Latest news with #WhiteSettlement
CBS News
23-05-2025
- CBS News
Man accused of plotting attack on North Texas churches formally charged, police say
A man accused of planning an attack on North Texas churches last November has been formally charged, according to the White Settlement Police Department. Tino Ross, 33, has been held in mental health facilities since police found explosives, body armor, and firearms in his van during a November 2024 incident in White Settlement. Suspicious van leads to arrest Tino Ross, 33 White Settlement Police Department White Settlement police received a call about a suspicious white van from a resident on Jason Lane around 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 26. "If you see something, say something," White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook said. "This is a true testament to that resolve. That's exactly what this neighbor did. I told her, 'Had you not called, we would have had a very different outcome.'" Officers discover weapons and explosives Body camera footage shows officers speaking with Ross, who told them, "I'm dealing with spiritual issues." During the encounter, police spotted a handgun in Ross' lap and an AR-15-style rifle on the passenger seat. Officers quickly moved to secure the weapons. "Step out of the car, step out of the car, come on, step out of the car," one officer ordered as they struggled to get Ross out of the vehicle. After pulling Ross from the van, officers discovered explosives in the trunk. "Gun in the car. Body armor. It looks like he's ready for some horrible [expletive] to go down," an officer on scene said. Ross' alleged plan White Settlement Police Department Cook said Ross had multiple guns, ammunition, commercial fireworks, and three explosive devices in the van. Ross told detectives he had traveled from his apartment in Oklahoma to White Settlement, intending to set fire to a home on Jason Lane before opening fire inside. "His motivation that morning was that house. He had family members there that he was angry with," Cook said. "He perceived that they were against him." Ross was also reportedly angry with several churches in North Texas, according to Cook. "He made the decision to carry out whatever he was going to do to address his perceived grievances against his family and against local places of worship," Cook said. "...I fully believe our officers, the neighbor who made the call, and the investigation that followed saved lives—not only on that street but possibly in other areas of North Texas as well." Legal process delayed by mental health concerns Ross was taken into custody the day of the incident, but police had to wait about six months to charge him. "We could not formally charge him because of his state of mind," Cook said. "So he has been confined at various facilities until we could get him into custody." Cook credited the neighbor's 911 call and officers' de-escalation tactics for preventing a potential tragedy. "Had we amped it up, just immediately pointing firearms at him, we could have been in a deadly force encounter," he said. "I'm very proud of their efforts. Officers have to make split-second decisions… This very scary situation goes to show there's never a routine call." Federal investigation continues White Settlement Police Department The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating how Ross obtained the weapons found in his van. Court records indicate Ross was found mentally deficient by a court in Oklahoma in 2016, which federally prohibits him from owning firearms. Ross remains in the Wichita County Jail but will eventually be transferred to the Tarrant County Jail. Charges filed Ross has been charged with: Possession of prohibited weapons – Third-degree felony (three explosive weapons/improvised explosive devices) Unlawfully carrying weapons – Class A misdemeanor (multiple firearms) Resisting arrest, search or transportation – Class A misdemeanor He could face a federal charge as well.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Suspect arrested, charged with shooting at man fleeing in vehicle: White Settlement police
White Settlement police have arrested a suspect they say shot at a man May 10 as the man attempted to flee in his vehicle, officials said in a statement. Ruben Martinez III, 18, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, police said. The victim told police that he had gone to meet a woman in the 900 block of Ozona Avenue when Martinez allegedly approached his vehicle with an AR-style rifle, according to the statement. The victim began to drive off as Martinez allegedly fired several shots toward him, police said. The car was disabled from the damage and eventually stopped on the outside shoulder near the 8600 block of West Freeway, where the victim called police, according to the statement. Detectives recovered the weapon used in the shooting, as well as additional firearms and narcotics, during a search warrant executed in the 7800 block of Tacoma Drive at the time of Martinez's arrest, police said.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
18-year-old accused of shooting car multiple times in White Settlement
The Brief 18-year-old Ruben Martinez III is accused of shooting at someone inside a vehicle on May 10. He was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Police said they found firearms and narcotics during a search. WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas - White Settlement police have arrested an 18-year-old man accused of shooting someone's car last week. Ruben Martinez III was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. What we know White Settlement police responded to Colton Drive around 11:30 p.m. on May 10 for a shooting. Arriving officers could not find anyone at the scene, but received a second call from the victim who said his car was "shot up" and disabled on West Freeway. Police said the victim was not injured, but there were several bullet holes in the car and the rear glass had been shattered. The victim told police he was shot at on Ozona Avenue and officers said they located 14 shells casing and one bullet. Investigators were able to recover security footage and identify Martinez. On May 14, police said they arrested Martinez on Tacoma Drive. A search of the home led to the recovery of the firearm believed to be used in the shooting, other firearms and narcotics. What they're saying "This case demonstrates the reckless disregard for the sanctity of life by discharging a gun over a dozen times towards an occupied vehicle and without any regard to the residents who live nearby," White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook said. "I want to commend our Criminal Investigations Unit for quickly identifying the shooter and getting the suspect in custody. I also want to thank the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office for their unwavering commitment in assisting smaller agencies on situations like these." The Source Information in this article comes from the White Settlement Police Department.
