Affidavit: Underage woman had been drinking at River Walk bar prior to deadly crash in Helotes
SAN ANTONIO – An arrest warrant affidavit says a 20-year-old woman involved in a deadly crash in Helotes earlier this year had been drinking at a bar on the River Walk less than two hours prior. Woman arrested in January crash that killed couple, injured 4 childrenThe crash killed husband and wife, Craig Smith, 54, and Susan Smith, 39. Parents of four young children killed in crash in Helotes, officials sayThe employee who conducted the sale also could face misdemeanor charges, according to the TABC. Helotes police are still trying to determine whether the bar involved in this case will be held accountable. Because no violations have been found at this time, KSAT 12 News is not mentioning the bar by name.
Woman arrested in January crash that killed couple, injured 4 children
HELOTES, Texas – A driver involved in a crash in Helotes earlier this year that killed a couple and injured their four children has been arrested on charges related to drunken driving. The arrest Monday of Elena Carranza, who doesn’t turn 21 until August, marks a dramatic shift in the case. At the scene of the January 3 crash, officers told KSAT12 that it appeared to be just an accident. Craig Smith, 54, and his 39-year-old wife, Susan, both were killed in the crash. Although police initially said their injuries were minor, an arrest warrant affidavit now shows one of the children suffered a traumatic brain injury.
Helotes teen shares Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial experience
HELOTES, Texas – A Helotes teenager is feeling more confident stepping outside of her house these days after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. And so, when she said that she wanted to do it, I was supportive,” said Judy Ross, Hannah’s mother. Hannah’s parents have also received the COVID-19 vaccine. “She goes to the gym about 25 hours a week now and then competitions,” Judy Ross said. “We’re not worried about if somebody’s not masked or stands too close,” Judy Ross said.
Coffee house in Helotes makes St. Patrick’s Day-inspired drinks
HELOTES – Walking up to The Cracked Mug Coffee House in Old Town Helotes feels more like a small town village with a cozy coffee cottage setting. “It kind of has that main street kind of feel,” barista at The Cracked Mug Coffee House Summer Emswiler said. This month you can try a handful of St. Patrick’s Day-themed drinks, including “Pot of Gold,” which has a mix of irish cream and caramel, “Kiss me, I’m Irish,” which has irish cream and cinnamon and the “Lucky Leprechaun,” which is a chai mix with irish cream and caramel. The Cracked Mug Coffee House is located at 14743 Old Bandera Rd in Helotes. Click here for more on the coffee house.
Affidavit: Man, woman linked to 4 robberies in San Antonio planned crimes after watching TV crime show
Courtney Clark, 32, (left) and Shoniqua Robinson, 31, (right) have been charged with robbery, according to records with the Bexar County Jail. An affidavit states that Courtney Clark, 32, and Shoniqua Robinson, 31, may have committed up to four robberies in and around the San Antonio area. The man, later identified as Clark, acted as the getaway driver, the affidavit states. Officers were able to identify Robinson as a suspect from two fingerprints left on the note, the affidavit states. The affidavit for Clark states that they used to be in a relationship.
Support rallies for 4 children orphaned by fatal crash in Helotes Sunday
Helotes police say it appears Craig Smith, 54, and his wife, Susan, 39, pulled out in front of an oncoming pick-up truck. They were killed in the impact and their youngest and oldest children, ages 5 and 16, were hospitalized. All four were “deeply shaken, both physically and emotionally,” said Bishop Joel Barber, bishop of the Parkwood Ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Barber said Craig Smith was a civilian employee at Fort Sam Houston. Read also:Parents of four young children killed in crash in Helotes, officials sayCoalition pushes for traffic changes after crash in Helotes kills parents of 4 children
Coalition pushes for traffic changes after crash in Helotes kills parents of 4 children
HELOTES, Texas – Steve Mendoza of COPS Metro Alliance said a crash Sunday night in Helotes that killed the parents of four children should have not happened and blamed the fatality on the traffic environment in the area. The driver of the pickup and the four children, between the ages of 2 and 16, were taken to University Hospital. Mendez believes the crash is part of a larger problem that needs to be addressed. A spokeswoman for the city of Helotes released the following statement regarding traffic conditions in the area. “The city is continual conversations with TxDOT to discuss ways to improve roads and make them safer for drivers,” the statement said.
Parents of four young children killed in crash in Helotes, officials say
HELOTES, Texas – The parents of four young children were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Helotes Sunday night, according to Helotes police. The crash happened around 6:30 p.m., in the 12000 block of Bandera Road and Diamond K Trail. The parents were killed from the impact and the four children were taken to University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, officials said. The children told police they are from out of state and officials are currently working to notify their next of kin. RELATED: SAPD: Man killed in crash after trying to merge onto I-35 on South Side
Bexar County bars must close; restaurants, businesses decrease to 50% capacity per Gov. Abbott’s executive order
SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County officials announced Monday that the county’s businesses now operating at 75% capacity will have to cut back to 50% capacity and all bars must close due to a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the region. County officials said that threshold was met on Sunday. Bexar County is located in Trauma Service Area P.The order states that 50% occupancy limits are now in effect for most businesses. Earlier on Monday, Comal County officials announced the same restrictions there. The following counties are in Trauma Service Area P and are affected by this order:AtascosaBanderaBexarComalDimmitEdwardsFrioGillespieGonzalesGuadalupeKarnesKendallMore on KSAT:
Police: Man walking home from work killed by hit-and-run driver in Helotes
Police are searching for the driver of a pickup truck that struck and killed a pedestrian in Helotes. The truck appears to be a black Ram 2500 or 3500 with yellow clearance lights and Mopar brand headlights. "Those aren't your everyday lights," McGuire said. Sanchez worked at a pipe fitting company less than a mile from where he was killed. Anyone with information on the truck is asked to call Helotes police at 210-695-5933.
mysanantonio.comHelotes police searching for pickup involved in fatal hit-and-run
HELOTES – Helotes police are looking for a pickup and its driver in connection with a fatal hit-and-run investigation. (KSAT)Police say the pickup appears to be a black Ram 2500 or 3500 with yellow clearance lights and “Mopar” brand headlights. The pickup is believed to be a newer model, ranging from 2016-2019. Police say the pickup should have front right-end damage. Anyone with information on the pickup is asked to call Helotes police at 210-695-5933.
’I don’t wish this on anybody’: Mother hoping hit-and-run driver who killed her son turns themselves in
HELOTES, Texas – A San Antonio mother is hoping and praying the hit-and-run driver responsible for killing her son in Helotes will turn themselves in. Balerie Sanchez said her son, Jerry Sanchez, 36, had many plans in his life. He was always worried about me and was actually working hard to get his own place, and he said he wanted me to move in with him. “He was trying very hard to change his life so he would be able to see his kids,” Sanchez said. “I broke down because when I got there, there was only one officer, and I told him I thought the person found was my son,” Sanchez said.
Man’s body discovered Friday after he was hit by a vehicle Thursday night, Helotes police say
HELOTES, Texas – Update:The Bexar County Medical Examiner has identified the victim of a fatal hit-and-run in Helotes. Jerry Sanchez, 36, died after being hit by a vehicle Thursday evening, according to officials. It’s currently unclear what kind of vehicle hit Sanchez and no arrests have been made in the case as of yet. Original:A man’s body was discovered on the shoulder of Highway 16 in Helotes Friday morning and Helotes police believe he was a victim of a hit-and-run Thursday evening. Police said there was no evidence at the scene that would identify what kind of vehicle hit the man.
Shotgun blast leaves 23-year-old man dead in Helotes
HELOTES, Texas – A 23-year-old man is dead following a shooting in Helotes. Helotes police said the victim was found around 8 p.m. Tuesday outside a home in the Beverly Hills subdivision. “It looked like just a couple of people were hanging out in a garage, playing some pool,” said Helotes Police Sgt. “Looked like he had a shotgun wound in his stomach.”Higgins said paramedics spent some time trying to revive Fluellen, but he died from his wound. Higgins said no one has been taken into custody at this time, but the case is still under investigation.
Helotes family puts funny spin on Halloween by changing decor every day
HELOTES, Texas – Many decorate their yards in spooky decorations this time of year, but one local family is a lot more dedicated, and changes their Halloween display every day. Kristen Phoenix and her family live in Helotes, and say they all think of ideas and pick the best ones to display. All of the displays are made with skeletons and are different each day. Full Screen 1 / 11 The Phoenix family in Helotes had a little bit with their Halloween decorations this year by changing them up each day. The family says most of the displays are puns, like “Gore-Dead Ramsey” and “Rotten Candy.”The Phoenix’s say they have never really decorated for Halloween before, but hope their displays bring a smile to people’s faces.
Lanes reopen after fatal crash on Texas 16, BCSO says
Google MapsThe Bexar County Sheriff's Office reopened the lanes of Texas 16 near Helotes after deputies closed it for several hours due to a fatal crash Friday morning. Deputies responded to the crash between a pickup truck and an 18-wheeler around 6:20 a.m. in the 22500 block of Texas 16. Upon arriving, deputies said the driver of the pickup truck was dead.
mysanantonio.comDrivers happy with changes made to ‘dangerous’ curve in Helotes
HELOTES, Texas – Crews have improved a curve off FM 1560 and Riggs Road that drivers called dangerous and deadly with the hope of fewer crashes in the area. However, cement barriers created a new problem for drivers. Catherine McCoy, the COPS-Metro Alliance leader, said the spot was dangerous to drivers, especially with the growth in the area. “People should have a right to know that when they’re on the road that these roads are safe, that the engineers have designed it in a safe way,” McCoy said. Trees and vegetation also added to drivers' concerns, but a group of volunteers cleaned the area to create a clearer and safer way for drivers.
Helotes adopts $8.2 million budget, lowers tax rate
The property tax rate for 2020-21 is set at $0.346524 per $100 taxable value, compared to 2019-20’s $0.350000 rate. The budget includes an expected $242,464, or 6.04 percent, increase in property tax revenue, based on that rate, compared to last year. Property tax revenue expected to be raised from new property and added to the tax roll this year is about $134,000. Within that total, $3.2 million comes from property taxes (38 percent) and $3 million come from sales taxes (36 percent). Upon approval of the city budget, Schoolcraft thanked City Administrator Marian Mendoza and her staff for their work.
mysanantonio.comMan found dead in his home died of natural causes, Helotes police say
Man found dead in his home died of natural causes, Helotes police sayHelotes police are investigating after a man was found dead in his home late Sunday night. Helotes police are investigating after a man was found dead in his home late Sunday night. Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Man found dead in his home died of natural causes, Helotes police say 1 / 1 Back to GalleryHelotes police said the a man who was found dead in his home late Sunday night died of a heart attack, the department confirmed Monday afternoon. Police were called to the home late Sunday night where they found 57-year-old Craig Manifold dead. During his career, he served as the joint surgeon for the Texas Air National Guard until his retirement last year.
mysanantonio.comHelotes police investigating after man found dead in his home
Helotes police investigating after man found dead in his homeHelotes police are investigating after a man was found dead in his home late Sunday night. Helotes police are investigating after a man was found dead in his home late Sunday night. Photo: Google Maps Photo: Google Maps Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Helotes police investigating after man found dead in his home 1 / 1 Back to GalleryHelotes police are investigating after a man was found dead in his home late Sunday night, a spokeswoman for the department said. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inboxA spokeswoman on Monday said it is an active investigation. Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for MySA.com | taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | @TaylorPettaway
mysanantonio.comMan found dead in Helotes home, police say
SAN ANTONIO – Police in Helotes are investigating after a man was found dead in a home late Sunday night. Officers responded to the home in the 14600 block of Marin Hollow Drive, not far from Scenic Loop Road and Highway 16. On Monday morning, a Helotes police captain told KSAT 12 News that they are waiting for a medical examiner to determine how the man died. Details about the man’s death have yet to be released, and he has not been identified. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
After recount, Tony Gonzales is still winner of GOP runoff for U.S. Rep. Will Hurd’s seat
The recount of the Republican primary runoff for the national battleground seat of retiring U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Helotes, has reached an end, and Tony Gonzales remains the winner. Raul Reyes, who had finished 45 votes behind Gonzales in the July 14 runoff, announced Friday evening that he was abandoning the recount. Gonzales is now set to be the undisputed nominee for the seat, one of Democrats’ best pickup opportunities across the country. Coming out of election night, Reyes was down by just seven votes, a deficit that grew to 45 as the final ballots came in and the results were canvassed. In the weeks since the runoff, Gonzales repeatedly claimed victory and criticized Reyes’ recount effort as a hopeless pursuit, saying it was taking away from the party’s ability to unify against Jones.
Priest at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes tests positive for COVID-19
SAN ANTONIO – A priest at a Catholic church in Helotes has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in quarantine. Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church posted on Facebook Friday night that Father Juan Molina recently received a positive result. The church, located at 13715 Riggs Road, will remain open, as allowed under Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff’s ban of large gatherings. “Given the parish protocols for the celebration of Mass during this time, the church can remain open,” the post states. “As a reminder, the cleaning crew sanitizes the church after every Mass.
OConnor graduate, Camille Fowler, signs to play basketball at the University of Dallas
HELOTES On Thursday evening, recent OConnor High School grad, Camille Mili Fowler committed to continue her academic and athletic pursuits at the University of Dallas where she will be joining the Crusader womens basketball program. Fowler was a three-year varsity player for the Panthers. Despite tearing her left ACL in June 2018 and her right ACL in May 2019, she was still able to contribute to the teams success her senior year.
SAWS lifts water boil notice for Helotes
SAWS lifts water boil notice for HelotesThe boil notice for the Helotes area has been lifted, after a worker hit a wait main on Friday. The boil notice for the Helotes area has been lifted, after a worker hit a wait main on Friday. Photo: San Antonio Water System Photo: San Antonio Water System Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close SAWS lifts water boil notice for Helotes 1 / 1 Back to GalleryThe boil notice for the Helotes area was lifted Monday morning after a worker hit a wait main on Friday, according to San Antonio Water System. Officials said the non-SAWS contractor hit the 20-inch water main near the 11400 block of Lago Vista causing a loss of pressure to customers in the area and prompting the notice. SAWS crews worked to repair the line throughout the weekend, but on Sunday workers found an additional water main break near the initial damaged one.
mysanantonio.comBoil water order ends for Helotes residents days after water main break
Published: May 23, 2020, 2:59 pm Updated: May 25, 2020, 10:47 amHELOTES, Texas – A boil water order was canceled for residents in Helotes on Monday morning, days after a significant water main break on Friday caused concern about the potable water supply. The San Antonio Water System rescinded its boil water notice around 10:30 a.m. Monday, according to a news release. Below is a map of the area where residents are currently affected by the water main break. Here is the area impacted by a boil order still in place for Helotes residents after water main break . Boil order issued after water main break in Helotes
Where I Live: Helotes
My formative years were spent in and around the once quiet historic farming community of Helotes. Thankfully, Helotes staples such as John T. Floores Country Store and El Chaparral Mexican Restaurant remain as historic links connecting the past to the present. It is this sense of community that has kept me planted in Helotes even after graduating from Texas Tech University in 1998. Stephanie Marquez / Rivard ReportOver the years, my husband and I have owned a couple of homes in the area; however, today, we live in a home we rent in the hills of Helotes. Stephanie Marquez / Rivard Report permalink Stephanie Marquez / Rivard Report permalinkAs for me, I willfully endure the grind of morning and evening rush hour commutes to find solace in the hills.
therivardreport.comRetiring U.S. Rep. Will Hurd Endorses Candidate Tony Gonzales to Succeed Him
Retiring U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-Helotes) is endorsing a candidate to succeed him in his battleground district. I care deeply about the hard-working men and women of the 23rd District and want to make sure their next Representative has their values and will fight for them in Congress, Hurd said in statement. This is why I am pleased to endorse 20-year Navy Veteran, loyal husband and proud father of five children, Tony Gonzales, to be my successor in Congress.Hurd has previously complimented Gonzales but stopped short of endorsing him. In backing Gonzales, who is Mexican American, Hurd nodded to one of his political priorities now that he is not running for reelection: helping create a more diverse Texas GOP. If the Republican Party does not look like Texas and resonate with all Texans, there wont be a Republican Party in Texas, said Hurd, the only black Republican in the House.
therivardreport.comSan Antonio U.S. Rep. Will Hurd Says He's Thinking of a 2024 Presidential Run
Instagram / @hurdonthehillU.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Helotes, said Thursday he's weighing a 2024 presidential campaign.Earlier this year, Hurd shocked Washington by announcing he's leaving the U.S. House in 2020 . When asked byCEO Evan Smith if he'd run for president, Hurd said he's considering it. "I will think about it. "Hurd's voting record was largely conservative , but he struck a moderate tone and displayed a willingness to work across the aisle. Texas is purple.
sacurrent.comSan Antonio man awaiting counterfeiting trial arrested again
SAN ANTONIO - A man awaiting trial after being charged with counterfeiting was arrested again Thursday after Helotes police accused him of cashing a $10,000 check that did not belong to him. Jon Rivera, 40, was charged with forgery of a check, Bexar County Jail records showed. The resident told police that the check had been cashed, however, into a Navy Federal Credit Union bank account. After obtaining surveillance images of the suspect cashing the check, police talked to the owners of the account. Rivera's criminal history includes theft, forgery and identity theft, according to the affidavit.
Fire rips through far NW Side home, causes $900K in damage
SAN ANTONIO - A large fire ripped through a far Northwest Side home late Friday night. Grey Forest and Leon Springs firefighters responded and extinguished the fire. Helotes, Leon Springs, Boerne and Bexar County fire departments assisted in their efforts. The home was a total loss and the initial damage assessment is $900,000, Bexar County officials said. The Bexar County Fire marshals office is investigating.
Makeshift memorial appears at site of crash that claimed life of 3-year-old
SAN ANTONIO - A makeshift memorial has appeared off FM 1560 near Helotes where a 3-year-old boy was killed as a result of a head-on crash last Saturday. Candles and balloons have been placed for Peyton Cawley, who died after being hospitalized in critical condition for several days. The driver who Bexar County Sheriff's Office deputies say caused the fatal wreck, 17-year-old Juan Pablo Ochoa, also died. Deputies said Ochoa was speeding while heading south on 1560 when he veered into oncoming traffic and hit a car carrying a family of four head-on. His passenger was taken to an area hospital in an unknown condition.