Latest news with #TexasHighwayPatrol
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Texas state troopers searching for vehicle involved in May 23 hit-and-run near Rockport
(This story was updated to add new information.) Law enforcement officials are asking for the public's help in finding a vehicle that they believe is involved in a hit-and-run crash that killed a bicyclist in the early hours of May 23 near Rockport. They are looking for a 2018 to 2021 BMW X4 30i X-Line vehicle that they think hit the bicyclist, according to an updated news release that the Texas Department of Public Safety issued on May 26. The DPS on May 28 identified the victim as James Guthrie, 51, of Rockport. Anyone with information should call the DPS at 361-698-5600. 'The suspect vehicle will have damage to the front grille — the area in between the headlights,' said Sgt. Harold 'Rob' Mallory of the DPS Texas Highway Patrol Corpus Christi District. Police are still unsure of the vehicle's color. According to the department's original news release, Aransas County dispatch received a 911 call at about 2:30 a.m. on May 23 of a fatal hit-and-run crash on Business State Highway 35-L, about half a mile north of State Highway 188. Troopers who responded to the scene found that a man was riding a bicycle south on the road's improved shoulder — a portion of the highway not intended for vehicle traffic — when the driver of the unidentified vehicle failed to maintain its lane. The vehicle struck the bicyclist, throwing him off the bicycle and into a ditch. Justice of the Peace Judge Dupnik pronounced him deceased at 3:35 a.m. The driver left the scene of the crash. Mallory said investigators don't know if alcohol was involved. Troopers examined the debris and found that the vehicle's front grille was damaged from striking the cyclist, Mallory said. Troopers determined the parts came from a BMW and contacted a BMW dealership to identify the make and model of the vehicle. Before troopers arrived, the 911 caller reported seeing another man at the scene who riffled through the deceased cyclist's pockets, took several items and left on foot, according to the May 23 new release. DPS troopers do not know if that man had anything to do with the hit-and-run crash, Mallory said. Troopers from the Highway Patrol Office in Rockport are investigating the crash. 'We've gotten a lot of help from the public,' Mallory said. 'People have been calling in tips, so eventually we may get that tip that leads us somewhere. It's important for people to keep their eyes open.' More: Police believe alcohol use led to crash that killed two on SH 361 in Aransas Pass More: Rain is expected to soak the Corpus Christi area; here's what we know This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: DPS seeking hit-and-run driver who killed cyclist near Rockport May 23
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Head-on collision involving tractor-trailer shuts down U.S. Route 77 near Driscoll
The Texas Department of Public Safety has shut down U.S. Route 77 near Driscoll as it clears the scene of a head-on collision. Texas Highway Patrol state troopers responded to a crash at 7:11 a.m. on May 30, said Sgt. Harold 'Rob' Mallory of the DPS Texas Highway Patrol Corpus Christi District. A man was driving a Mazda Tribute north on the highway when the vehicle crossed over into the southbound lanes, hitting an 18-wheeler head-on, he said. Medics attended to the man and transported him to the hospital with injuries. Mallory said he is not certain how serious the man's injuries are, though Robstown Fire Department first responders who arrived at the scene had to cut him out of the vehicle after the crash, he said. The crash caused substantial damage to the tractor-trailer's front end, but the driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured, he said. Traffic on U.S. Route 77 is being detoured at the County Road 28 exit as debris from the crash scene is being cleared, Mallory said shortly after 11 a.m. Texas Department of Public Safety investigators are determining the cause of the crash. More: You can't text, but can you read one while driving? Know these 10 Texas driving laws More: Texas state troopers searching for vehicle involved in May 23 hit-and-run near Rockport This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Head-on crash with tractor-trailer shuts down U.S. 77 near Driscoll
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Mineral Wells High School senior killed in crash that injured 5 other people
A Mineral Wells High School student was killed and two other students in the same vehicle were injured Friday night in a two-car crash in Hood County, according to school district officials and the Texas Highway Patrol. A woman, a man and a 2-year-old girl from Lubbock who were in the other car also were hospitalized, investigators said. 'We are heartbroken to share that three of our Mineral Wells High School students were involved in a tragic car accident,' Mineral Wells ISD said in a statement on social media.. 'With deep sorrow, we confirm that Jose Hernandez, a senior at MWHS, lost his life in the accident.' A Texas Department of Public Safety report identified the two students who were hospitalized as 18-year-olds George Velazquez and Korbin Williams. 'Jose Hernandez was loved by many,' according to a GoFundMe page to help his family with funeral expenses. 'He was always surrounded by family and friends. He was kind, funny, and compassionate; he was always there for whoever needed him.' 'He was 4 days away from graduation,' a family member wrote on the fundraising site. 'He had so many plans for when he was done with school. He was so excited and ready to walk that stage. One of his plans was to be a welder when he finished high school. He was a kid that wanted to chase his dreams and never give up. He loved the Cowboys; he was a football fanatic. Remember him as the wonderful person he was.' Counselors will be available on the high school campus on Tuesday. 'We ask that you join us in keeping all of the students and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief,' the school district said in its post. According to the investigating state trooper's report, the three students were in a Ford Explorer headed northwest on FM 4 when the driver lost control in a curve in the road and crossed into oncoming traffic, where the Explorer collided with a Kia Telluride SUV. Hernandez, 19, was pronounced dead, and the other two students were taken to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. Also injured in the crash were 34-year-old Marlen Banuelos, 34-year-old Samuel Fry and 2-year-old Amayah Fry.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
DPS launches statewide patrols to enforce seat belt use and curb distracted driving for Memorial Day
May 9—AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing patrols statewide as part of its annual All-American enforcement campaign ahead of the Memorial Day Holiday. From May 12 through May 26, the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) will focus on enforcing seat belt laws and promoting safe driving behaviors to reduce crashes and save lives. "Our top priority is saving lives on Texas roads," Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said in a news release. "As Memorial Day approaches, we're stepping up enforcement to ensure drivers are buckled up, attentive and following the law. These efforts help protect families and prevent tragedy." THP will increase enforcement as part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort). Last year, during DPS' 2024 All-American enforcement efforts, there were more than 122,361 citations and warnings issued. This included over 8,462 speeding violations; 601 seat belts; 2,752 violations for driving without insurance; and 579 felony and fugitive arrests. To comply with Move Over or Slow Down, Texas law states that a driver must either: — Vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road (if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction) or — Slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. (If the speed limit is below 25 mph, the driver must slow down to 5 mph) Violations of the law result in a misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,250. Subsequent offences can increase fines, and if the offense results in bodily injury, the penalty can be up to a state jail felony. DPS offers the following safety tips: — Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits using portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. If you're using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road. — Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road. So far in 2025, there have been more than 4,485 Move Over, Slow Down violations. View Governor Greg Abbott's Move Over or Slow Down PSA here. — Don't drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you consume alcohol. — Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it's the law. — Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones. — Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges. — Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency. — Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas. Remember to keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. You can always dial 1-800-525-5555 for any assistance when you're traveling. That number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver License.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
DPS: One killed in two-vehicle crash on US 385 near Channing
A Dalhart man died Thursday afternoon following a two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 385 about 12 miles south of Channing, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The crash occurred around 12:55 p.m. April 24. Preliminary investigation indicates a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 34-year-old George Acker of Dalhart, exited a rest area and attempted to merge onto US 385. Acker failed to yield the right of way and entered the path of a northbound 2010 Freightliner truck tractor towing a semi-trailer. The semi-trailer struck the driver's side of the pickup, authorities said. Acker, who was wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the Freightliner, a 53-year-old from Vega, was also wearing a seatbelt and was not injured. Weather conditions were reported as clear and cloudy, with dry road conditions at the time of the crash. The Texas Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: One dead in two-vehicle crash on US 385 south of Channing, DPS says
