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September 22, 2019 - The Center Police Department reports an individual recently was victim of a fraudulent call resulting in the loss of several hundred dollars.
The fraudulent caller claimed to be with the Social Security Administration and requested the individual on the other end of the line purchase a gift card. The victim was then requested to supply them with the corresponding information. The actors of this crime were aware of the victim's name, date of birth and social security number.
Social Security Administration representatives will not contact you be telephone and will not request money.
Anyone receiving suspicious calls is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency when receiving a call of this nature.
Center Police Department can be reached at 936-598-2788.
Additional information about this particular scam can be found by clicking here
September 20, 2019 - The Center Police Department has issued a press release relating to the suspect involved in the robbery of a Center gas station at gunpoint who has been apprended.
Press Release: The Center Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit responded to K&S Food Mart located at 462 State Highway 7 East in reference to an Aggravated Robbery that had occurred at approximately 4:53am on September 19, 2019.
The suspect later identified by detectives as Jonathan Vidal–Delacruz, 23, of Center had entered the store and attempted to fire a 9mm semi-auto pistol at the owner of the business. The weapon apparently malfunctioned and Delacruz then chambered another live round into the weapon and pointed it at the victim, demanding the cash from the register. The victim complied and then Delacruz left the store.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence that Delacruz was staying in and were able to locate evidentiary items used in the crime.
Shelby County Today has learned Detectives later located Delacruz at a poultry farm on FM 415 near Timpson where he was taken into custody at around 5pm.
The Police Department would like to thank the Shelby County Sherriff’s Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers for their assistance and vital roles in the search warrant execution and apprehension of the suspect.
Delacruz is charged with Violation of Probation Warrant (Original charge Burglary), Failure to Identify Fugitive from Justice (M-A), Aggravated Robbery (First Degree Felony) Attempted Capital Murder (First Degree Felony).
The Street Crimes Unit is currently working with the Department of Homeland Security. Delacruz is also being held on an Immigration Detainer and will face Federal charges of Alien in Possession of Firearm and Re-entry after deportation offenses.
September 19, 2019 - Center PD Officers are currently searching for an individual who robbed a gas station clerk at gunpoint early Thursday morning, September 19, 2019 at 4:53am.
According to Sgt. Chris Knowlton, the suspect entered the KS Food Mart located at 462 Hwy. 7 East at the intersection with Loop 500 and pulled a gun on the clerk.
The assailant took around $200 from the clerk and fled the scene in a vehicle.
Officers are actively seeking the suspect.
Descriptors on the individual haven't been released at this time.
Shelby County Today will update with additional information when it’s made available.
September 4, 2019 - The Shelby County Commissioners approved the closure of County Road 1039. Following discussion with Josh McAdams, who owns property on both sides of the roadway, the commissioners voted to close 696 feet of roadway.
County Road 1039 is located in between U.S. Highway 96 and FM 2026 (Folsom Chapel Road).
Travelers should make preparations. The roadway is scheduled at this time to be closed on September 18, 2019.
September 13, 2019 - Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies responded to a residence located in the Campti community in Shelby County on August 17, 2019, at 4:30am, in reference to an aggravated robbery. Deputies learned that the homeowner was asleep and was awakened by the intruder. The homeowner stated the intruder was demanding money. The intruder forced the homeowner to the floor and forced her to empty her wallet.
The homeowner provided deputies with a visual description of the intruder. The homeowner escaped by locking the door when the intruder stepped outside on the patio. The homeowner then ran to call for help and the intruder shattered the glass door in an attempt to regain entry.
Through the investigation, SCSO Chief Deputy Kevin Windham obtained information on the suspect and the suspects' injuries. Chief Windham and SCSO Deputy Ruth Gonzales were informed that the suspect had received treatment outside Shelby County. Once the suspect was identified, information was obtained that the suspect and his mother were planning on fleeing to another country to avoid capture by law enforcement officials.
Chief Windham, Deputy Gonzales, SCSO Lieutenant Del Birdwell, and the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office set up surveillance at a designated location in Nacogdoches County. Once the suspects’ vehicle was observed, it was followed from Nacogdoches County into Angelina County, where Chief Windham contacted the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department for assistance.
The suspects were arrested without further incident.
Raul Alexander Gomez, 19, of Nacogdoches, is currently being held at the SCSO on the following charges: Theft (SJF); Aggravated Robbery (F-1) and an ICE hold.
Artisma Margarita Gomez, 48, of San Augustine, is currently being held at the SCSO on the charge of Hindering Apprehension (F-3) and an ICE hold.
Chief Windham would like to extend his thanks to Deputy Gonzales, Lt. Birdwell, Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Jordan Long of the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance with this investigation.
September 13, 2019 - With timing of initial construction sliding into mid-Sept, the City and contractor have today mutually agreed to postpone major demolition until the day following the Poultry Festival. This should avoid any imposition on the annual event or unnecessary hazardous situations. This extra two weeks will also allow the contractor sufficient time to guarantee initial deliveries so as to minimize any period between demolition and commencing installation of new materials.
August 26, 2019 - Construction on the much-anticipated Center Downtown Streetscape project is set to begin the week of September 2, 2019. The $3.9 million project was awarded to The Fain Group who has experience with similar projects in Ennis and Granbury.
"The City Council took the bold step to self-fund this project," said Center Mayor David Chadwick. "This project is not meant to just make our Downtown pretty but to encourage additional investment in the City."
Streetscape
The construction area will include all public infrastructure from the Courthouse retaining wall to business storefronts. Major components of construction include resurfacing of all roadways and parking with adjusted grades to improve surface drainage, reinstalling previous mid-block crosswalks including handicap access and parking stalls, removing the varying grade changesbetween parking and storefronts, adapting all four intersections to provide safer pedestrian crossings, and transitioning to three way stops.
In addition to traffic components, this project includes beautification of the entire area by replacing all street light fixtures, adding landscaping with irrigation and expanding sidewalks at storefronts and including landings at each intersection. "We have been fortunate to have assembled a great team for design from White Oak Studios in Houston, the engineering from Everett Griffith in Lufkin, and The Fain Group," explained Center City Manager Chad Nehring.
Video published in November 2012 about the Streetscape Project
Construction will be divided into four distinct segments comprised of one intersection and half blocks in each direction. The initial construction zone will include the intersection of San Augustine and Austin and extend one-half block up each street. Upon substantial completion of that quadrant, construction will proceed clockwise around the square concluding with the Shelbyville St corner. After completion of the major roadwork and sidewalks, the landscaping and lighting with be finished. Construction should last approximately three months for each quadrant and be completed near September, 2020. Detour signage will be placed to assist drivers to avoid the intersection under construction. Existing sidewalk access to all businesses will be available throughout the entirety of the project but adjacent parking will be impacted.
"Once this project is complete, Center will have a beautiful community heart that will rival any other town," Chadwick concluded.
For more information, the master plan for the downtown square with detailed renderings of this project can be viewed at the City's website - www.centertexas.org.
September 11, 2019 - The Center Police Department newly formed Street Crimes Unit along with members of the Police Department’s Tactical Narcotics Team executed a narcotics search warrant at 601 MLK Drive on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.
The warrant was issued after a lengthy investigation conducted by the Street Crimes Unit in response to several complaints received by the community of illegal drug trafficking at the residence. Officers arrived at approximately 9:30pm, secured the residence and conducted a search that revealed approximately 7 grams of crack cocaine (street value approximately $700 dollars) along with numerous items used in the making, packaging, and distribution of the illegal substance.
The resident, Latwan Antionett Gibbs, age 47, was taken into custody and booked on the charge of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, felony of the first degree. There are other warrants pending in this ongoing investigation.
This is just the beginning. The Center Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit is determined to make an impact on our community. Detectives want the dealers to know that the trafficking of illegal substances will not be tolerated and encourage the community to take a stand.
Please call and speak with Detectives if you feel this is going on in your neighborhoods. Together we can make a difference. The Center Police Department would like to thank the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office as well as DPS Troopers on scene for their assistance in this warrant.
Click image to enlarge
September 11, 2019 - Patriot Day was recognized with a ceremony on the Center square at the Shelby County Veteran's Memorial Wednesday, September 11, 2019 with community members and first responders in attendance.
The event was hosted by VFW Post 8904 and Auxiliary with Larry Hume, Post Quartermaster, leading the ceremony. An opening prayer was given by Pastor Randall Smith of Paxton Methodist Church and following opening prayer the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
"On September 11, 2001 America witnessed a brand of evil beyond comprehension. It was difficult for us to grasp the scope of the tragedies that day and it was one of the most single tragic days in our nations history. Many of us thought it was the worst day of our lives," said Hume.
Hume remarked it has been almost 20 years since the events of September 11, 2001 occurred; however, the memory of what happened on that day is vivid.
"That day we refused to allow evilness to triumph over good. The accounts of hope and heroism that emerged from the rubble of Ground Zero, the Pentagon and the rural Pennsylvania field inspired us all," said Hume. "To this day those remarkable acts of valor continue to serve as reminders of that is good and true in the human spirit."
He reminded everyone of the police, firefighters, airplane passengers and crew members who gave their lives to save their fellow man. Hume stated, the sacrifices of those individuals will never be forgotten by a grateful America nor the Veteran's of Foreign Wars.
"We've learned that we must combat terror and those who seek to deliver terror. Today we are fighting to ensure that the liberties we enjoy, the freedoms we cherish will be secured for future generations," said Hume.
Hume reminded everyone of three of Shelby County's own who died overseas during the war on terror and they are Larry E. Polley Jr., United States Army, killed in action in Iraq January 17, 2004; Kevin Casey Roberts, United States Army, killed in action in Afghanistan May 7, 2008; and Cory Bertrand, United States Army, killed in action at the age of 18 in Afghanistan October 14, 2008.
Hume remarked that as we remember the lives of 2,977 lives lost on 9/11 Americans know that our nation is more secure.
"Right here in Shelby County Texas we are fortunate to have First Responders that continue the legacy born 18 years ago and they're with us this morning," said Hume.
Speaking on behalf of first responders in Shelby County were Keith Byndom, Center Fire Chief; Jim Albers, Center Police Chief; Kevin Windham, Shelby County Sheriff Chief Deputy; and Jessie Griffith, Allegiance EMS.
After each spoke, Hume encouraged a round of applause for all of the First Responders in recognition of their daily sacrifice.
Placing the memorial wreath on the Shelby County Veteran's Memorial was Sheriff Willis Blackwell.
Hume wanted everyone to remember Mike Wood, who was a 41-year volunteer fireman, he had occasion to play the bagpipes at VFW ceremonies and funerals. A moment of silence was had in remembrance of September 11, 2001.
Taps was then played as presented by Gene Hutto, VFW Post 8904 Post Commander. Leigh Porterfield then led everyone in God Bless America.
September 9, 2019 - The Flag of the United States is to be flown at half staff in honor of Patriot Day, Wednesday, September 11, 2019 from sunrise to sunset in memory of those killed in the attacks on this day, 2001.
All flags flying with the US Flag should also be lowered. If you have a flag that cannot be lowered respect for the day can be displayed by tying a black ribbon or chord at the top of the flag staff.
September 5, 2019 - Due to a tree and power lines across the road, the Center Police Department has blocked off Hwy 7 east between the intersection of Creswell Street and Logansport Street and Sardis Road. Please use caution if traveling through the area.
September 4, 2019 - The Shelby County Commissioners are moving forward with the closure of a county road which connects U.S. Highway 96 North with FM 2026.
Josh McAdams addressed the commissioners about the closure of 696 feet of CR 1039. McAdams Propane Company, which belongs to his family, is located on U.S. Highway 96 at the intersection of FM 2026 (Folsom Chapel Road) and CR 1039 runs on the back side of the property.
McAdams now owns property on the other side of the roadway and is seeking to close 696 feet of the county road.
"We own the property on both sides of it, and we think it's a danger due to the sped of traffic off of FM 2026 and Highway 96. It's just a cut-through," said McAdams.
He said an additional problem they have had is people walking on the back side of the business' fence and stealing property.
"It's not going to close off anybody to their driveway, it would be past the last driveway," said McAdams.
Roscoe McSwain, Commissioner Precinct 1, said he is in favor of closing the road.
"One of my main reasons is the safety issue of the way people drive through there and enter 96 and cut off of 96 turning in front of people," said McSwain.
He said he has further concern of how McSwain will be blocking the end of the roadway where CR 1039 meets FM 2026. McAdams said he would pay for that and do what McSwain would require. McSwain said he would like them to add a turnaround, guardrail at the end of the road and a ditch.
"This don't affect no one elses land. Where the turnaround is, they own everything past it to the farm road," said McSwain. "So they're not affecting no one else."
McSwain stated if there are any utilities running through that area, they will still require their access. The two utilities McAdams knows run through that area are Centerpoint Energy and telephone line.
Bellmyer said he drives by that area everyday and he said he does wonder what it's going to look like when the roadway is closed.
"It's just a wild guess, there's probably 300 people a day run up and down that road. I mean you can't come around 2026 that there's somebody not coming to meet you, so I don't know how it'll be communicated that you're going to cut the road off," said Bellmyer.
Bellmyer was concerned about the necessity of signage to inform drivers the road will be closed. McAdams said he is willing to take on the expense at the pleasure of the court and do whatever they tell him to do.
Judge Harbison recommended McAdams speak with a title company attorney to find out what documentation is appropriate to be filed with the county clerk.
A motion carried to close the roadway in two weeks from the meeting, September 18, 2019.
Tom Bellmyer, Precinct 4 Commissioner, stated this subject of speed limit signs in Precinct 4 is one the commissioners have discussed several times and a public hearing was recently held to allow for public input on the matter.
"It's a process we have to go through to allow a commissioner in his precinct to set safe and prudent speeds on either segments of, or entire county roads," said Bellmyer.
Bellmyer said the process the county has been going through is out of the transportation code.
According to the interpretation of the commissioners, further public hearings won't be necessary for future consideration of roadway speed adjustment.
A motion carried to allow all four commissioners to establish safe and prudent speeds on either segments or entire roads in their precinct.
The commissioners considered amendments to the county travel policy and Judge Harbison stated it was regarding county vehicle use and prisoner transfer.
"To me this amendment, we shouldn't be having to do this, it should be common sense not to haul an inmate in a personal car," said McSwain. "If you would have an accident, what would happen?"
The amendments read as follows: 1) Any county employee that has an issued (or available) reliable county vehicle for travel use will not use their personal vehicle for county business. If the employee chooses to use their personal vehicle, expense will be reimbursed as if it is a county vehicle and that is to provide gas receipts for reimbursement. It will not be reimbursed at the personal vehicle rate. Any exception to this policy must be approved prior to the travel by the Commissioners' Court.
2) Any prisoner is to be transported in a county owned vehicle only - no exceptions other than an ambulance or approved law enforcement transport company (This amendment was approved by the Sheriff).
A motion carried to approve the amendments.
Don Eddings, U.S. Forest Service, spoke with the commissioners about a cooperative agreement between Shelby County and the U.S. Forest Service who owns the roads while the county maintains them. The county and the forest service equally blade the roadways and apply rock to them.
According to Eddings, this is the second agreement which has been made with Shelby County. Angelina, Sabine, Jasper, San Augustine and Shelby County all have agreements with the U.S. Forest Service. Judge Harbison stated the agreement is just stating the county will continue the partnership with the U.S. Forest Service as they have over the past five years.
A motion carried to approve continuing the cooperative road agreement with the U.S. Forest Service.
The meeting was adjourned at 10am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Current payroll. 3. Allow all four commissioners to establish safe and prudent speeds on either segments or entire roads in their precinct. 4. Close 696ft off County Road 1039 September 18, 2019. 5. Amendments to be added to the County Travel policy. 6. Cooperative Road Agreement between Shelby County and USDA, Forest Service National Forest and Grasslands in Texas. 7. Adjourn.
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