Police Department's Homicide Unit is urging community members to come forward with any information or video footage related to the shooting. Assistance from the public is considered crucial in advancing the investigation. Residents with any relevant information are encouraged to contact the Amarillo Police Department at 806-378-9468. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo police give update on nightclub shooting
USA Today
26-01-2025
- USA Today
1 dead, 8 injured after shooting at Amarillo, Texas nightclub, police say
1 dead, 8 injured after shooting at Amarillo, Texas nightclub, police say One person is dead and eight others are injured after a man opened fire at a nightclub in Amarillo, Texas, according to police. Early Sunday at 2:05 a.m. local time, the Amarillo Emergency Communications Center received multiple calls regarding a shooting at a nightclub on S. Polk Street, according to a press release from the Amarillo Police Department. When police arrived at the scene, they found nine gunshot victims, six of which were taken to the hospital. Other victims arrived in private vehicles, according to police. One of the victims at the hospital, identified by police as 25-year-old John Love Louima, had multiple gunshot wounds. He died from the injuries, police said. The other victims are in "various stages of medical treatment," according to police, who did not specify their conditions. Three suspects were later arrested, and two of them were charged with multiple counts, including murder, after a civilian followed them and led police to their location, police said. Police arrest 3 in connection to shooting According to police, a car approached the entrance of an open nightclub early Sunday, and a person exited the vehicle and then opened fire on a "large crowd." After firing multiple rounds, the person got back into the car and fled the scene. A witness followed the car as it fled the scene, which led to police arresting three suspects: Robert Kenney Knox, 23; Nahryah Hilesta Ines Hayes, 21, and a third person who was in the backseat of the car. Both Knox and Heyes were charged with murder and eight counts of "deadly conduct/discharge of a firearm," according to police. The third person arrested was charged with public intoxication. The shooting is believed to have stemmed from an altercation that occurred inside the bar, according to police. The suspects are believed to have left the bar after the altercation and then returned when the shooting started. Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
