Texas troopers renew inspections of commercial vehicles at Brownsville border bridge, triggering long delays
Truckers have reported waiting up to 24 hours to cross the border because of the inspections. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered similar inspections last year to stop smuggling, but troopers found no contraband after checking more than 4,000 vehicles.
Once again, tension builds after state police are deployed to a major Texas city
A month after the Texas Department of Public Safety began patrolling Austin streets, city officials have both praised a drop in violent crime and condemned the operation’s disparate impact on Latino and Black residents. In 2019, Dallas faced the same challenges.
Senator calls for investigation after video shows DPS officer shoving parent of Uvalde shooting victim
A state senator from San Antonio is calling for an investigation after a Texas Department of Public Safety officer was caught on camera shoving the mother of one of the Uvalde school shooting victims.
Gov. Greg Abbott starts state task force on street takeovers
During a recent street racing incident, Austin residents faced long 911 wait times. City officials say they need to increase staffing for 911 call takers, but state license and background check requirements make it difficult to fill positions.
Uvalde DA gets initial state police report on school shooting but doesn’t expect full investigation for months
The preliminary report has not been made public by either the district attorney’s office or the state. The Texas Rangers are conducting a criminal investigation into the shooting at Robb Elementary.
‘Lives Robbed’ group calls DPS hearing a ‘bait and switch’ after no update to investigation
A nonprofit group that formed in response to the Robb Elementary massacre in Uvalde has issued a response to Thursday’s Department of Public Safety hearing on the investigation, calling it a ‘bait and switch’ and a ‘glorified press conference.’
Texas DPS chief Steve McCraw says his agency “did not fail” at Uvalde school shooting
At a public meeting where families that lost children in the school shooting said he should resign, McCraw said members of the Department of Public Safety made mistakes. But he said he’ll step down only “if DPS as an institution failed the families.”
DPS director refuses Uvalde families’ call for resignation but says shooting should’ve been stopped within minutes
The head of the Department of Public Safety told the families of the Uvalde shooting victims that first responders were “wrong” in their delay to breach the classroom where a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers.
One of first DPS troopers to arrive at scene of Uvalde school shooting being fired, source tells ABC News
One of the first Texas Department of Public Safety troopers to arrive at the scene of the Uvalde school mass shooting is being fired by the Texas Department of Public Safety, a law enforcement official briefed on the matter told ABC News.
Uvalde schools get $442,000 from John Cornyn’s federal gun safety law
The gun safety law allocates $100 million for a Department of Justice grant program for school districts to invest in safety programs and technology. Twenty-eight Texas school districts were awarded grants through the program, totaling almost $8 million.
Ex-Trooper burned through leave time, started at UCISD PD a day after resigning from DPS
A Texas state trooper hired then later fired by the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District Police Department worked sparingly in the weeks before leaving the state agency and started her new position a day after formally resigning, timecard records obtained by KSAT Investigates show.
New York Times investigation bolsters Uvalde parents’ demands that more officers be held accountable
Families of the victims killed in the May 24 Robb Elementary School massacre say a New York Times investigation is further proof that more people need to be held accountable for failing to protect their children that day.
WATCH LIVE: Uvalde CISD board to consider superintendent’s retirement during Monday meeting
The Uvalde CISD board is meeting Monday night for the first time since the fallout from the hiring and firing of a DPS officer under investigation, the entire district police department suspended and the superintendent announcing his retirement.
‘We did it! And we are going home!’: Uvalde parent who protested at district office for 12 days celebrates
A group of parents and relatives of victims in the Robb elementary shooting who stood defiant outside district headquarters for 12 days, demanding action over officers’ response to the massacre, finally received the news they waited for.
Lexi Rubio’s parents say ex-trooper fired by Uvalde CISD was working at their son’s campus
The parents of Alexandra “Lexi” Rubio, a victim of the Robb Elementary shooting in Uvalde, said in an interview with ABC News on Thursday that a now-former officer and Texas Dept. of Public Safety trooper had been working at their son’s campus before she was fired by the school district.
State Sen. Gutierrez, Uvalde parents call for DPS director to resign after ex-trooper hired by district
The head of the state’s top law enforcement agency is being asked to resign after one of his troopers under investigation for her response to the May 24 shooting was later hired by the Uvalde CISD.
More than 30 DPS officers will patrol Uvalde CISD campuses in new school year, Gov. Abbott says
More than 30 Department of Public Safety officers will patrol the campuses of Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District as students and teachers head back to class in the wake of the school shooting.
Uvalde officials told DPS that police had ‘zero hesitation,’ ‘each minute was used to save lives,’ document shows
The City of Uvalde painted its law enforcement officers as “heroes” that had “zero hesitation” and saved hundreds of people in the May 24 attack on Robb Elementary School, according to a document presented to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Takeaways from Texas DPS director’s testimony about the Uvalde shooting, gunman and police response
McCraw on Tuesday gave much-asked-for revelations about the timeline, mistakes and missed opportunities. Specifically, he said Pete Arredondo, the Uvalde school district police chief and on-site commander, made “terrible decisions.”
WATCH LIVE: DPS director testifies about Uvalde shooting before Texas Senate committee
UPDATE: Law enforcement authorities had enough officers on the scene of the Uvalde school massacre to stop the gunman three minutes after he entered the building, the Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw testified on Tuesday.
DOJ sues Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott over executive order allowing DPS to stop migrants in vehicles
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing the state of Texas and Gov. Greg Abbott over the executive order the governor issued on Wednesday that allowed Department of Public Safety troopers to restrict lawful ground transportation of migrants.
Ex-Texas DPS trooper accused of sexually assaulting 2 women during traffic stops
Lee Boykin, 32, is accused of sexually assaulting two separate victims while on duty, officials said. HOUSTON – A former Texas trooper faces federal charges after being accused of sexually assaulting two women in the Houston area while he was on duty, prosecutors announced Wednesday. He faces three federal charges: deprivation of rights under color of law; destruction of records; and using a firearm in a violent crime. AdIf convicted of the federal charges, Boykin faces up to life in prison. Troopers and police officers in other states in recent years have also been charged with or convicted of sexually assaulting women during traffic stops or while on duty.
8 undocumented persons killed in head-on collision in Val Verde County, officials say
According to the Department of Public Safety, the fatal crash happened at 1:26 p.m. Monday and nearly 30 miles north of Del Rio. Officials say that DPS troopers were chasing a red pickup truck on US 277 when it collided with a white Ford F-150. “Due to injuries sustained, eight undocumented passengers from the Dodge pickup were pronounced deceased on scene,” The Department of Public Safety told KSAT. AdOriginal:Eight people are dead after a head-on collision in Val Verde County, according to Texas Department of Public Safety officials. DPS officials said a trooper was in pursuit of a red Dodge Ram pickup truck when the truck collided head-on with a white Ford F-150.
She answered honestly about mental health. Then the state revoked her driver’s license.
LEON VALLEY, Texas – Kathy Francis said her troubles with the Department of Public Safety started in March 2019, while applying to renew her driver’s license. The couple lives in rural Bandera County, meaning it made sense during a trip to town to stop by the driver’s license mega center on Huebner Road, in Leon Valley. Francis disclosed a bipolar disorder diagnosis on her March 2019 application to renew her driver's license. AdIt is unclear whether writing down PTSD on the application would have caused the state to flag Francis’ application. Francis' wife Kari has been forced to become her driver, after the state revoked Francis' license in September.
Not child’s play: Chucky featured in errant Amber Alert from Texas DPS
An DPS alert was mistakenly sent out three times last week to Amber Alert subscribers. SAN ANTONIO – Rest assured, “Chucky” is not on the loose. The Texas Department of Public Safety has apologized after mistakenly issuing an Amber Alert that said the killer doll featured in the 1988 horror film “Child's Play” was a suspect in the kidnapping of his 5-year-old son, Glen Ray, who was featured in “Seed of Chucky.”The emergency alert described Chucky as a 3-foot, 1-inch-tall (0.9-meter-tall) doll wearing “blue denim overalls with multi-colored striped long sleeve shirt wielding a huge kitchen knife.”The alert was mistakenly sent out three times last week to Amber Alert subscribers. The agency said it was a test malfunction.
Man critically wounded after chase ends in shooting on city’s Southwest Side
SAN ANTONIO – A 46-year-old man led law enforcement officers on a chase in Atascosa and Bexar counties Tuesday morning before he was shot near an elementary school, officials said. The man was taken to a hospital in critical condition, said Deputy Johnny Garcia, a Bexar County Sheriff’s Office spokesman. As the pickup approached Interstate 37 and Highway 97, the driver shot at officers, Soward said. None of the law enforcement officers were injured. Allen will remain under lockdown for several more hours as law enforcement process the scene.
2 San Antonio teens who were visiting beach among 6 killed in ‘horrific’ head-on crash on I-37 in South Texas
Two teens from San Antonio were killed following a crash on Interstate 37 near Mathis on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2021. SAN ANTONIO – Two teens from San Antonio who were visiting the coast were killed following a “horrific” crash that left six people dead in South Texas on Saturday. A passenger in the minivan, identified as Trent Ryan Edge from San Antonio, was pronounced dead at the scene. Helena Paige-Marie Dumas of San Antonio was pronounced dead on Saturday night after her family took her off life support, Sgt. San Patricio County Sheriff Oscar Rivera called the crash “horrific,” saying the scene will “forever be engraved” in the minds of first responders.
Waiver for expired driver’s licenses, ID cards to end in April 2021
If you get a new driver’s license, identification card or license to carry card in the state of Texas, you may notice a new design. AUSTIN, Texas – The waiver on expiration dates for driver’s licenses and identification cards that has been in effect due to the COVID-19 pandemic will end April 14, 2021, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday. Greg Abbott in March, applied to driver’s licenses, commercial driver’s licenses, commercial learner permits, ID cards and election identification certificates that expired on or after March 13, 2020. DPS is offering extended office hours at participating driver’s license offices across the state, including two in San Antonio and one in New Braunfels. The longer office hours were implemented to help customers still needing services due to the COVID-19 driver license office closures in 2020.
Law enforcement searching for Texas State student who disappeared after crash near Luling
LULING, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is continuing their search for a Texas State student who disappeared following a car crash near Luling, Texas. According to a department spokesperson, the crash happened at around midnight Monday morning. Law enforcement officers found a crashed vehicle near Salt Flat Road north of Interstate 10, but do not know how the incident occurred. Officials are still trying to locate the victim who they believe may be Jason David Landry, 21, a Texas State University student. A university spokesperson confirmed that DPS would be handling the case.
Gun allegedly used in Whataburger shooting found by divers in River Walk, SAPD says
SAN ANTONIO – A gun that was allegedly used during a shooting at the downtown Whataburger last week was recovered by divers in the River Walk portion of the San Antonio River on Thursday. San Antonio police said divers from the Texas Department of Public Safety located the weapon in the water near East Commerce Street and Losoya Street. The suspect, later identified as 18-year-old Pedro Ortega, tossed the weapon into the river as downtown bike patrol officers chased him, police said. (KSAT)No injuries were reported in the shooting that occurred Friday night in the 400 block of East Commerce Street. The shooting happened Friday night in downtown San Antonio, on E. Commerce and Losoya Streets.
Waiver still in effect for expired CDL and driver’s licenses
Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding Texans that Texas IDs, driver’s licenses, CDLs and election identification certificate cards that expired on or after March 13 are still covered by Gov. Greg Abbott waived expiration dates for driver’s licenses in March and that extension remains in effect. Currently, DPS offices are accepting appointments for renewals and replacements only of CDLs, DLs, and IDs. If you have an expired driver’s license, you can download and print a copy of the Verification of Driver License Expiration Extension to carry until your license is officially up to date. DPS officials said a limited number of same-day appointments are available at select driver’s license offices on a first-come, first-served basis.
Alamo Colleges police officer dies from COVID-19, officials say
SAN ANTONIO – A second Alamo Colleges District employee has died from the coronavirus, according to officials. DPS Officer Jose Buso has succumbed to the virus, as announced by officials on Friday. It is with a heavy heart that we share the reported passing of Alamo Colleges Police Officer Jose A. Buso from COVID-19.... Posted by Alamo Colleges Police Department on Friday, September 25, 2020Buso was assigned to the Patrol Division, where he became certified as a bicycle patrol officer and helped ensure the safety and welfare of students and staff at the college, according to officials. Before Buso joined Alamo Colleges, he was a deputy in the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. RELATED: Most Alamo Colleges students will learn remotely, according to fall plan
CLEAR Alert discontinued for 19-year-old woman in Bayou Vista
BAYOU VISTA, Texas – Update:The CLEAR Alert issued for 19-year-old Grace Elizabeth Townley has been discontinued, as of Friday. Original:The Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a CLEAR Alert for 19-year-old Grace Elizabeth Townley. Townley was last seen around 1 a.m. in the 200 block of Barracuda Street in Bayou Vista, Texas near Galveston. Related:Do you know what a CLEAR Alert is? San Antonio police search for man who was last seen on Northeast Side; CLEAR Alert issuedDPS unveils new alert system to help find missing adults
DPS driver license offices to offer Saturday appointments
AUSTIN, Texas – If you need to get your driver license renewed or replaced but don’t have the time during the week, the Texas Department of Public Safety will begin offering Saturday appointments. Many driver license offices will now be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, beginning Oct. 3, and continue each Saturday through Dec. 19, with the exception of Nov. 28, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The appointments are only for customers who need to renew or replace their Texas driver license or ID card only. The announcement comes as the department continues its work to help alleviate the backlog caused by COVID-19. Nearly 700,000 people statewide had their driver license or ID cards expire while drivers license offices were closed due to the pandemic.
Driver’s license expired? Download this document in case you get pulled over
Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety has reopened for appointment only amid the coronavirus pandemic but some people are still wondering about their expired driver’s license. A KSAT viewer sent an email stating that he was given a ticket on Tuesday for having an expired license during a traffic stop. As part of Texas' disaster declaration, Gov. If you have an expired driver’s license, you can download and print a copy of the Verification of Driver License Expiration Extension to carry until your license is officially up to date. All current driver’s license services at DPS are by appointment only.
Boy, 12, dies in Southeast Texas after golf cart rolls over
MAGNOLIA, Texas – A 12-year-old boy was killed over the weekend when the golf cart he was riding in rolled onto its side on a Southeast Texas road, authorities said. Erik Burse said Tuesday that a 16-year-old girl was driving the golf cart Sunday evening in neighborhood near Magnolia when she made an abrupt turn that caused it to roll onto its side. Burse said the 12-year-old and the 16-year-old were the only two occupants of the golf cart. He said the boy was pronounced dead at a hospital and that the girl was treated and released. Magnolia is located about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northwest of Houston.
Jailed man charged in woman’s 2003 strangling in West Texas
AUSTIN, Texas – A man has been charged in the 2003 strangling of a woman whose body was found on a rural road in West Texas, authorities said Friday. A recent alert from a DNA database led the Texas Rangers and Lubbock County sheriff's office to focus their attention on Castillo, the DPS said. Palacio's partially clothed body was found in July 2003 in southeastern Lubbock County. Carbajal was found strangled and with blunt force injuries on a rural road in northern Lubbock County. Castillo was being held Friday in McLennan County Jail on more than $1 million in bond.
Man faces slew of charges following lengthy car chase through San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – A man who authorities say led an hour-long chase throughout Bexar County on Tuesday is facing a bevy of charges following his arrest. Wild Video: Man leads BCSO, DPS on lengthy car chase through South San Antonio before he bails, gets arrestedAuthorities tried to stop him when BCSO received reports of a reckless driver. Booking records show Fowler was charged with unauthorized use of vehicle and evading arrest. DPS took over the pursuit at the time, and Quiroga led troopers through several neighborhoods in the Roosevelt Road area. Online jail records show Quiroga has previously been charged with theft in 2010 and 2013, unauthorized use of a vehicle in 2017 and forgery in 2018.