Best of Texas Blogs: Northwest Houston TX

Severe weather expected today in Houston area

2012-01-25T07:18:00.000-08:00

KRPC: You can see a wall of heavy rain," KPRC Local 2 meteorologist Anthony Yanez. "From 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock is the time to watch for these dangerous storms."

"Do not take these warnings lightly. Typically, whenever we get these and see a pattern like we had this morning, we'll see a handful of tornadoes," Yanez said.

Gusty winds and scattered showers moved through the area at 2 a.m., knocking out power to 30,000 CenterPoint Energy customers. As of 6:30 a.m., approximately 18,000 people remained without electricity.

"Earlier this morning, we had wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph," Yanez said. "That's what knocked down some of those trees and power lines. We could still see some 60 mph straight-line winds, hail and lots of lightning."

A low-pressure system is responsible for strong storms in central and northern Texas, which are expected to drench the Houston area most of the day.

"There's a couple of lines that we're tracking. The strongest one will arrive in Houston around noon. It's a concern for this morning until early afternoon. The radar is picking up a lot of twisting winds," Yanez said. "It's going to be wet from 8 o'clock all the way through 2 o'clock. By 5 p.m., this storm system will be in our eastern counties."

Yanez said south of Interstate 10 is not expected to see the strongest storms.

"It's a lot more scattered and not as well put together," Yanez said.

Power outages caused problems for some southwest Houston businesses.

Whataburger on the Southwest Freeway near Weslayan had to turn away customers when employees could not prepare food for the morning rush.

"Their lights just came back on (at 6 a.m.), but they weren't ready to serve yet," customer Carol Bennett said.

Many Houstonians were worried about flooding after severe weather left its mark on Jan. 9.

Houston firefighters performed about 140 water rescues when people became stranded in high water.

Officials warned drivers to "turn around, not drown" if they approached rising water.

Flooding is the most common hazard in Houston and many times, individuals are not able to judge the depths of water along roadways and find themselves in perilous conditions.

Officials said 6 inches of water can cause tires to lose traction and begin to slide, and 12 inches of water can float many cars. Two feet of rushing water will carry off pickup trucks, SUVs and most other vehicles.

Water across a roadway may hide a missing segment of road or a missing bridge, officials said.

In flash floods, waters rise so rapidly they may be far deeper by the time you are halfway across, trapping you in your vehicle.

Be especially cautious at night, when it's even more difficult to gauge the amount of water in a roadway.

The safest option is to simply avoid driving over water and find an alternate, safer route, or wait until the danger has passed.

3 arrested in NW Houston may be linked to a string of crimes.

2012-01-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

by Rehka Muddaraj / KHOU 11 News
khou.com
Posted on January 18, 2012 at 5:46 PM
Updated yesterday at 6:40 PM

HOUSTON – Three men arrested Wednesday for allegedly breaking into a home may be linked to a string of burglaries in northwest Houston.
Police launched an undercover surveillance operation in the Oak Forest neighborhood after at least 25 burglaries were reported in recent months.

They were patrolling the area when they spotted a suspicious vehicle that they believe was casing a home.

They pulled the suspects over and found stolen property in the car, including an iPad from a home on LaMonte Street.
Police drove to that home and saw that the door had been kicked in.
Officers were still on the scene when homeowner Charles Davis came home for his lunch break.

After searching his ransacked home, Davis said the burglars stole computers, a cell phone and possibly a handgun.

He knew about the rash of burglaries, but didn’t think he’d be the next victim.
"Our neighbors across the street got broken into," Davis said. "I’m glad they caught them, excited about that."

Police are still looking for a second group of suspects who have been breaking into homes in the same area.

Houston skyscraper implosion ...

2012-01-09T06:45:00.001-08:00

by KHOU
KHOU
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 7:57 AM
Updated today at 8:14 AM

HOUSTON — A big boom could be heard on Sunday at the Texas Medical Center in Houston as demolition crews brought down a 20-story building that was once the home of KVUE's sister station, KHOU-TV.

Rare treat: Houstonians can watch as Space Station crosses Moon

2012-01-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

A slice of Houston will have a chance to view a rare treat this evening.

Not only will the International Space Station make an incredibly bright, six-minute track across the sky tonight, some observers will be able to see the orbital laboratory blink across the moon.

Beginning at 6:28 p.m. the station will rise above the northwest horizon in Houston, and disappear just above the southeast horizon some six minutes later. Skies are forecast to be partly cloudy.

Along this path, for some parts of Houston all the way to Galveston, the station’s track will bring it across the face of the moon.

The following map, made by Steve Clayworth of Observable Universe, shows the approximate area from which this will be visible.

2012 is here!

2011-12-31T20:29:00.001-08:00

Welding Shop fire in NW Houston accidental.

2011-12-27T12:04:00.000-08:00

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Fire investigators may rule Sunday's large fire in northwest Harris County as an accident.

The fire started Sunday night at the Technical Alloy and Industrial Gas Company along Highway 249 near the Beltway. The highway was shut down for hours as firefighters battled the blaze.

The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office tell us the fire appears to be electrical and may be ruled accidental.

Eyewitnesses did say they heard explosions just before they saw the fire. No one was hurt in the fire.

Man arrested in NW Houston shooting

2011-12-21T08:38:00.001-08:00

A man wanted in a fatal shooting in northwest Houston last month has been arrested.

Artavious Deon Hollins 27, was arrested Friday, Houston police said on Tuesday. Hollins is charged with murder, accused of killing 40-year-old Derrick Tyrone Williams.

Police said the two were arguing about 3:35 p.m. on Nov. 5 at an apartment complex courtyard at 4250 West 34th, west of T.C. Jester, when Hollins went to his apartment and got a gun. He returned to the courtyard and continued to argue with Williams. Hollins then shot him in the chest, police said, and fled.

Williams died at the scene.

Two arrested after police chase in NW Houston

2011-12-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

KHOU

Updated today at 11:12 AM
HOUSTON—Two men were arrested early Monday after leading police on a short chase in northwest Houston.

An HPD unit spotted a car speeding inbound on Highway 290 at Mangum around 3:45 a.m. and attempted to pull it over, but the driver refused to stop.
The driver hopped onto the West loop, U-turned at Memorial and continued driving on and off the freeway for about 30 minutes.

The chase finally ended on Eldridge at FM 1960 after the car ran over spikes in the middle of the road and blew out the two front tires.
The driver and passenger were then taken into custody.

5 injured in school bus wreck in NW Houston

2011-12-13T14:11:00.000-08:00

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on December 12, 2011 at 4:46 PM
Updated yesterday at 4:48 PM

HOUSTON—A car ran a red light and hit an Aldine Independent School district bus in northwest Houston, police said.

The wreck happened at about 3:30 p.m. on Highway 249 at West Mount Houston.
Forty-eight students from Eisenhower High School were on the bus and four were transported to the hospital as a precaution.

The driver of the car was also taken to the hospital. There was no word on that person’s condition.

Police sting nabs 4 suspects in tire/rims theft spree

2011-11-28T07:43:00.000-08:00

by KHOU.com staff
khou.com
Posted on November 28, 2011 at 7:40 AM
Updated today at 9:14 AM

HOUSTON—Four suspects, who may have been on a year and a half-long rim and tire theft spree, were captured during a sting operation in northwest Houston early Monday, according to authorities.

The suspects were caught red-handed in the Westbrook Lakes Subdivision, located off Eldridge at Chimney Sweep, around 3:30 a.m.

Brenham police and Houston police were conducting a rim theft sting and caught four suspects in the act of stealing several sets of tires in the subdivision.
As officers approached, the suspects all fled in three separate vehicles, scattering in different directions.

Police said one suspect in one of the vehicles was apprehended on Highway 290 at FM 529; another suspect in the second vehicle surrendered on Marlborough at Larknolls; and two suspects bailed out of the third vehicle at a La Quinta Inn on West 34th Street at Highway 290. One was caught almost immediately, and the second was caught after a short search at a nearby complex.

Police said the suspects may be connected to hundreds of theft within the last 18 months

Hollywood style drug battle in NW Houston!

2011-11-22T08:09:00.000-08:00

HOUSTON - In the northwest Houston community of Champion’s Crossing, there was no need to catch the cop shows on cable.

The real deal went down on the edge of their neighborhood Monday afternoon.
"We are all a little shaken, we are a little scared," resident Hamilton Russell said.
It happened just before 2 p.m. when an 18-wheel tanker truck came under a barrage of fire from moving vehicles clearly on the wrong side of the law.
That truck was thought to be carrying drugs and was under surveillance by a narcotics task force.

FOX 26 asked Harris County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Christina Garza whether investigators believe the incident was an attempted hijacking.
"We don't know,” Garza said. “I can't tell you that right now.”
Whatever it was, local law plowed in with guns blazing.

"In that exchange of gunfire, one of our undercover officers at the Harris County Sheriff's office was struck in the leg,” Garza said. “He was transported to an area hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery. We also have one suspect who is dead on the scene inside that 18 wheeler.”

The cops captured multiple suspects, including a gunman who took a bumper instead of a bullet.

"We have another suspect who was struck by an officer's vehicle as he tried to open fire against that officer," Garza said.

Who shot who and who might have gotten away? Those questions remain unanswered.
Meantime, the good folks of Champion's Crossing are drawing their own, less-than-comforting conclusions.

"Things happen,” resident Teresa Baskin said. “No matter where you go, no matter where you try to live, things just happen.”
"I need to go buy a gun," said Hamilton Russell, her neighbor.

Read more: HERE

Deputy Shot, 18-Wheeler Crashes in NW Houston: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Poster in Katy draws complaints ...

2011-11-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

KHOU: Imagine a poster that shows a man being hanged and a couple dozen armed cowboys posing under him, with a caption that reads "Lets Play Cowboy's And IRANIANS!"

Then imagine that poster hanging in your local restaurant. Do you find this offensive? or funny?

Nonmacher's Barbecue in Katy, Texas, is fighting with that very scenario.

One customer told KTRK in Houston, "You know it's 2011, looking at it now, I see nothing really more than a display of racism and bigotry." He continues to say, "I don't think something like this should really be accepted by any community."

The owner of the restaurant, John Nonmacher, tells Desmond that the poster has been there on the wall for 30 years and he has never had a complaint. Now that the word is being spread, his phone has been ringing off the hook.

He says the poster was made by some Houstonians in 1979 as a reenactment of the Iran Hostage crisis. Iranians held more than 50 Americans for 444 days.

Nonmacher says "I laughed and I'm still laughing. I mean, they don't understand what it is. They don't care to understand, and somebody's taking it upon themselves to campaign and crusade."

If you're ever in Katy, Texas, and stop by Nonmacher's Barbeque, take a minute to find the poster. Despite requests to remove the poster, Nonmacher says, "It's my choice to have it up. It's your choice to go where you want to go. But I'm not going to take it down."

NW Houston Police chase ends at police station?

2011-11-11T08:46:00.000-08:00

Click2HOUSTON -- A police chase ended in northwest Houston Friday after a man drove the wrong way on a freeway, crashed and ran into a police substation parking lot, officials said .

West University police said the chase started on Community Street at 2 a.m. because the vehicle did not have its lights on.
A patrol officer tried to pull over the driver, Marcus York, 32, but he fled, officials said.

Police said the high-speed chase wound around Bellaire and Houston streets, and on Loop 610 and Highway 290. At one point, York traveled in the wrong direction on the Northwest Freeway. He also rammed into two patrol cars during the pursuit, officials said.

Investigators said York drove backwards down the Tidwell exit ramp and then crashed at railroad tracks near Hempstead Highway at Windfern. York took off running and scaled a fence at a parking lot, which turned out to be the Northwest Police Substation, according to authorities.

York was tackled by officers. When York was asked why he ran from officers, he said he was on parole for burglary. York has a criminal history including theft and burglary, police said.

He will be charged with evading arrest and aggravated assault of a police officer.
Officials said no one was injured.

Diamond & Ice Gala set - January 28

2011-11-08T09:33:00.000-08:00

NORTH HOUSTON - The 38th annual Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Diamonds & Ice Gala to be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, will benefit the Economic Development Initiative, a program designed to realize specific, measureable, focused activities to support the northwest Houston community.

The event, which will be at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive in Houston, is the Chamber’s premier fundraising event. The Gala will feature live entertainment with Grammy award winner Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension, as well as dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, awards and a diamond raffle.

Quake shakes South Texas ...

2011-10-20T11:09:00.001-07:00

Click to enlarge:

A shallow, moderate earthquake struck southern Texas (TX) on Thursday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It was the strongest earthquakes to hit the U.S. state in 45 years.

The 4.8 magnitude quake, upgraded from 4.6mb, occured at 07:25 AM local time (13:25 PM GMT) and was recorded at an extremely shallow depth of 3km (1.9 miles). It struck below Fashing, but was felt as far as Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Austin.

The epicentre of the quake was located 22 km (14 miles) NW (321°) from Pawnee, TX; 23 km (14 miles) SSW (213°) from Falls City, TX; 26 km (16 miles) WSW (249°) from Karnes City, TX; 60 km (37 miles) NW of Beeville, TX; 76 km (47 miles) SSE (154°) from San Antonio, TX; 92 km (57 miles) E of Pearsall, TX; 166 km (103 miles) SSW of AUSTIN, TX; and 463 km (288 miles) SSW (197°) from Dallas, TX.

The last time Texas experienced a tremor similar in intensity to Thursday’s quake was on July 20, 1966. The magnitude 4.8 earthquake was centred in the Panhandle, near Borger and Amarillo.

The most recent earthquake to strike the region hit on 25 April, 2010. The 4.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded 56 km west of Corpus Christi.

Search ends after burglars tires shot out.

2011-10-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

THE CHRON:

An all-night search ended in arrests Saturday after a Liberty County man shot out the tires of a truck carrying burglars, an official said.

The two men and one woman from the Huffman community loaded items from an outbuilding at the man's property off of FM 1010 into their truck Friday and were attempting to flee when the land owner shot at them, said Rex Evans, spokesman for the Liberty County Sheriff's Office.

The trio of trespassers fled into a wooded area, setting off a search late Friday with tracking dogs from the Texas Department of Corrections.

Around dawn on Saturday, another person unrelated to the property owner found the three trespassing at a deer camp and held them until sheriff's deputies arrived, Evans said.

It was not clear if that person held the three at gunpoint, he said.

Sheriff's deputies detained Charles Roberts, Eddie Roberts and Ambra Collins and were holding the trio at Liberty County Jail on Sunday for the offense of burglary of a building.

None of them was injured during the incident.

The land owner was not charged with a crime, Evans said.

Body found in the bayou ...

2011-10-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A body was found floating in a bayou in northwest Houston on Saturday, and authorities have identified it as a missing man.

The discovery was made Saturday afternoon near West Gulf Bank Rd. at North Houston Rosslyn Rd.

Police said the body was that of a 40-year-old Latino man. Authorities have not released his name, but some of his family members were at the scene.

He was found face-down in the bayou after being missing for three days.

According to officials, the man was known to frequent the area and fished in the bayou, but he had no fishing equipment with him.

There were some injuries to the body, but his cause of death is unknown at this time.

Please stay with Eyewitness News and abc13.com for more information as it becomes available.

Arrest made in fatal NW Houston shooting

2011-10-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A suspect has been arrested for the fatal shooting of a man who was visiting friends at a northwest Houston apartment complex last month.

Marquis Hill, 21, is charged with murder in the 180th State District Court. He is accused in the killing of Colby Ivan McCardle, 21, in an incident at 906 Greens Road shortly after 7pm on September 22.

Police say McCardle was in an apartment complex parking lot at the above address talking with friends. The group was approached by an unknown black male suspect and words were exchanged. At some point, the suspect pulled a gun from his waistband and began firing. McCardle was struck in the arm and chest. His friends drove McCardle to the hospital.

McCardle suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was transported to Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE AT KTRK

13 injured in school bus crash

2011-09-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON (KPRC) -- More than a dozen people were injured Tuesday when a school bus was involved in a multivehicle crash in northwest Harris County.

Houston police said a privately-owned school bus hit the back of a pickup truck stopped at a red light on the North Beltway 8 feeder road at Ella Boulevard, causing a chain-reaction wreck at 8 a.m. Five vehicles, including the bus, were involved in the collision.

"They were all stopped here and the next thing you know, there was a chain reaction. We haven't interviewed everybody yet to find out what happened," said V. Rogers with the Houston Police Department.

Investigators said 10 students, the bus driver and two drivers from other vehicles were taken to Northwest Memorial Hermann Hospital, Doctors Hospital and Houston Northwest Medical Center. Police said all the victims are in stable condition.

Rhonda Collins' 19-year-old son, Amos, was one of the students on the bus. He told his mother it was terrifying.

"Right now, they got him in X-ray because he's complaining about his back and neck," Collins said. "(The bus driver) was trying to stop, but she couldn't."

The school bus was owned by AFC Transportation. The students were on their way to JJAEP Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program, an alternative school.

The Houston Police Department is investigating the cause of the crash.

Lone Star College-University Park Imploded - cool!

2011-09-20T08:58:00.000-07:00

By Jennifer Bell

NORTHWEST HOUSTON - Smoke and dust filled the air as two buildings at Lone Star College-University Park were imploded Sunday morning, making way for the site to be used as green space.
The buildings pulsed a few times, implosive devices going off like shots inside of them, before falling to the ground.

The college purchased the buildings last year from Hewlett-Packard for $12.6 million, intending for them to be parking garages, LSC System Executive Communications Director Jed T. Young said. The current price to build a garage in today’s market is around $12 million, Young said, so instead of letting the buildings sit in a “mothball state” until it was more cost-effective to build a garage, the college decided on demolition.

“It just wasn’t something Lone Star College could use right now,” Young said. “We’d be paying $1.25 million just to keep it up every year.”

The parking garage and land purchased with it encompass 21 acres, Young said, and when the garage is built, there will be 1,200 parking spaces.
NCM Demolition & Remediation LP and Controlled Demolition Inc. worked together to implode the buildings, a decision that was based on the height of the buildings and their proximity to homes, contractors said.
“This building was just too tall and robust to take it apart piece by piece,” Bill Rose, NCM’s vice president of industrial services, said. “A crane and ball or explosive demolition would have been too noisy.”

Rose said that he and other contractors talked to nearby Lakewood Forest residents, some of which live 200 feet behind the building. Imploding the building was a good choice, he said, to make sure residents weren’t exposed or harmed by the debris.

“This went exactly as we had planned, the building broke up very well,” Rose said.
In the fliers passed around to nearby homes, contractors stated that dust would linger in the area for about four to six minutes. For Young, minutes are nothing compared to the 15-20 weeks a wrecking ball takes to tear down a building.

Bastrop is burning ...

2011-09-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

BASTROP

- The most destructive wildfire on record in Texas showed no signs of slowing down Monday, destroying 25,000 acres in Bastrop County and 476 homes, more houses than any single wildfire before and more than all other fires this year combined, according to the Texas Forest Service.

With more than 60 new wildfires raging across the state, Gov. Rick Perry left the campaign trail Monday in South Carolina to address the public and organize requests for more federal aid.

Closer to Houston, a fire in Magnolia burned 20 homes and more than 1,600 acres, and was threatening subdivisions in Montgomery and Grimes counties late Monday. It had moved southwest into Waller County last Monday.

It was one of several fires to hit the area, straining state and local resources as officials focused on the most dangerous blazes. One firefighter was injured and one fire engine burned in blazes in the Magnolia area, said Lt. Dan Norris, spokesman for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities did not yet know how much of the most dangerous fire had been contained Monday, but planned to continue fighting it "as long as necessary," Norris said.

Strong winds and dry conditions fanned the flames and aided the blaze's rapid growth, forcing the evacuation of more than 150 homes. Montgomery County officials were encouraging evacuations from the intersection of FM 1774 and FM 1488, about 42 miles northwest of Houston, up to the Grimes County line, an official said.

Magnolia fire

The Magnolia fire, located off FM 1774 and FM 1488, jumped FM 1488 late Monday and forced further evacuations, although some families were being allowed back to their homes. The Magnolia Independent School District canceled classes today because of the fires. Evacuation shelters were being set up throughout the area, including at Magnolia High School.

Another fire in the area had burned 100 acres and was 80 percent contained, Norris said. It had destroyed one structure and caused no injuries after 50 homes were evacuated.

A fire covering about 100 acres was burning in Oak Ridge North late Monday.

A fire near Nacogdoches that started Sunday night raged to 300 acres Monday and forced 60 families to evacuate their homes, said Ralph Cullom, a spokesman for the Texas Forrest Service. That fires grew with strong gusts of winds and fed off of dry conditions on the ground.

"This drought we're having is just unprecedented," Cullom said.

No injuries have been reported in Bastrop, but two people were reported killed in a North Texas fire Monday. A woman and her 18-month-old child died when a fast-moving fire near Gladewater, east of Dallas, set their mobile home on fire and they were unable to escape.

The Bastrop County Complex Fire, pushed by strong winds and fed by plenty of dry grasses, shrubs and trees, steadily moved south Monday and expanded throughout the day. It jumped the Colorado River twice.

"We will be working days on end," said Mike Fisher, the Bastrop County Emergency Management Coordinator. "The fire is so dynamic we really have no idea where it is."

'Lives at stake'

Perry said the wildfire burning in the central part of the state is "as mean looking" as he's ever seen.

NW Houston shopping center burns ...

2011-09-02T11:18:00.001-07:00

KHOU:
HOUSTON—Several stores at a northwest Houston shopping center were damaged Thursday in an early morning fire, according to the Houston Fire Department.
Houston firefighters arrived to the shopping center on 43rd at Ella around 4:30 a.m. and found heavy smoke coming from several stores.
The quickly began to attack the fire, which seemed to have started at an H & R Block store.

A Baskin Robbins received fire damage, and several other stores, including a donut shop, GMC and a cleaners were affected by smoke.
All businesses were closed and no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Cat killer stalking Northwest Houston ...

2011-08-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON PRESS

:

At least one and possibly two different cat murderers are operating on the city's northwest side.

In a grisly reprise of several other similar killings in the Timbergrove area, one of which affected us personally, the Houston Chronicle has reported this week that Sandy Luna's kitty Lucky was disemboweled and put on display in a neighbor's yard in late July.

The Timbergrove killings have taken place on both sides of West 11th Street and T.C. Jester, though there seems to be a cluster of them west of White Oak Bayou.

We also received a report today of nine cats found dead this morning several miles up T.C. Jester in the Inwood neighborhood. It is believed that they were poisoned. These cats were semi-feral felines whom some in the neighborhood regularly fed. Three were found dead in one woman's driveway, with the other six found near other homes.

Coupled with this outrageous unrelenting heat, sickos like this are making it a terrible time to be an outdoor kitty on the northwest side.

"Please be careful if you live in this area and let others know," advises tipster Christina Fojas. "Possibility of poison makes it dangerous for every living thing in the community."

If you see any suspicious activity, you are urged to call the Houston Police Department's non-emergency number (713-884-3131).

Woman killed during home invasion ...

2011-08-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Houston Chron: Authorities have identified a woman who was fatally shot when three masked men burst into her house and threatened her teenage daughter during a home invasion in northwest Harris County last night.

Peggy Ariza, 40, died in the shooting, which occurred at the home in the 17100 block of Copper Crossing about 9:30 p.m., according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said Ariza, 40, was shot at least once in the chest and was flown by LifeFlight medical helicopter to Memorial Herman Hospital, where she later died.

No other injuries were reported.

Deputies said when Ariza's 17-year-old daughter answered the door bell at the home, three men wearing ski masks pushed their way inside. One of them grabbed the girl by the neck and put a gun to her head. The girl screamed.

At that moment, Ariza walked into the room. Then one of them men opened fire, hitting Ariza. The trio left after the shooting.

No descriptions of the men were available.

Investigators have no suspects or motive in the case.

Anyone with information about the home invasion and shooting is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 713 967-5810 or call Crime Stoppers at 713 222-TIPS (8477).

dale.lezon@chron.com

New industrial complex coming to NW Houston.

2011-08-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

Liberty Property Trust (NYSE: LRY) has begun work on two industrial buildings totaling 212,000 square feet located in Liberty Northwest Business Center in Houston. The buildings are the company’s second and third sustainable development projects in Houston.

The first building will be an 84,000-square-foot flex facility at 5500 N. Sam Houston Parkway West. The second building will be a 128,000-square-foot warehouse building located at 14031 Hollister Road. Both will be located in the rebranded Northwest Business Center, formerly known as Beltway at Bammel, at the northeast corner of Beltway 8 and Highway 249.

Each building will feature advanced fire suppression systems giving tenants the flexibility on product type to be stored, and the ability to accommodate high levels of office build-out, plus a shared 200-foot truck court. Malvern, PA-based Liberty, which is seeking LEED-CS certification, estimates completion of both projects in January 2012.

Green features will include enhanced daylight views and insulating glass, energy efficient lighting, high energy-efficient HVAC equipment, along with low-flow plumbing, among other water-saving features.

Liberty acquired two multi-tenant industrial buildings totaling 326,400 square feet at the center in 2007. With both buildings fully occupied, the company will expand on its remaining 28 acres. Liberty can add up to four more additional buildings in the business center.

The architect for the development project is Perry Seeberger, the engineer is Terra Associates, and the general contractor is Cadence McShane.

NW Houston residents not happy with new strip club

2011-08-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

by Tiffany Craig / KHOU 11 News
khou.com

HOUSTON—No matter how you dress it up, residents near 290 and Mangum are not happy with the addition of a new strip club.

The Sunset Strip Club opened up in the old Steak & Ale location this week.
“I’m a Christian and we don’t believe in that,” said neighbor Vicki Higerd. “We don’t like it and it’s too close to us.”
Higerd is not alone. David Edwards is worried about his son growing up around the sexually-oriented business.

“This is where my child’s growing up,” said Edwards. “Now, my child’s going to grow up and see whatever riff-raff is going be coming out of that place.”
But it’s more than upset homeowners.
For years, the Houston Independent School District fought the strip club from setting up shop because it’s just down the road from Delmar Stadium, a facility that’s used year-round by students for sporting events.

HISD released a statement after the club opened this week.
“We are disappointed with the decision to allow a sexually-oriented business to operate so close to a school athletics complex,” the statement read.
Higerd agreed.

“All of the schools around here go to that stadium to do their football and all of that and soccer and it’s just too close to that,” she said.
Sunset Strip manager Lloyd Ace invited KHOU 11 News into the club that also doubles as a sports bar.

“How do you feel about being the unwanted neighbor?” asked KHOU 11 News Reporter Tiffany Craig.

“We’ll I’m sad that we’re unwanted,” said Ace. “I can understand people’s feelings but our closest neighbors are across the freeway. This is really a commercial area.”

Man killed over pack of cigarettes ...

2011-08-03T07:32:00.000-07:00

Authorities have identified a suspect accused in a fatal stabbing after they argued about a pack of cigarettes at a group home in northeast Houston Monday night.
Jarvis De-Allo Leverett, 35, is charged with murder in the death of Arthur Lee Washington, 52, in the 9200 block of Kerry Glen Circle about 7:30 p.m., according to the Houston Police Department.

Police said Washington died at the scene.
Leverett is being held in the Harris County jail without bail, according to county records.

Houston police said two men, later identified as Leverett and Washington, began arguing about 3:30 p.m. at the group home where they lived.
Both men have been diagnosed as schizophrenic, police added.

Washington had asked Leverett to pick up a pack of cigarettes for him at the store and then became angry when Leverett returned with only half a pack, police said.
The pair argued for hours and when they met again later that night on the patio behind the house, their confrontation escalated.
Leverett suddenly came at Washington with a knife and stabbed him after a brief chase through the backyard, police said.

A caretaker at the group home disarmed Leverett and called police.
Police said that Leverett said "The guy kept messing with me."
Staff writer Dale Lezon contributed to this report.

Read more at the Chron

The forecast?

2011-08-03T06:17:00.001-07:00

Free diabetes screening!

2011-07-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Houston Northwest Medical Center is offering a free diabetes prevention screening on Saturday, August 20

From 8 to 11 a.m., you can learn more about your risk for developing diabetes. The event will screen to see if you are at risk for type 2 diabetes and includes: blood glucose, blood pressure, weight, and a personal diabetes risk assessment. The screening is free, but appointments are required. To register, call 281-580-0000.
Prevention starts with understanding your health and setting goals, then gradually making changes to achieve long-term success. Even if diabetes runs in your family, you can make lifestyle choices to help delay its onset and prevent serious complications.

There are seven common risk factors associated with diabetes. While these do not guarantee a diagnosis of diabetes, they are important to consider.

• Obesity - Being overweight or obese increases your risk for diabetes. This is the primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

• Family History - If you have a parent or sibling who has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you run a higher risk of developing the condition.

• Inactive Lifestyle - Because muscles cells have more insulin receptors than fat cells, regular exercise can decrease insulin resistance. Regular exercise also can help control weight and lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin effectiveness.

• Increasing Age - People over the age of 45 should be tested for type 2 diabetes every three years if results are normal. If results are borderline, the test should be repeated annually.

• Genetics - African-Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Alaska Natives, American Indians, and Asians are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

• High Blood Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure - The risk of developing diabetes increases if your HDL (good) cholesterol level is under 35 mg/dL or your triglyceride level is over 250 mg/dL. High blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher also increases diabetes risk.

• Gestational Diabetes - Women who developed gestational diabetes when pregnant or gave birth to a baby that weighed more than nine pounds run a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

For people living with diabetes, sugar (or glucose) can be bad if left unchecked. In diabetics, glucose can build up in the blood stream because their bodies do not produce or properly use insulin to process the sugar into energy. This can result in a condition is called hyperglycemia, which can result in complications, so it is important to know the symptoms and how to treat the condition. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, or slow-healing sores.

For more information, contact the hospital’s Diabetes Services at 1-877-22-Tenet (1-877-228-3638).

HPD officer kills knife-wielding suspect who killed another man.

2011-07-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

KHOU:

An off-duty police officer shot and killed a knife-wielding suspect who stabbed another man to death early this morning at a gas station near a bar in northwest Houston.

The shooting occurred at the station at 4401 W. 18th near the 610 West Loop about 2:15 a.m. Monday, according to the Houston Police Department.

Police said the suspect, whose name has not been released, died at the scene. The man who had been stabbed was taken to Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. His name has not been released.

The officer, who is identified as C.E. Hightower, was not hurt. No other injuries were reported.
Police said Hightower and another off-duty officer were in uniform and working an approved extra job directing traffic in the parking lot of the El Chaparral club when they saw a group of men get into a confrontation outside a nearby gasoline station.

The officers rushed to the station and intervened. They pulled one of the men away from the altercation, but the man went to his vehicle, grabbed a knife and began stabbing another man he had been fighting.

Hightower saw the assault and ordered the attacker several times to drop the knife. The man ignored the commands and continued to stab the victim.
That’s when Hightower, in fear of the victim’s safety and the safety of others nearby, fired several shots, hitting the knife-wielding man. The man got up after he was shot, climbed into his vehicle and drove a short distance, plowing through several bushes and slamming into a few cars in the El Chaparaal parking lot before he stopped.

Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7648026.html#ixzz1RpP4uHYk

Tuesday morning busy for Houston Firefighters

2011-07-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

2 Building Fires in Northwest Houston: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

HOUSTON - The Houston Fire Department was kept busy early Tuesday morning with two fires in northwest Houston -- one at a convenience store and one at an apartment complex leasing office.

Firefighters arrived around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday to the A-MADCO Food Store on Long Point Road near Thonig Road and found smoke and flames coming from the rear of the building.

Since the store was closed, firefighters forced their way into the building and were able to put out the fire within 10 minutes and prevent it from spreading throughout the store.

The firefighters determined the fire started in the electrical room. No one was injured in the fire.
Firefighters later arrived around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday to the Yale Village apartment complex on Yale Street near Patrick Street and found a small fire above the door of the leasing office.

Read more: HERE

Houston Area 4th of July Celebrations ...

2011-06-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

by Stacy Morrow / khou.com staff
khou.com

The Houston area is buzzing with activities for the celebration of our nation's independence. You can find events from fireworks displays to parades, in just about every city and community. Here's a list we've compiled of the things we have heard about so far. If you see we have missed anything, or if you want to add something, let us know in the comments below!

HOUSTON
Freedom Over Texas
Houston will set the stage for an extraordinary patriotic celebration at Mayor Annise Parker’s official Fourth of July event, Freedom Over Texas. The annual event is held at Eleanor Tinsley Park from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and culminates with a fireworks extravaganza set to a perfectly timed bed of patriot and current musical selections. Free with a can of food benefiting the Houston Food Bank or $8 per person (children under 2 free) Information from: http://www.freedomovertexas.org

ExxonMobil Star-Spangled Salute, Miller Outdoor Theatre
Enjoy an evening with Michael Krajewski and the Houston Symphony. Astronaut and vocalist Chris Hadfield will also sing Big Smoke, a song inspired by his first shuttle mission.

Make sure to stay until the end for the 1812 Overture—complete with booming cannons! This celebration concludes with a magnificent display of fireworks provided by the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board. Hours: 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. at 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030, Phone: 281-FREE-FUN or 281-373-3386 Information from: http://milleroutdoortheatre.com/events/133/

Bayou Bend Family Days Independence Day Celebration
Start your Fourth of July at Bayou Bend, where America's Colonial era is celebrated in patriotic style. Ring in the holiday with an extravaganza of Americana—performers, crafts, activities, refreshments, and more—and don't forget to sign the Texas-sized Declaration of Independence before you leave! With its unique blend of the arts and American history, Bayou Bend is the perfect place to spend Independence Day. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. FREE! Information from:
http://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-family-days/

Kidpendence Celebration | Children's Museum of Houston
Friday, Jul 1 2011 6:00 AM to Monday, Jul 4 2011 10:00 PM CDT
We’re seeing stars and stripes at this special Independence Day celebration! Join us for a patriotic 21-soda geyser burst salute on the 4th of July and plenty of fun-filled activities that will cover you in red, white and blue! Claim Your Independence Discount: We know rising gas prices are making you see stars and stripes, so it is time to claim your independence from them! Receive up to $12 off/ 6 people on July 1 - 4. Special Activity - 21 - Soda Geyser Burst Salute: Celebrate America with a CMH tradition - 21 patriotic bursts of soda that will help you get excited for the rest of the day's activities. 1500 Binz, Houston TX 77004. Phone: (713) 522-1138 Informaton from: http://www.cmhouston.org/en/cev/2570

BELLAIRE
July 4th Parade and Festival
The parade begins at 9:30 am and the festival runs from 10 am to 1 pm. The parade route begins at the Bellaire Triangle and travels down Bellaire Blvd. and S. Rice Ave. A children's parade leads the big parade. Kids are encouraged to decorate trikes, bikes and wagons and meet by Community National Bank at Bellaire Blvd. & Fifth Street. No need to enter the children's parade ahead of time, just show up at 9 a.m. in the CNB parking lot. The festival begins in Bellaire Town Square immediately after the parade. Enjoy live entertainment, carnival games, food, a mini ferris wheel, petting zoo, moon jumps, dunk tank and much, much more! Admission into the festival is free, but games take tickets and the food is an additional cost. Join us for some home town fun! Information from: http://www.ci.bellaire.tx.us/index.aspx?nid=879.

CITY OF EL LAGO
July 4th Picnic
For this year’s July 4th Picnic, we are going to take it down home with a parade and then bar-b-que at the pool. Join us at 10:00 a.m. at McNair Park for the annual non-motorized parade around the park. Prizes will be awarded in the following three categories: Most Sparkling, Most Creative and Most Patriotic. After the parade, we will retire to the El Lago Swim and Racquet Club to visit with friends, listen to some music and enjoy a burger together. The City will provide the drinks, burger, bun and burger fixings; we are asking residents to bring a side dish and/or desert. You will also want to bring your lawn chair or blanket for relaxing around the pool and spray ground in the afternoon. Information from: http://www.ellago-tx.com/events.html#july4

CONROE
July 4th Walden and Bentwater Fireworks Show
Fireworks will be shot off at Dusk from the Marina near the Walden Yacht Club, 13101 Melville Dr, Montgomery. Parking at the Yacht club is reserved for dinner guests. There is limited parking on the streets. Suggested viewing is from the water. Information from: http://www.conroetoday.com/evps/evitem.cfm?evid=4548

FORT BEND
Freedom Rings Concert featuring the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
Program includes Star Spangled Banner Finale with soloist, Armed Forces Salute, America the Beautiful – Dragon, God Bless the USA, Liberty Fanfare -Williams/Aguero, Joplin Rag, You're a Grand Old Flag, Variations on a Shaker Melody – Copland, Strike Up the Band, Sousa Marches, Gems of Stephen Foster and 1812 Overture. Event will be at the Stafford Centre from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. and a fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Location:10505 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77477. Information from: http://www.fbso.org/
KATY
Annual Freedom Celebration at Katy Mills Mall
The 22nd Annual Katy Freedom Celebration fireworks display will be held at Katy Mills Mall on Monday, July 4. The fireworks are launched between the east side of the mall and Katy Fort Bend Road. The display begins at dark (approximately 9:00 p.m.) and can be viewed from several miles around the mall area. Information from: cityofkaty.com/katy-freedom-celebration-july-4/
KEMAH
Kemah’s Independence Day Parade
Kicking off the Independence Day Celebration activities is the Kemah 4th of July Parade, Monday, at 11:00 a.m. with the Children’s Parade starting at 10:30 a.m. The parade line up is behind the Kemah Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m. with the parade route travelling along the Kemah Lighthouse District. The theme for the patriotic parade this year is “The Spirit of Volunteerism.” The parade is open to all and easy to enter with no registration fee. Monday evening is the July 4th Kemah Boardwalk Fireworks, “Star Spangled Skies” extravaganza. From the Kemah Boardwalk and surrounding areas all will be able to see the fantastic light show over Galveston Bay. The annual fireworks display scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. For more information on these activities or lodging needs contact the Kemah Visitor Center at 281-334-3181. Information from: http://www.kemah.net/July_4_2011_Kemah_press_release.pdf

LEAGUE CITY
July 4th Citizen Appreciation Day
Mayor, City Council, Parks Board and staff will be serving free refreshments in appreciation of the citizens of the City of League City at League Park from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. There will be live music and other entertainment. FREE. Information from: http://www.leaguecity.com/calendar.aspx?EID=1348

NASSAU BAY
July 4th Parade and Fireworks Show
Decorate your bikes, floats, baby strollers, cars, or just yourself! Various prizes will be awarded. Join your friends and neighbors for a fun-filled evening. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket for the fireworks show. Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. from Gloria Dei and ends at Lake Park Nassau. Activities at the park including bounce houses, food vendors, face painting, and live music. Fireworks Display begins at 9 p.m. Information from: http://www.nassaubay.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=48

PASADENA
Pasadena's Annual 4th Fest Event will take place Monday, July 4th, 2011
from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center.
There will be a 20-minute long fireworks show, live music by “The Slags,” a car show, kidzone, USMC Toys for Tots BBQ Cook-off, games, prizes, vendors, water balloon war zone, sports and other entertainment. Information from: http://www.ci.pasadena.tx.us/default.aspx?name=prk.event-4thfest

PEARLAND
Celebration of Freedom
This year's program will begin with an explosion of patriotic excitement! A full-size carnival will be on site at noon on Monday. Stadium and Field seating will be available at no charge beginning at 6 PM on Monday. A VFW military salute will begin the evening's entertainment, followed by the National Anthem. The stadium will be filled with the tunes of Texas country recording artist, Hamilton Loomis. At sundown, enjoy a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display from your seat inside the stadium.. For more information, call 281-412-8900. Information from: http://www.pearlandparks.com/celebration_of_freedom.html
SUGAR LAND
Celebration of Freedom
The City of Sugar Land’s 26th annual Red White and Bluefest will set the skies ablaze over Oyster Creek Park. Celebrate America’s 235th birthday with family, friends and fellow residents while enjoying new main stage performances, delicious county fair-type goodies and numerous children’s activities. A free shuttle service will be provided from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd., to Oyster Creek Park, 4033 State Highway 6 South, from 4:30-11 p.m. Information from: www.sugarlandtx.gov
THE WOODLANDS
South County Fourth of July Parade “Celebrating the American Dream”
On Sunday, July 3, stroll through Market Street - The Woodlands for its Fourth of July parade, “Celebrating the American Dream” starting at 9 a.m. The festivities continue later that evening when the Houston Symphony performs its Star Spangled Salute, a free concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion starting at 8 pm. Information from: http://www.4thofjuly.org/

Houston Symphony presents Star-Spangled Salute
The Pavilion dons red, white and blue July 3 for the return of the Star-Spangled Salute. This free Independence Eve spectacular features the Houston Symphony in a selection of patriotic favorites under the direction of Michael Krajewski. Don’t miss commemorating the birth of our nation by joining the Symphony in this grandiose celebration. It’s an evening of good, old-fashioned family fun complete with cannons blasting from the top of the hill during Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." Pre-concert activities begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Fidelity Investments Plaza.FREE event. Information from: http://www.woodlandscenter.org/tourarchive.html?n_id=346

Red, Hot & Blue Festival
The Woodlands will celebrate July 4 weekend with one of the largest firework displays in the greater Houston area, hot dog and watermelon eating contests, live entertainment, and more! Now in its 14th year, the annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival will be held Monday, July 4, 2011 from 6 - 10 pm at Town Green Park and Waterway Square, both located along The Woodlands Waterway. Admission to the event is free and tickets for food concessions and games may be purchased on-site. Information from: http://www.thewoodlandscvb.com/redhotblue/

Alvin woman jumps on hood of beer thieves ...

2011-06-23T07:38:00.001-07:00

Harris County bans fireworks this 4th ...

2011-06-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

Harris County bans sale, use of all fireworks
by khou.com staff
khou.com

Posted on June 21, 2011 at 11:34 AM
HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Ed Emmett on Tuesday signed an order banning the sale or use of any fireworks in unincorporated parts of the county.

Because all 34 municipalities in the county already have bans on the sale or use of fireworks, Emmett’s order means fireworks are illegal everywhere in Harris County.
"All of us on Commissioners Court recognize public safety as our top responsibility," Emmett said Tuesday.

"I think everyone, from Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery and local fire officials to representatives of the fireworks industry and the general public at large, understands the overwhelming need to take serious preventive action to avert disastrous wildfires from threatening our property, our homes and our families."
The Harris County Commissioners Court ratified the order moments after it was issued and sent it on to Gov. Rick Perry. With Perry’s approval, the order will remain in effect until it’s rescinded by Emmett.

The only exception to the fireworks ban is for public displays conducted by a person with a valid pyrotechnic operator’s license or valid pyrotechnics special effects operator’s license. That means city-sponsored fireworks displays can go on as scheduled.
Violators of the ban could face a fine of $1,000 and/or 180 days in jail.

Wild fires plaguing Texas

2011-06-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

Firefighters from Cut and Shoot, Caney Creek, Splendora, Montgomery County and Bear Creek fire departments were still at work by deadline Monday trying to put out a nearly 200-acre wildfire about 10 miles northwest of Cleveland.
No structures were harmed.
Four bulldozers, including one from the Texas Forest Service, worked to set up a fire perimeter to keep the fire contained.
Helicopters made 38 drops of water to squelch the flames. The cause was undetermined Monday night.

Texas Local Web Site Blooms into a Flower for the Community

2011-06-15T05:50:00.001-07:00

New exciting things are developing in the Summer of 2011 for ExploreHouston.com

Best Publications wants to welcome the public to this new web business directory and informational mecca for ExploreHouston.com that will continue to be filled with. . . Community Links and Events, Guide Pages for Restaurants, Weddings, Florist, Services, Auto Sales, Entertainment, Real Estate, Eye Care, Dental, Medical, Employment, Shopping! Read a variety of Articles | Forums Topics | Daily Deals | Coupons | Directory Hot Links | Interact Page to Join the Community Fun!

Register with ExploreHouston.com site so you can gain the benefits. User can post Social and Public Events.

Take the opportunity for High School and University Students to announce Sports and School Events, Professional Sports Links and Ticket Information | Post a photo or comment on other people’s Photos, Comment of Articles or Forum Topics | Post a Scan of your Child’s Artwork | Free Classified Postings & Add Your Own

The staff of ExploreHouston wants the community to benefit from the information we can share... as well as encourage you to participate. Send us a comment.

Post your event or Your Organization Benefit in ExploreHouston.com Event section. We want our information to accurate, so we depend on our community to help us stay in touch.

Are you a writer that wants to be published? Got an article? Send it in a word document to info@ExploreHouston.com

Engage! Enjoy! Grow with us!

~ ExploreHouston.com Staff

Couple fired on at N Houston gas station ...

2011-06-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON -- A couple was shot at after they pulled into a northwest Houston gas station early Monday.

Houston police said a couple in a black and white Dodge Charger went to a Shell gas station on the North Loop West near West 18th Street about 2:30 a.m.
A man followed them in and pulled up next to the couple.

"The suspect asked the husband where his buddy was," Officer Jeff Burke said.
The husband said he didn't know. Right after that, the assailant fired two shotgun rounds into the hood and windshield of the Charger, Burke said.
Police said the shooter may have been affiliated with a gang.

"Before the shooting, the witness said gang signs were thrown from the car," said Burke.
No one was hurt in the shooting.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance video from the building. The man drove off in a cream Chevy Impala, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Walmart causing headaches for NW Houston business owners ...

2011-05-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

khou.com
Posted on May 23, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Updated yesterday at 12:47 PM

HOUSTON – A traffic solution for a new Walmart Super Center in northwest Houston is upsetting several business owners who say the construction is costing them customers.
A new median was installed within the past two weeks to curb traffic on Silber Road and prevent it from spilling into the nearby Afton Village neighborhood. The measure comes after months of talks between neighbors, city officials and Walmart.
"This is the least restrictive (solution),” councilmember Brenda Stardig said at a recent meeting. “And it's still not to the (neighborhood’s) satisfaction but this is what we've got."

Many of the neighborhood’s 250 residents were concerned that traffic coming off I-10 would use their side streets as a driveway for the new Walmart, which opened within the past few weeks.

Rather than install gates in the neighborhood, which the city’s legal department said would be a liability of emergency vehicles couldn’t get though, city officials decided to build a median that would make it impossible for northbound drivers to turn left into Afton Village.

But landlord and business owner Dan Riley said his 70 tenants are having a very tough time getting to their apartments.

“(Walmart) is bringing economic development to the east side of Silber, (but) they've basically said we don't want the west side of Silber developed," Riley said.
At least a half dozen other business on the west side of Silber have also complained of slumping sales since the median was installed. Drivers heading north are now forced to drive a half-mile before they can make a U-turn to head south.

READ THE FULL STORY WITH VIDEO AT KHOU

Officer involved shooting at Houston mall ...

2011-05-16T08:27:00.000-07:00

MYFOX:

Officer-Involved Shooting Near Northwest Mall: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

A Houston police officer, who worked a second job as a security guard at a nightclub, was involved in a shooting on the parking lot of Northwest Mall.

The shooting took place around 2:15 a.m. Monday outside El Chaparral on the mall complex.

Five officers were working security at El Chapparal and were helping control parking lot traffic after the nightclub closed when gunshots were fired.
Houston Police Department spokesman Kese Smith said a man behind the wheel of a black BMW car was driving the vehicle erratically through the parking lot.

Smith also said the car was moving toward officers and people who were leaving from El Chaparral. The BMW driver lost control of the car, which caused the BMW to strike several other vehicles.

When the apparently-armed driver stepped out of the BMW, an HPD sergeant fired his weapon at the driver.

The driver was struck in the hand and tried to run away from the parking lot on foot, but was captured by officers and taken to Ben Taub General Hospital to be treated for his wounds.

Read more: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/110516-northwest-houston-officer-involved-shooting#ixzz1MWtW5bFK

Babysitter takes cops on chase with child in car ..

2011-05-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A woman led Houston police on a chase through southwest Houston Sunday afternoon with a baby in the car.

It started when police conducted a traffic stop. The woman gave a fake name, then took off with the toddler in the back seat, officials said.

Officers chased the woman from downtown through the University of Houston campus, down to the south side around the 610 South Loops, then to the Southwest Freeway at Beechnut where she voluntarily stopped in a convenience store parking lot.

The 18-month-old girl was checked by emergency medical personnel and appeared to be fine. Police said she was in a car seat the entire time.

According to officials, the driver fled because she had outstanding warrants.

Houston police said the woman was the child's babysitter.

Child Protective Services custody took care of the toddler until her mother picked her up Sunday night.

The babysitter was in custody late Sunday, facing charges of child endangerment and felony evading arrest. Her name was not released.

Cyclist killed in NW Houston.

2011-05-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

A 51-year-old man was killed Wednesday evening after he apparently rode his bicycle into the path of a pickup in northwest Houston, authorities said.

Investigators said the man, whose identity was not released, was eastbound in the 4900 block of Kelley, near Wipprecht, about 7:15 p.m. when he made an unsafe lane change and was struck by an eastbound GMC pickup. The man died at the scene.
No charges have been filed and investigation is continuing

Texan heads Bin Laden raiders

2011-05-04T05:31:00.000-07:00

The commander of the U.S. military unit responsible for killing elusive al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden — Vice Adm. William H. McRaven — is a San Antonio native and graduate of the University of Texas in Austin.

McRaven, 55, earned a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1977, although a campus dean said a computer listing didn't indicate whether the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps member had an interest in the print side of news coverage, broadcast or public relations.
A fellow ROTC member recalled McRaven as eager for military service.

"He was extremely focused on preparing for special forces details," said Curtis Raetz, of McKinney, who majored in engineering at UT, served in the Marine Corps and now works in private business.
'He had drive.'

Raetz, who graduated a year before McRaven, said the ROTC program included required courses such as naval science.

James Gruetzner, who served in the same Navy ROTC batallion as McRaven, told Cox Newspapers, "He had drive. He went on extraordinarily long runs to stay in shape. He was very dedicated."
McRaven's Navy biography states he attended the Naval Postgraduate School and was its first graduate in Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict. In 1995, he wrote a book called Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare Theory and Practice.

McRaven became commander of the U.S. military's Joint Special Operations Command in 2008.
In that role, he reportedly led the planning and execution of bin Laden's death Sunday at the hand of Navy SEALs, an acronym that stands for Sea, Air and Land.

Breaking: Houston school shooting Betsy Ross Elementary

2011-04-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

by KHOU.com staff
khou.com
Posted on April 19, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Updated today at 12:08 PM

HOUSTON -- Three children were grazed by a bullet at Betsy Ross Elementary School in northeast Houston Tuesday.

HISD police confirm a kindergarten student brought a loaded gun to school and it accidentally went off when it fell from his pocket in the cafeteria.
A single bullet grazed all three victims, including the 6-year-old who brought the gun.

None of the children, two boys and a girl, appeared to be seriously hurt. They were all conscious and sitting up on the stretchers as they were loaded into ambulances.
HISD police and several ambulances responded to the scene in the 2800 block of Bay around 11:20 a.m.

Several parents also rushed to the school after learning of the shooting.
Police are now investigating how the boy got the gun.
The school is on lockdown as a precaution.

We'll have more on this developing story as details become available.

READ MORE AT KHOU

Houston cops get pranked ...

2011-04-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON – A series of strange events that started with a domestic disturbance call ended with a bucket of water Friday morning in northwest Houston.

Harris County deputies said they were initially called to a home in the 13600 block of Treebank Thursday night after reports of a domestic disturbance.
The deputies said they spoke with a couple who was in the home, resolved the situation and left.

But then, around 7 a.m. Friday, deputies received another call from the home.
When officers responded, they said they found the front door cracked open, so they went inside.

But as they pushed the door open, a bucket fell on one of the deputies, and the others were splashed with liquid.

The deputies called for backup, explaining that a bucket full of an unknown substance had fallen on them, and they were unsure if there were other traps in the home.
Other deputies and a bomb squad swarmed the scene. At one point, deputies drew their guns and surrounded the home. The bomb squad checked the home for other traps, but found none.

In the end, though, deputies determined that the bucket was just full of water. No one was injured

Breaking: SWAT standoff in NW Houston

2011-04-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on April 15, 2011 at 8:32 AM
Updated today at 9:16 AM

HOUSTON – Air 11 is over the scene of what appeared to be a standoff with Harris County Sheriff’s deputies in northwest Houston.
Some sort of disturbance occurred when deputies responded to a call at a home in the 13600 block of Treebank Friday around 7 a.m., according to sources.
The view from Air 11 showed authorities have blocked off the entrance near the Norchester subdivision which is located near Jones and Cypresswood.
Deputies surrounded the residence and had guns aimed at the home at one point. Officers are still on the scene, but have lowered their weapons.
Many neighbors said they did not hear any disturbance. They were made aware of the situation when deputies knocked on their doors instructing them to remain inside.
KHOU 11 News reporters are on the scene and gathering information.

Updates will be given as they become available HERE.

Three alarm fire burns Houston complex ...

2011-04-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON – Authorities are investigating after a three-alarm fire struck an apartment complex early Saturday in northwest Houston.

Firefighters said they arrived at the Spring Branch Estates apartments near the intersection of Amelia and Raven Wood around 1:15 a.m. and found heavy flames shooting through a two-story apartment building.

The flames’ intensity prompted firefighters to pull a second and third alarm, leading to help from several other departments.
Authorities said the blaze started in a downstairs corner apartment and quickly spread to the rest of the building. Neighbors at the complex ran around and got people out of their apartments when one of the residents saw the flames.

READ THE REST AT KHOU

Toddler drowns in tub because phone rang ...

2011-04-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON – Harris County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the drowning death of a toddler who was left unattended in a bathtub Wednesday evening.
The toddler was found floating in a tub at her home in the 14100 block of Oakwick at Valiant in northeast Harris County.

Homicide detectives said family members had just finished eating dinner and stepped outside the home around 9:30 p.m., but the father stayed inside to bathe his two little girls.

Investigators said the father left his two daughters, a 2-year-old and a 17-month-old, alone while he went to answer a phone call.

Investigators said the father then stepped outside and possibly went next door.
A relative, realizing the little girls were alone, went to check on them. That is when the youngest daughter was found floating in the overflowing tub, according to investigators.

She was airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The 2-year-old sister wasn't harmed.
The case is being referred to a grand jury.

READ MORE HERE

NW Houston McDonalds Robbed

2011-04-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on April 4, 2011 at 11:08 AM

HOUSTON—Police are searching for two suspects who robbed a McDonald’s in northwest Houston late Sunday, according to HPD.

Police said two men entered the McDonald’s restaurant on Highway 290 at Mangum around 10:15 p.m. and rushed into the back of the kitchen. They held the employees at gunpoint and forced one of them to empty a register.

The suspects then fled the scene with an unknown amount of cash, according to police.
Employees said the suspects escaped in a blue car, which resembled a Chevy Impala.
No employees were injured during the robbery.

Fire in NW Houston Condo

2011-03-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

About 60 Houston firefighters were needed to douse the heavy flames that gutted part of a northwest Houston condominium building Monday night.
The blaze erupted about 9 p.m. at the Creekmont Forest condominiums in the 5600 block of Birchmont, near Antoine and Pinemont, Houston Fire Department officials said.

The layout of the complex caused some confusion for the firefighters. At one point, they had to back out and make another attempt to get at the fire after coming up against a wall that was in their path, HFD officials said.

There were no reports of any injuries, officials said.
At least two units and the attic were heavily damaged.

The fire was brought under control within about 45 minutes. HFD arson officers will conduct an investigation to determine the cause.

READ THE REST AT THE CHRON

Houston helping Japan disaster victims ..you can help too.

2011-03-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houstonians are sending donations to the relief effort in Japan.

The Doctor's Hospital in northwest Houston has packed boxes full of bottled water, food and medical supplies. Saturday, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented the supplies as a gift to the local consul general of Japan.

If you are interested in healing victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, here's are resources on ABCNews.com's site.

NORAD exercise tomorrow over Houston

2011-03-14T14:56:00.001-07:00

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will conduct exercise flights tomorrow morning as they practice intercept and identification procedures. Exercise flights will take place over Southeastern Texas. Although they are scheduled for mid-morning, the exercise flights could be delayed due to weather concerns.

Those living southeast of Houston, specifically near Ellington Airport, may hear and/or see NORAD-controlled fighter jets in close proximity to a military or military contracted aircraft, which will be taking on the role of a Track of Interest (TOI).

In order to test responses, systems and equipment, NORAD continuously conducts exercises with a variety of scenarios, including airspace restriction violations, hijackings and responding to unknown aircraft. All NORAD exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled.

NORAD has conducted exercise flights of this nature throughout Canada and the U.S. since the start of Operation Noble Eagle, the command’s response to the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.

18

2011-03-07T19:24:00.001-08:00

(CNN) -- Thirteen adults and five juveniles have been arrested as part of an investigation into the alleged rape of a Texas girl, police said.

Darrell Broussard, assistant police chief for the Cleveland, Texas, police department, said Monday that the investigation into the incident "is continuous," with more significant developments possible. Cleveland is about 50 miles northeast of Houston.

"There have been leads during our investigation that have alerted us to other possible persons of interest," Broussard told CNN. "The investigation is ongoing."
The 18 individuals charged thus far are between 14 and 27 years old, he said.

On Friday, the Cleveland police department announced that four students in the Cleveland independent school district had been arrested on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14.

They appeared Monday in a Liberty County court, in the town of Liberty, to face the charges.
Police noted that some but not all suspects are students at Cleveland High School, though all those named thus far are from the town.

Mike Little, the district attorney in Liberty County, said police would likely decide whether more people would be charged. He offered few other details, saying, "We are very careful about pretrial publicity."

The incident allegedly happened late last year in Cleveland. The case has sharply divided the community, according to CNN affiliate KHOU.

"It just seems like a dream," said Sherry Fletcher, whose 20-year-old son Devo Shaun Green is among those charged according to Cleveland police. "I just hope everything comes out well, because some of these kids are innocent."

Those adults arrested and charged with sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony in Texas, could face 25 year to life in prison if convicted, according to the police department.

Masked robbers invade home in NW Harris County

2011-02-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

The robbery happened in Canyon Lakes Village about 7 p.m. Wednesday.
A man was grilling on the back porch when he said four or five men came into his back yard wearing masks and carrying guns.
The man said the robbers forced him, his and wife and their two young boys upstairs and onto the floor.

The family said the robbers kept asking, "Where's the money?"
The man said he told the robbers the family didn't have a lot of money.
"When they had me on the floor, tied up, they put a shirt over my head, and every time I moved to see what was going on, they would come and put a gun to my head," the man said.

The family estimated the robbers stole $8,000 to $10,000 in money and other valuables.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office home safe task force is investigating. So far, no one has been arrested.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE

NW Houston inmate accused of being drive-by gunman

2011-02-16T07:48:00.000-08:00

By MIKE GLENN
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Feb. 14, 2011, 8:45PM

A Texas prison inmate is accused of being the gunman in a fatal drive-by shooting in northwest Houston last summer, authorities said.

Johnathan Aguirre, 19, was charged Friday with murder in the slaying of Paul Gamino, according to Harris County court records.
Gamino and at least one other person were driving in the 3900 block of Sherwood

Lane on June 9 when a gold-colored Chevrolet Malibu pulled alongside and someone inside began shooting.

Gamino was struck by gunfire and died at the hospital, according to the criminal complaint.

Investigators said the shooting appeared to be the culmination of a simmering feud.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE

Breaking: Explosions rock Belvieu plant!

2011-02-08T11:57:00.001-08:00

Multiple explosions, fire at Mont Belvieu plant

Credit: AIR 11
A fire at Enterprise Products in Mont Belvieu was burning out of control more than an hour after witnesses heard multiple explosions.

by Michelle Homer / khou.com
khou.com
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:05 PM
Updated today at 1:39 PM

MONT BELVIEU, Texas – Several explosions at a Mont Belvieu plant were followed by flames that could be seen from miles around.
The explosions happened at Enterprise Products at 135 Sun Oil Road around 12:25 p.m.

Witnesses reported seeing workers fleeing from the Chambers County plant. Other workers were being told to stay inside.
The company hasn't released any details about injuries. An employee, who didn't want to be identified, said at least one contractor has not been accounted for.

The employee said the explosion happened in a subsection of the plant.
Chambers County officials say there's no known threat to the public at this time.

They have not called for evacuations.
State Highway 146 is closed near the plant.

The fire was still burning out of control nearly an hour after it began. The flames could be seen 25 miles away in Houston.

A Houston caller named Pat said she was talking by phone to a relative inside the plant when the first set of explosions happened. There were three more explosions while they were still on the phone. "Anywhere from eight to 11 explosions," according to Pat.

READ MORE AT KHOU

Good riddance to bad apartments!

2011-02-07T12:30:00.000-08:00

City demolishes crime-ridden apartment complex in northwest Houston

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on February 7, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Updated today at 1:21 PM

HOUSTON – The city of Houston began Monday the demolition of a run-down apartment complex in the District B area.
The demolition of the Gables of Inwood Apartments, located at 5600 Holly View Drive, got under way around 11:30 a.m.
"This is a great day in the City of Houston, especially in the District B area, because for years this property has been an inhibitor to positive growth," said

Houston City Council Member Jarvis Johnson. "Such buildings have prevented community redevelopment and economic growth. I am proud of our continuing achievements in the mission to rid our neighborhoods of not only abandoned apartments, but also vacant homes, and buildings.

Controversy surrounds teen beating by Houston police

2011-02-05T18:58:00.001-08:00

(CNN) -- Houston's mayor and police department were on the defensive Friday, two days after graphic video came out showing several police repeatedly kicking and beating a 15-year-old burglary suspect as he lay on the ground.
An internal police investigation of the incident last March led to the firing of seven police officers, said spokesman John Cannon of the Houston police department.

Two successfully appealed and returned to their jobs, said Houston NAACP President D.Z. Cofield.

Five other officers were disciplined in other ways, Cannon said. And a Harris County grand jury indicted four of the officers this summer, based in part on the video.
Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos opposed the video becoming public and felt doing so might prejudice potential jurors and force the indicted officers' trials to be moved out of the county.

Quanell X, a local activist, got hold of the surveillance tape showing the scene outside a storage facility and gave it to the media.
He said he had every right to obtain the footage and make it public.

"I will show my people what they deserve to see, and let the public see what you don't want them to see," Quanell X said.
Mayor Annise Parker said the police leadership and city acted properly.

"I resent any implication that we were trying to hide the tape," she said.
After viewing the footage, Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland Jr. fired the seven officers and a grand jury called for misdemeanor charges against four of them in June.

Lykos told reporters Thursday there was not sufficient evidence to pursue more serious charges, such as aggravated assault.
"Without revealing what was presented to the grand jury, in order to have aggravated assault you have to have serious bodily injury or impairment or use of a deadly weapon," she said. "None of that was apparent in this case."

The tape, first shown Wednesday on CNN affiliate WTRK, shows the 15-year-old boy -- being chased by police and falling to the ground after being upended by a moving police car. He then falls face first and places his hands on the ground.

A disciplinary letter from McClelland, dated June 23 and posted online less than two weeks later by CNN affiliate HTRK, says that the boy had his hands behind his head and neck area, in an obvious position of surrender.

Then, the letter adds and the tape shows, Officer Raad Hassan "then ran toward (the boy) and kicked him a total of 15 times," then later kicked him more times in the groin area even after he "was handcuffed and no longer a threat."

READ THE FULL STORY ON CNN

Bay City Substitute Teacher Arrested For Making Death Threats

2011-01-27T11:26:00.001-08:00

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on January 27, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Updated today at 11:23 AM

BAY CITY, Texas – A substitute teacher has been arrested and charged in connection with death threats made to students in Bay City ISD, the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

Paul Nolen May, 41, was arrested on Wednesday.
He’s charged with 12 counts of making a terroristic threat – all of which are third-degree felonies.

The threats began on December 28 when the district received a hand-written, profanity-laced letter, purportedly from the parent of a student.

In the letter, the sender expressed anger over their child being disciplined at school. The letter detailed new "rules" for the school to follow regarding discipline and threatened to "kill a random student" if the demands were not met.
About a week later, a second threat was sent via text message.

The message, sent from an anonymous source and forwarded among Bay City ISD students, said this: "Hey! Forward this to everyone…1 rule broken, two girls dies at the jr. high and 2 from high school, dnt go! The school will be on lockdown."

It was not clear if May was suspected in both threats. Investigators declined to release any additional information Thursday.

May was being held in the Matagorda County Jail on bonds totaling $240,000.

HPD officer rolls squad car...

2011-01-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

HOUSTON—A Houston police officer was injured Thursday when a driver cut in front of his squad car, causing the officer to roll over on the freeway.

Police said an HPD officer was trying to catch up with a car speeding north on the Gulf Freeway around 11: 45 p.m. when a truck changed lanes in front of the squad car.

The officer struck the rear end of the truck, bounced off a retaining wall, flipped over and landed upright against the wall.

The HPD officer suffered only minor bumps and bruises, but was taken to Ben Taub Hospital as a precaution.

The truck driver was not injured.
It is unknown if the truck driver will be ticketed because the officer did not have on his emergency sirens. The accident is under investigation.

Michael Jackson's Doctor Clueless

2011-01-05T07:59:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- The pretrial hearing for Dr. Conrad Murray continues Wednesday as a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge decides whether there is "probable cause" to try him on an involuntary manslaughter charge in the death of pop star Michael Jackson.

The hearing, which began Tuesday, is expected to last two or three weeks, with 20 to 30 witnesses testifying.
On Tuesday, Jackson's former security chief testified that Murray seemed not to know how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation as he waited for paramedics to arrive at the singer's house.
Faheem Muhammed said he and and guard Alberto Alvarez saw Murray crouched next to Jackson's bed "in a panicked state asking, 'Does anyone know CPR?' "

"I looked at Alberto because we knew Dr. Murray was a heart surgeon, so we were shocked," Muhammed said.

Jackson's doctor heads to court Murray faces court hearing Events surrounding Jackson's death

When defense attorney Ed Chernoff asked if perhaps Murray was asking for help because he was tired, Muhammed said, "The way that he asked it is as if he didn't know CPR."

Jackson appeared to be dead at that time, with his "eyes open and his mouth open, just laying there," Muhammed said.

Prosecutor David Walgren earlier said that Murray used "ineffectual CPR with one hand while the patient was prone on a soft bed." Two hands with the patient prone on a hard surface is the proper method, he said.
Muhammed, the third witness on the opening day of the hearing, said he never saw

Murray performing CPR on Jackson before paramedics arrived and carried him to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
Jackson's mother, Katherine, sister La Toya and brothers Randy and Jackie sat in the second row of the courtroom during Tuesday's opening session.
Jackson's two oldest children, Prince and Paris, were at their father's bedroom door as the drama unfolded just after noon on June 25, 2009, Muhammed said.

"Paris was on the floor on her hands and knees and she was just crying," he said.
The children would learn two hours later that their father had died when Murray and Jackson manager Frank Dileo talked to them in a hospital room.
"Frank blurted out and said, 'Your daddy had a heart attack and died,' " Jackson personal assistant Michael Williams testified.

At the start of the hearing Tuesday, the prosecutor said that Murray waited at least 21 minutes after he found Jackson unresponsive before calling for an ambulance.

"By all accounts, Michael Jackson was dead in the bedroom at 100 North Carolwood prior to the paramedics' arrival," Walgren said.
The coroner concluded Jackson died from "acute propofol intoxication" in combination with "the contributory effects of the benzodiazepines," Walgren said.
Propofol is a powerful anesthetic used to "put people under for surgery," and the benzodiazepines were sedatives Murray later acknowledged giving Jackson in the morning before his death, he said.

"Michael Jackson was preparing for one of the most important tours of his life" in the months before his death, Walgren said.
Murray's defense team has hinted it would argue that Jackson was under pressure from the concert promoter, which led him to demand treatments to help him sleep.
Kenny Ortega, who was directing what would have been Jackson's comeback concerts, was the first of about 30 witnesses the prosecution is calling.
Ortega described Jackson as "involved, active, participating" at his last rehearsal, which ended 12 or 14 hours before his death.
"He was in a delightful mood, and we had an absolutely fantastic day," Ortega testified.

But Ortega described a different, "scary" Jackson at the Staples Center rehearsal on June 19, six nights before his death.
"I just felt that he appeared, you know, really lost," Ortega said. "It was scary. I didn't know what was wrong. I couldn't put my finger on it."

READ THE FULL STORY AT CNN

Teen shot - critical condition

2011-01-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

HOUSTON – Harris County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating after a 19-year-old man was critically shot at his industrial job site near Channelview early Monday.
The shooting happened at DCO Industries in the 15900 block of Bear Bayou around 3 a.m.

Investigators said a security guard called the ambulance after finding the employee slumped over on a Bobcat, a piece of work equipment.

He initially thought the young man was suffering from some sort of medical condition, but emergency crews determined the victim had been shot in the head.
The victim was rushed to Hermann Hospital in critical condition.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T07:26:00.000-08:00

The old give way to the young. New thoughts sprout from fertile ground.

While the New Year beckons us with many promises, don't forget to give the old year its due.

Learn from past mistakes and carry the lessons of time with you.

This year resolve to laugh more, love more, forgive more, friend more and learn more.

May 2011 be your best year yet!

Really - grave robbers!

2010-12-13T19:40:00.000-08:00

by Ron Trevino/11 News
khou.com
Posted on December 13, 2010 at 7:10 PM
Updated today at 7:12 PM

HOUSTON – A search was under way Monday for seven people accused of stealing from a graveyard, The Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff's Office said.

Around 400 brass vases were stolen from grave markers at Brookside Memorial Park Cemetery in northeast Houston during the weekend of Nov. 5, investigators said.

The vandalism has broken the hearts of families visiting the graves of their loved ones this holiday season.

"A lot of the times when they went up to the gravesites that had the vases missing, the flowers that were inside them were just thrown to the ground, willy-nilly," said Lt. Jeff Stauber, with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE AT KHOU

Apartment blaze cause sought.

2010-12-05T12:06:00.000-08:00

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on December 5, 2010 at 11:19 AM

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Authorities were investigating after a house caught fire early Sunday in northwest Harris County.
Firefighters said they arrived to the scene near the intersection of Battleoak and Woodland Oaks around 4 a.m. and found the home heavily engulfed in flames.

Authorities said fire crews had to leave the home, as the blaze burned through the roof. The fire was eventually put out.
Firefighters said no one was home at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Authorities said arson would be called to investigate the cause.

NW Houston apartment complex burns

2010-11-30T08:12:00.000-08:00

Flames gutted at least four apartments and damaged several others Monday evening after a fire broke out at a northwest Houston complex, officials said.
Thick clouds of smoke poured from a downstairs apartment about 7:15 p.m. when Houston firefighters pulled into the Willowchase Apartments in the 8300 block of Willow Place South, HFD officials said.

Despite early reports that someone might be trapped inside one of the apartments, an initial search by firefighters indicated that wasn't the case, officials said.
The fire was brought under control within about 45 minutes. There are no official reports of any injuries, although HFD officials at the scene were checking reports that someone might have gone to the hospital by private car.

Joe Felix and his family returned to the apartments after dinner to find the street in front of the complex blocked by several fire trucks.
"We wondered what happened. It's very concerning," Felix said.
Felix was greatful that his apartment escaped any damage but was worried about his neighbors.

"You don't want anything to happen to anybody — especially during the holidays," Felix said.

The building that caught fire has 12 units — of which 10 were occupied, HFD officials said.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Candlelight vigil held for teen crash victims

2010-11-16T09:01:00.000-08:00

T.J. Aulds / The Daily N

Galveston County Daily News website
DICKINSON, Texas — Hundreds of teenagers packed under a carport and stood in the street outside a classmate’s Dickinson home Monday for a candlelight vigil to mourn the loss of the 17-year-old and her sister.

Maria Guadalupe Castillo and her sibling Mayra Jaramillo Castillo, 22, died in a fiery crash in Webster early Sunday morning when the truck they were riding in slid off the interstate before slamming into a groves of trees and bursting into flames.

"I don’t know; I still think they are going to walk in (to the house)," Claudia Castillo, 24, Maria and Mayra’s older sister, said.

Claudia called her sisters "fun loving" and loved by all that knew them. They were the middle sisters in a close-knit family of five girls, their parents and dozens of cousins.

The family lives together in a collection of trailers just outside the Dickinson city limits.

Maria was a junior at Dickinson High School where she was a former class president, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the soccer team and a student mentor in the school’s PALS program, Claudia said. The 17-year-old also worked at a local hotel as a front desk clerk, her older sister said.

HPD: Good Samaritan killed in gas station robbery near Meyerland

2010-11-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on November 11, 2010 at 8:58 AM
Updated today at 9:03 AM

HOUSTON—A good Samaritan was killed early Thursday trying to stop a purse-snatcher at a southwest Houston gas station, according to police.
Police said a woman pulled up to the Chevron gas station on Beechnut at the West Loop Freeway around 12:30 a.m. She walked up to the exterior window to make a purchase when a man with a gun ran up and snatched her purse.
A male customer who witnessed the robbery got out of his red Nissan pickup truck and tried to help the woman.
The suspect shot the man once in the head and fled the scene with the woman’s purse. The victim was taken to Ben Taub hospital, where he later died.

Relatives questioned in beating death of NW Houston woman

2010-11-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

HOUSTON – Authorities were questioning two people Saturday night after an elderly woman was found beaten and strangled in her northwest Houston home.
Police said officers arrived at a home near the intersection of Candlemist and Marcella around 10:00 p.m. and found 86-year-old Mildred Johnson lying dead, face down on the floor.

Gary Thompson, the victim’s nephew, was the first to find Johnson. He said his aunt lived a long life and he was heartbroken by how she was killed.
"Her face looked like a pancake, like they stomped her," said Thompson. "Then, I saw the cord around her neck which told me someone had strangled her."
Family members said they did not see the woman’s car and noticed a bunch of her belongings were missing, including a flat screen TV.

READ THE FULL STORY AT KHOU HERE

Houston murders may be work of a serial killer

2010-11-01T12:05:00.001-07:00

by Michelle Homer / khou.com
khou.com
Posted on November 1, 2010 at 1:38 PM
Updated today at 1:42 PM

HOUSTON – Police are looking into a possible link between the strangulation murders of at least three women since June.
The most recent cases involved homeless women. The body of Carol Flood, 62, was found on Oct. 10 in a stairwell behind the old YMCA building. She was partially nude. On Sept. 30, Retia LaFaye Long, 52, was found dead behind the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart at 1700 San Jacinto.

Now police believe the same killer may have strangled Raquel Mundy last June 17, then dumped her body in a field in the 300 block of St. Charles.
Mundy, 24, was murdered after accepting a ride from a stranger when she was stranded downtown.

She had dropped her mom and two kids off at the Greyhound bus station downtown around 1:30 a.m. Thursday. She then discovered her car had been towed from a McDonald’s parking lot across the street.
Mundy tried to call friends and relatives, but couldn’t find anyone to give her a ride to the tow lot. Witnesses saw her get into a grey car with an unknown man, according to police.

Mundy later sent a text message to her mother saying she thought she was in danger and feared the man was going to hurt her.
Angela Collins was still on the bus to California with her two grandchildren when she got the disturbing message.

She tried frantically to reach Mundy. Collins then called several relatives and asked them to try to find Mundy.
By the time the bus arrived in California, there was still no sign of her daughter.
"Next call we got, they had found the body. It was my baby, Collins said as she choked back tears. "This man took away my baby."
An autopsy revealed Mundy had been strangled.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE AT KHOU

Suspect sought in double shooting

2010-10-28T07:24:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of a male and wounding of a female in northwest Houston earlier this month.

A witness took pictures of the unknown wanted suspect who is described only as a black or Hispanic male with long hair, about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 160 to 180 pounds.

The suspect is wanted in the killing of Justin Thompson, 19, and wounding of a 52-year-old female.
The female suffered non life-threatening wounds and was transported to an area hospital.
Police say the unknown suspect and Thompson (the second suspect) went to a residence at 3341 Creekmont about 2:30pm on October 10 to meet with the female to conduct a drug transaction.

When Thompson and the female were inside the residence, the suspect fired shots into the home, striking Thompson and the female. The suspect then fled the scene.
Robbery is believed to be the motive in the shooting.

Anyone with information in this case or the identity of the suspect is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
(Copyright ©2010 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED!

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HPD: Cab driver found dead in burned taxi

2010-10-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:00 AM
Updated today at 9:48 AM

HOUSTON – Police were investigating after a cab driver’s body was found in a burned taxi in west Houston Thursday morning.
The man was discovered dead in the driver’s seat in the 12100 block of Overbrook around 5 a.m. The cause of death was not known.
It was the second time in a week that a cab driver was found dead in Houston. Police discovered an abandoned cab Tuesday in the same area. A body believed to be that of the cab driver was later discovered dumped in the 5400 block of Wheatley.
Police did not say if the two deaths were connected.
In a statement released late Thursday morning, Yellow Cab addressed the deaths.
"We join the Houston community in being very concerned and saddened by today’s news that a second independent contractor cab driver has been allegedly involved in a homicide. We are cooperating fully with the proper authorities," the statement rea

Breaking: 3 Alarm Fire in NW Houston

2010-10-13T15:57:00.001-07:00

HOUSTON – A three-alarm fire displaced at least 37 families Wednesday in northwest Houston.

The fire broke out at about 2:30 p.m. at the Driscoll Place Apartments in the 1300 block of Gears Road at Greensmark Drive.

Air 11 video showed thick black smoke stretched across the sky as firefighters battled the large flames that burned through the units.

At least one person was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, fire officials said.

At least 37 units were affected by the fire, according to a preliminary damage assessment by the Red Cross. Red Cross volunteers were assisting families with emergency-disaster relief.

There was no word on what started the fire. Arson investigators were on scene.

9-11 call - backfires because of open laptop.

2010-10-13T08:47:00.001-07:00

by Courtney Zubowski / 11 News
khou.com
Posted on October 12, 2010 at 11:37 PM
Updated today at 9:54 AM

HOUSTON -- A woman who called 911 to anonymously report a crime says she’s in fear for her life after the man she turned in called her just minutes after she placed the call.

According to the woman, who does not want to be identified, on Oct. 1, she was driving near Beltway 8 and Veterans Memorial Drive when she witnessed a man in the car next to her beating his passenger. She did not know either one of them.

“I saw him hitting her and he was taking his fist and he was just hitting her, aside her, just hitting her and I’m like this is crazy,” said the woman.

She placed the 911 call at 1:28 p.m. and thought that would be the end of her involvement, but 30 minutes later she learned it was just the beginning.

“About 1:54 p.m. my phone rang back and it was the suspect,” she said. “He was asking me ‘Who was this, who is this’ and I am like, ‘Who is this, you called my number,’ and then he hung up."

After that call came another, and this time it was a woman’s voice, she said.

“She called me just as he hung up and it was like, ‘Ma’am, are you the concerned lady that called about my welfare,’ and I am like,

‘Excuse me,’ and she said, ‘Well I’m OK,’ and I said, ‘Excuse me,’” said the woman.

She received another call the next morning from the Harris County Jail where the suspect was in custody. He was arrested for outstanding warrants, but never charged with assault.

“My phone rings again and it says, ‘You have a call from Harris County processing jail,’ and I immediately hung up,” she said.
“I will never, ever get involved with anything else again, not when it comes to me being fearful of the surroundings in my life.”

A spokesperson for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office says as far as she knows, this is the first time something like this has happened in their department.

HCSO spokesperson Christina Garza said the suspect was put in the back of a Harris County patrol car while the deputy talked to the woman he was accused of hitting. It was then he was able to read the woman’s phone number off of a laptop computer the deputy had left open in the front seat.

“It’s a very unique situation,” Garza said. “It’s never happened and we certainly don’t want this to discourage her, or anybody, from reporting crime to authorities.”

Garza said it’s common practice to keep laptops closed, but it’s not policy. In some situations, deputies are forced to rush out of cars quickly.

”If anyone is to blame in this situation, it’s the suspect who violated such important information and took it upon himself to do this,” said Garza.

Garza said the department is sending out e-mails to all deputies to remind them to keep their laptops closed.

The suspect is not facing charges for memorizing the information, or calling the woman. Garza said there is no proof that he ever threatened the woman.

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The 911 caller disagrees.

“I was threatened,” she said. “I was threatened when he received my information. My information should have been protected. I was threatened at that point, so what point of threat do they not understand?

13 Houston schools receive powder letters

2010-10-12T06:02:00.001-07:00

by khou.com staff
Posted on October 8, 2010 at 8:09 PM

HOUSTON – At least 13 HISD schools received envelopes Friday containing a white powdery substance, according to an HISD spokesperson.
A Houston Fire Department Hazmat team was sent to each school to collect the envelopes.
Preliminary testing showed the substance appeared to be non-hazardous. The powder was tested for radiation, explosives and volatile chemicals. Further tests are being conducted.

The schools were Alcott Elementary, Almeda Elementary, Anderson Elementary, Ashford Elementary, Attucks Middle School, Barrick Elementary, Bastian Elementary, Black Middle School, Blackshear Elementary and Browning Elementary.
Fonville Middle School, Briar Meadow Elementary School and Bellaire High School were added to the list Friday evening.
HISD said its top priority is making sure all schools are safe before students return on Monday.

"All of our school administrators are going through their mail and are trying to identify any envelopes that may look suspicious," said HISD Police Chief Jimmie Dotson.
The typewritten envelopes were addressed to the schools, not individuals, and contained no notes. Each contained about a teaspoon of white powder.
The FBI, U.S. Postal Service, HPD and HFD are assisting HISD with the investigation.

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No waiting: Houston ship channel back in business

2010-10-07T07:33:00.001-07:00

UPDATE 1-Coast Guard says no wait to exit Houston Channel

HOUSTON Oct 7 (Reuters) - The U.S. Coast Guard said no ships were waiting Thursday morning to leave the Houston Ship Channel, and 33 ships were lined up to enter the waterway to the busiest U.S petrochemical port after a three-day outage, which ended on Wednesday.

As many as 67 ships were waiting to enter or exit the waterway by the time early on Wednesday that workers had removed a leaning electrical highline tower that threatened to tumble into the waterway after being struck by a barge on Sunday morning.

Four Houston refineries were unable to receive crude oil by ship during the closure, but none said prodcution was cut during the wait that ended Wednesday when the first ships up the channel were crude tankers.

About 44 ships were waiting to enter the channel when it reopened on Wednesday morning and it might appear only 11 have moved up the channel, but the Coast Guard said several ships were added to the line waiting in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday.

"It's a consant flow," said a Coast Guard spokesman.

There are about 12 ships more than on a average day waiting to move into the channel, the spokesman said. (Reporting by Erwin Seba; Editing by John Picinich)

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Drug deal goes bad - two shot - one dead.

2010-10-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

khou.com
Posted on October 7, 2010 at 7:26 AM
Updated today at 8:45 AM

HOUSTON—A 24-year-old man was killed and his brother injured after the two were shot in what appears to be a drug deal gone bad Wednesday evening, according to HPD Homicide detectives.
Police officers responded to a home on Winter Briar at Winter Seasons in southwest Houston for reports of a drive-by shooting.

They arrived around 9 p.m. to find two brothers had been shot. They said the actual shooting took place at another location about a half-mile away, but the brothers somehow made it back home.
Police believe the brothers drove their Cadillac a few blocks from their home to meet a group of men and purchase drugs. Some sort of altercation occurred and one of the men opened fire on the brothers.

"The exact circumstances are unclear as to what transpired a t the two locations, but we have one dead," said Sgt. Thomas Biggs, HPD Homicide Division. "We believe we have all of the players in custody.

The bullet traveled completely through one of the brothers. Police said he was shot in the chest or the back, but it is unclear which point is the entry and exit.
The other brother was shot in the foot. He was taken to Southwest Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was treated and released. He returned to the scene to talk to police.
Several suspects were taken in for questioning and police said they definitely know one of them is the shooter.

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Breaking: Houston Ship Channel Closed!

2010-10-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON, Texas

—A four-mile stretch of the Houston Ship Channel remained closed to marine traffic Monday after a barge slammed into a tower supporting a high-voltage electric transmission line, threatening to topple it into the channel.

Coast Guard officials said a towing vessel named Safety Quest was pushing three barges loaded with scrap metal about 6 a.m. Sunday when it smashed into a Baytown power line, which remained upright only with the support of one of the barges.
No injuries were reported, but the six-member boat crew moved to another vessel and to safety.
Officials said the section from Crystal Bay to the Blackwell Peninsula would remain closed until at least Tuesday night.

"The situation is a little bit unstable right now," said Capt. Marcus Woodring. "The lines are sagging and we cannot allow any vessels to pass underneath with the unstable situation and chance of those lines falling in the water."
Centerpoint Energy officials said the power had been shut off to the line because crews had previously been working on a nearby tower. They said no customers had lost electricity following the crash.
Eighteen inbound vessels attempted to get into the port early Tuesday afternoon, and many remained anchored off the coast of Galveston. Twelve outbound commercial ships were also stuck.
The 25-mile waterway is lined by the nation’s biggest complex of petrochemical plants. The Port of Houston ranks first in the nation in foreign waterborne tonnage and imports and second in U.S. export tonnage and total tonnage.

"Anytime you see something like this, you hate it, because it’s affecting people and how they make their money," said Richard Zeno, a tugboat captain who was not involved in the crash but watched the teetering tower as he was fishing with his family Sunday.

Coast Guard officials said the ship channel handles more than $320 million in cargo and crude daily, meaning the Port of Houston would lose about $1 billion if the waterway stayed closed until Tuesday night.

"Commerce, of course, is very, very important," said Chief Warrant Officer Lionel Bryant. "But we don’t want to put lives in jeopardy doing so."

"This is actually very difficult because the tower is actually sitting on the barge," Bryant said.
The Coast Guard said the boat’s owner is St. Louis-based AEP River Operations.

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Mayor shutting down fueling stations due to LUST

2010-10-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

Mayor to shut most of city's fuel stations

Mayor Annise Parker plans to shut down two-thirds of the city's 99 fueling stations, a cost-cutting measure intended to reduce the city's potential liability for leaking contaminants.
While the closures will save the city in the long run, the process of removing underground fuel storage tanks can be expensive. The price skyrockets if underground tanks are found to be leaking fuel or oil, requiring expensive remediation to dispose of contaminated soil to safeguard surrounding neighborhoods. In some cases, monitoring wells have to be drilled to make sure the leaking fuel products have not contaminated the groundwater under the sites.

In the last three years, the city has paid private contractors $5.8 million to replace underground storage tanks at city fire and police stations, public works facilities and parks. A number of the sites where tanks had leaked had to undergo extensive soil removal and other remediation efforts, according to records obtained by the Houston Chronicle.

For example, in February the city had to increase a $323,375 tank replacement contract to haul off 200 tons of soil and dispose of thousands of gallons of contaminated fuel at its Northwest Vehicle Maintenance Facility, in the 1200 block of Judiway.

Last December, the city paid $840,000 to replace six older fuel tanks at Wheeler Park and install three new ones. The cost grew when a larger amount of contaminated soil and fuel than expected was discovered in the bottom of one tank pit, records show.
$1.1 million tab

Similarly, the city ended up with a $1.1 million tab in January 2008, after paying more money to contractors who had to remove buried electrical conduits and 284 cubic yards of contaminated soil as they replaced two leaking fuel storage tanks at the old Houston police station at 61 Riesner.
"We have dozens and dozens of fuel storage facilities," Parker said recently. "We want to have a certain number of them for strategic purposes — for emergency vehicles and post-hurricane, for example - but, for the most part, they are a liability issue and we end up with fuel inventory that just sits there. And in Houston, you're not very far from a gas station."

Parker has identified 55 city fueling stations she intends to shut down immediately. Eventually, the number of stations may be trimmed to as few as 30, aides confirmed. The city plans to retain fueling stations in locations that are distributed around the city to make it convenient for city vehicles to gas up.

Councilman Steve Costello, a civil engineer, backs Parker's plan and envisions some of the fueling sites being sold to bolster city finances.
"Anytime we can consolidate resources and make better use of our fueling stations, I think that's a great idea," Costello said. "If that means closing down some of these stations and having excess property we can sell, that's even better to help us bridge some of the budget gaps we have."

Reducing the number of fuel stations is one part of an ambitious effort under way by Parker to balance the budget by shaving $22 million from fleet operation costs this year and next, including a cut in the number of municipal employees with take-home vehicles and consolidation of city vehicle garages. Parker is searching for a director to head a new city fleet management office, and is planning to ask the City Council to approve the hiring of CST Fleet Services, a North Carolina consulting firm known for reducing fleet operation costs.

A LUST problem
Houston is not alone in contending with a serious environmental problem known as LUST - Leaking Underground Storage Tanks - that has festered quietly across the state and nation for decades. Texas environmental officials say their database of leaking fuel tanks dates back to 1972.
Texas currently has more than 55,600 underground storage tanks in use, including 7,536 in Harris County. Leaks have been discovered at 26,048 sites, including 3,411 in Harris County. To date, the majority across the state have been cleaned up, but there are 2,363 underground tank sites where cleanup operations are still going on, state officials say.

"Monitoring tanks that are being used is very important, because, if you have fuel in those tanks, we want to make sure it doesn't get out into the environment because it can definitely cause problems for people," said Victoria Modak, a specialist with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's leaking tank program in Austin. "As great as our technology is ... there still are releases, despite all of our efforts. So, it's good to keep a handle on that, make sure we're tracking when they have a release and things are getting cleaned up."

Modak said the TCEQ estimates the average cost for environmental cleanup of the site of an underground tank is $84,705, although she noted there is a procedure for sealing the tanks and leaving them in place. That practice can lead to problems in future land sales, however.
It makes sense, Modak said, for cities such as Houston to replace aging tanks, even if they are not leaking, and invest in storage tanks with updated technology to prevent and detect leak

Man found dead in NW Houston shopping center

2010-09-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON -- A man was found dead in the parking lot of a Northwest Houston shopping center.
Houston police said the body was found on Kempwood Drive near Blalock Road at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday.
The man suffered multiple gunshot wounds, police said.

The man's name has not been released.

Detectives said they don't have any suspects or witnesses.
Anyone with information is asked to call the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

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Suspect ditches officers after chase in northwest Harris County

2010-09-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

khou.com
Posted on September 24, 2010 at 10:38 AM

HOUSTON—Authorities were searching for a suspect Friday that got away after leading officers on a chase in northwest Harris County.
Precinct 5 deputy constables attempted to pull over a car on Patterson near Highway 6, but the driver refused to stop.
He took off down Patterson, before bailing out of the vehicle and running into the woods near the Addicks Reservoir.
Precinct 5 constables, Harris County deputies and K-9 units searched the perimeter, but could not find the suspect.

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Plane crashes in NW Harris County

2010-09-20T15:17:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON—A small plane crashed Monday in a parking lot near Hwy. 290 at Telge Road in northwest Harris County, according to the Cy-Fair EMS.
Four people onboard the plane survived. They were treated at the scene and released.

The plane, however, was a total loss.
It went down around 1 p.m. in the parking lot of a business that sells used buses. The crash scene isn’t far from Weiser Air Park.

Officials said the plane apparently overshot the runway and crashed through a fence before coming to a rest in the parking lot.

The identities of the pilot and passengers were not known.

9/11 contrail explained.

2010-09-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

No - it wasn't aliens - or "chemtrails" or fighters on patrol on the anniversary of 9/11 - but rather a NASA high altitude research aircraft that caused the "mysterious" contrails over the Houston area Saturday.

Houston Airport Systems spokeswoman Marlene McClinton told Local 2 that NASA's WB-57 is a high-altitude aircraft, operating out of Ellington Field.
"It is taking air samples between 45,000 and 51,000 feet," said McClinton.

According to McClinton, it was a normal operation, but due to atmospheric conditions, the contrails were extremely visible.

Many callers said the plane looked like a big commercial passenger plane with the NASA oogo on it.
"It was just circling," said Cindy Hamilton who lives in Friendswood.
She saw the plane around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

"It would go north and just circle back to the south. I was just concerned because of what day it is. Seeing the plane brought back memories," Hamilton said.
Karon Wisdom saw the plane in Channelview circling for hours.

"Because its 9/11, everyone's keeping their eye on the sky," she said. "I thought either someone was watching out for us on the Gulf Coast, or something weird was happening."

NASA officials said the aircraft was testing out a new instrument and that "they have made several flights this week. It's unfortunate for the atmospheric conditions that made it very visible on 9/11."
Officials said it was nothing to be alarmed about.

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Breaking: Fire destroys Houston complex

2010-09-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on September 15, 2010 at 11:20 AM

HOUSTON—Eight units were completely destroyed and several families were displaced after a two-alarm fire damaged part of a southwest Houston apartment complex Wednesday morning.
Fire officials rushed to the burning apartments on Wilcrest at South Drive around 6:45 a.m.
HFD said they had a slight water pressure issue in the beginning, but managed to quickly get the fire under control. No firefighters were injured and all of the families got out safely.
One child standing outside was checked for smoke inhalation at the scene. He was determined to be OK.

Arson investigators do not know how the fire started at this time.

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Hawaii beats Pearland for Little League World Series title shot.

2010-08-28T16:46:00.001-07:00

South Williamsport, PA (Sports Network) - Noah Shackles went 2-for-2 with a homer, two RBI and three runs scored to back Ezra Heleski's two-hitter, and the Waipahu, Hawaii little league team beat Pearland, Texas, 10-0, in the United States championship game of the Little League World Series.

In the international title game, Ryota Norimatsu tied the game with an RBI single in the sixth, and Ryo Motegi's run-scoring single in the seventh won it, leading Japan to a 3-2 victory over Chinese Taipei.

In addition to striking out six over five shutout innings, Heleski went 2- for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored, while Kahoea Akau added three hits in the resounding win, helping Waipahu win its second U.S. title in three years. In 2008, this same Little League squad beat Matamoros, Mexico to win the championship.

Mason Van Noort had one of the two hits for Pearland, which came back against Georgia to reach this U.S. title game.

With two runners on and one out in the opening inning, Kaimana Bartolome opened the scoring with a two-run double. Shackles homered later in the inning to plate Bartolome for a 4-0 advantage.

Shackles scored in the third on a wild pitch, and Heleski's RBI single later in the same at-bat made it a 6-0 game. Akau's run-scoring double provided a seven-run cushion.

Three more runs from Hawaii ended the game in the fifth due to the 10-run rule. Shackles walked and scored on Cody Maltezo's triple, and Heleski followed with another RBI single. A wild pitch later scored Heleski to end the game.

Japan trailed, 2-1, heading to the bottom of the sixth, but Koutaro Kamikura singled to left to lead off the inning. Following a strikeout, Kamikura advanced to second on an error by the catcher before Norimatsu's hit tied the game.

Kamikura stayed on to pitch a scoreless seventh -- striking out two -- before Masaya Ishii singled with one down in the home half to start the winning rally. A wild pitch sent Ishii to second, and Motegi's two-out single to center won the game.

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3-alarm fire destroys part of SW Houston strip center

2010-08-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

by Lisa Chavarria / 11 News
khou.com
Posted on August 25, 2010 at 8:23 AM
Updated today at 9:21 AM

HOUSTON—A three-alarm fire swept through parts of a southwest Houston strip mall, destroying several businesses in its path early Wednesday.
Houston Fire Department officials said the fire began inside the M. Trading Wholesale Shop on Fondren at Harwin just before 5 a.m.

The business houses wholesale supplies sold to dollar stores. HFD said there may have been hair products or chemicals on the racks that helped fuel the flames.
Two more businesses next door to the wholesale shop, Jessie’s Nail Salon and Sloreria Lee’s flower shop, were also destroyed.

The owner of Star Korean Karaoke Bar said he was inside his business when a man riding a bicycle knocked on his door and alerted him to the fire. He was able to get out safely and call 911. His business was not damaged by the flames, but may have smoke damage.

One firefighter was injured battling the blaze. He was treated at the scene for a laceration on his hand.

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NW Houston toddler found in hot car dead

2010-08-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

by Courtney Zubowski / 11 News
Posted on August 19, 2010 at 7:32 PM
HOUSTON – A 2-year-old boy has died after being found locked in a hot car in northwest Houston, according to authorities.

The incident happened Thursday around 2:30 p.m. at 13813 Dentwood.
According to police, parents were arriving home from the grocery store when their 7-year-old child, who is autistic, began having seizures. While the parents went inside their home to tend to the 7-year-old, the 2-year-old boy was left locked inside the vehicle.

After going inside to help the 7-year-old , the parents realized their younger child was missing and eventually found him in the back seat of their SUV. Police said the boy was trapped inside the vehicle for about two hours.

One of the parents called 911 when they saw the toddler was not breathing. The boy was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators said the temperature inside the vehicle was 122 degrees when the toddler was found.
Neighbors of the victim’s family said it was an unfortunate incident that happened to good people.

"This is a good family, their children comes first with them," said Michael Carey. "I know for a fact that it was not intentional."

Investigators said the parents will probably not face charges, but the case will go to a grand jury.

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Houston Area Forecast: 100% Chance of Meteors

2010-08-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

After a week-ling lead-up, tonight, August 12/13, 2010, is finally the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Wit this event, meteor season 2010 will kick off in a big way.

Every August, Earth passes through the stretch of space junk shed by comet Swift-Tuttle, reaching the deepest concentration of debris tonight. According to some estimates, under ideal conditions (dark country skies), one can expect to see 60 meteors per hour. The reason the meteors are called Perseids is because the meteors seem to radiate from the constellation Perseus. The best time to view the shower is in the pre-dawn hours, with 3-5am being best.

Don't want to stay up that late? Don't worry, Perseus rises in the Northeast around midnight and will climb higher as the night progresses. However, unless one lives out in the country, the early post-midnight hours will probably involve Perseus being low in a light pollution dome. To improve odds of seeing meteors, travel out of light-polluted Cleveland and to the suburbs or, even better, the country if you can. In the suburbs, just going from the front to back yard can make a dramatic difference as this will eliminate glare from those pesky street/house lights to a large extent.

Two things can ruin the meteor shower: clouds and the Moon. The clouds? Well, that's a regional thing. Check your local Clear Sky Clock to see what the clouds have in store for your location tonight. For us Northeast Ohioans, tonight is looking good. As for the Moon, that's an Earth-wide issue. The good news is that, this year, the Moon is just a few days past new, which means that there will be no Moon up during the time of the meteor shower. There will be a slight lunar glow in the South (opposite Perseus), but this will disappear about midnight, which is about the time Perseus clears the Northeast horizon.

So how about viewing tips?

First, plan to stay out awhile, as it takes the human eye about 15 minutes to get optimal night vision capability. The bad news is that, even one bright flash of white light will wipe out night vision, requiring you to start the process all over again. Next, grab a lawn chair or, even better, a lounge-type chair. Trying to lean back with a straight-back lawn chair can be a pain in the neck, literally! Eyes ready for dark and with something to sit/lay on, settle in for a night of hopeful meteor watching (or at the very least, stargazing), just try not to fall asleep and don't forget the bug spray!

Besides meteors, tonight can be a great time for binocular viewing, owing to your use of a chair. Under suburban (maybe) or rural skies (definitely), a pair of medium power (10x50) binoculars can yield some stunning wide-angle sights. For someone truly dedicated, why not try and keep a tally of how many meteors you see for every complete hour? Really ambitious? Why not try photographing the meteors?

Whatever you plan to do tonight, good luck and clear skies!

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XXXL bandit strikes again!

2010-08-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on August 11, 2010 at 3:17 PM
Updated today at 3:17 PM

HOUSTON—The FBI Bank Robbery Task Force is on the hunt for one really big suspect who allegedly robbed at least two Houston banks. The FBI said they nicknamed the suspect the XXXL Bandit because of his uniquely large stature.

The latest robbery occurred at the Associated Federal Credit Union located in the 16400 block of El Camino Real in southeast Houston on August 5.

Authorities said in the latest offense, the suspect entered the bank and struck up a conversation with one of the tellers shortly after 1 p.m. He then handed the teller a threatening note demanding money.

The teller handed over the cash and the suspect fled through an emergency exit in the rear of the Kroger store, where the bank was located. Authorities said they do not know if he used a getaway vehicle when he left. No one observed a weapon or was physically hurt.

Authorities said the XXXL Bandit is between 28 to 35 years old, stands 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall and weighs 245 to 270 pounds. They describe the suspect as overweight with an unkempt appearance. He wore a dark baseball-type cap, blue tee-shirt, jeans and sunglasses.

The XXXL Bandit is also suspected in the robbery of the Wells Fargo located inside the Randall’s store located in the 2300 block of Clear Lake City Boulevard on July 12.

Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and arrest of this robber, or any felony suspect. If you have information about this crime, please call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 713-222-TIPS (8477)

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Firefighter In Uniform Arrested At Walmart

2010-08-10T08:27:00.000-07:00

Jane Draycott Accused Of Trying To Steal DVD Player

HOUSTON -- A female Houston firefighter who accused co-workers of harassment was arrested Monday night in Spring.

Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constables said Ena Jane Draycott was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting at a Walmart in the 21100 block of Kuykendahl Road at 9:30 p.m.
Court documents said Draycott tried to steal a DVD player.

Detectives said Draycott was at the checkout counter and left the line to go to the ice machine. She then walked toward the door with unpaid items and was stopped by loss prevention officials, investigators said.

Draycott was in uniform at the time of her arrest, officials said. She was charged with misdemeanor theft between $50 and $500.
She has bonded out of jail.

Last year, Draycott said she and another female firefighter at Station 54 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport were the targets of racist and sexist graffiti found scrawled on their lockers.
The city conducted an investigation into the graffiti, but it was inconclusive.

Heat Alert for Houston Area

2010-08-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON CHRON

Put on your tank tops, shorts and sandals and grab your sunscreen. Muggy, searing heat will grip the Houston region for the most of the week and through the week.

A strong ridge of high pressure is parked above the area, sending temperatures near 100 degrees and the heat index near 105.

The high pressure area will keep rain at bay for days until it weakens slightly by the weekend, and a chance of showers is possible, according to the National Weather Service .

Today, the high temperature will top out near 100 under sunny skies. The low will be in the upper 70s.

The heat index (how hot the air feels when temperature and humidity combine) will be 106 degrees.

No rain is forecast.
The broiling heat and dry conditions have prompted the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality to issue an air quality alert today because of increase ozone levels in the Houston, Galveston and Brazoria areas.

Elevated ozone can be a lung irritant and officials warn children and the elderly as well as people with chronic respiratory ailments, such as asthma and emphysema, to stay inside air condition rooms.

Everyone should avoid physical exertion outdoors in the later afternoon and early evening.
The scorching heat continues Tuesday and throughout much of the week. The high temperatures each day will be in the upper 90s and the lows will be in the upper 70s.

The heat index each day will top out between 103 and 109 degrees. No rain is forecast. Slightly cooler temperatures are likely along the coast.

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast Friday through Sunday when the high pressure ridge weakens. The showers may develop late in the day with afternoon heating and will be very scattered.

The temperatures each day will be in the upper 90s; the lows will be in the upper 70s under partly cloud skies.

Forecasters said they are watching a low pressure area that is about 950 miles west-southwest of the Cape Verde Island in the Atlantic. The system of thunderstorms is moving west-northwest at about 10 mph to 15 mph and is likely to develop into a tropical depression within a few days and could later become more organized.

Test your hurricane IQ.

2010-08-02T07:41:00.001-07:00

By GREG AINSWORTH

This year's hurricane season in the waters adjacent to the Southeastern United States is drawing more attention than usual, thanks to the oil spill in the Gulf. The National Hurricane Center expects a busier than average year, so it's time to energize our hurricane IQ.
Whether you call them hurricanes, typhoons or cyclones, they are the scourge of tropical locales worldwide. Ocean water temperatures of at least 80 degrees seem to be one of the key ingredients in their formation. Think hot and muggy -- and lots of evaporation. If other conditions are favorable in the atmosphere, winds near the surface may begin to converge, and a low-pressure system may form.

In the Northern Hemisphere, those cyclonic winds spiral in a counter-clockwise direction. All of that water vapor in the atmosphere rises and condenses inside thunderstorm complexes, releasing a great amount of energy in the process. Bands of thunderstorms stretching from the system's outer margins to the center of circulation help feed the massive heat engine with warm, moisture-laden air.

As the system matures, the characteristic cloud-free and relatively calm eye may form at the center of circulation. But surrounding the eye is the eyewall, where the most intense convection and highest wind speeds occur.

Hurricanes pose a major threat to life and property because of their ability to wreak havoc in so many different ways. Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind is wind damage -- not surprising since a storm isn't called a hurricane until it has sustained winds of at least 74 mph. In August 1969, Hurricane Camille made landfall along the Mississippi coast with sustained winds estimated at 200 mph.

An important, but often overlooked hurricane impact is the storm surge. This refers to the ocean water pushed onshore into low-lying areas by hurricane-force winds. Depending on the status of the local tides during landfall, storm surges of 15 to 20 feet are not out of the question. If you happen to live in a near-shore area at say, 10 feet above sea level, the surge can be bad news indeed. Hurricane Opal caused a 24-foot storm surge near Pensacola, Fla., in September 1995.

Even days after landfall, hurricanes, or their remnants, are still capable of producing tornadoes and flooding rains. After slamming into the coast of south Texas in September 1967, Hurricane Beulah spawned more than 100 tornadoes. Tropical Storm Claudette, whose winds didn't reach hurricane strength, nevertheless dropped 45 inches of rain on Alvin, Texas, in 1979.

For further information about these storms, check out the website for NOAA's National Hurricane Center.

Greg Ainsworth keeps an eye on local weather and climate issues. Contact him at ainsworth@theglobal.net.

HPD officer run over by his own patrol car

2010-07-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on July 14, 2010 at 4:55 PM
Updated today at 5:15 PM

HOUSTON — A Houston police officer was rushed to the hospital after a bizarre accident on I-10 Wednesday afternoon. He was run over by his own patrol car.
The officer was holding a radar gun near the West Loop interchange when the car began moving.
It rolled over part of the officer’s leg.
He was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in stable condition.
I-10 was briefly shut down to allow an ambulance to reach the officer. It has since reopened.

Switch to chloramine concerns residents

2010-07-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

By JENNIFER COGAN
Updated: 07.10.10
The state-mandated switch from ground water to surface water was supposed to begin taking place in NW Houston in December of 2009 and be complete by 2011. Residents initially expressed concern regarding the new way the water would be treated.

“We’ve always had very good, clean ground water right here,” said resident Sue Arkell, “and it’s always been treated with chlorine.”

Arkell, along with several other residents, are concerned that the water is now being pumped in from Houston and is being treated with chloramine, which is essentially chlorine and ammonia.

“We get this letter, that looks like an ad with very small print, saying that it can kill fish, it can be harmful to people on dialysis, it can hurt kids or people with low immune systems; I don’t want to drink that stuff,” she said.

Arkell and her husband Ken immediately bought a home filtration system to prepare for the switch that was supposed to happen by Dec. 16, 2009. Now the couple is concerned with what’s being filtered out.

“The filters are supposed to last three to four months, and I have to change it roughly every ten days,” said Ken Arkell.

The home filtration system the couple purchased is a carbon-based system. It’s hooked up to the ingoing water line. Water is then pumped through a pre-filter and then two large carbon filters before being pumped out their taps.

Arkell held up a brown, sludgy filter.

“This can’t be good. I’m glad I have the filter, otherwise this is what I’d be drinking. It smells horrible, like chlorine, and it’s very expensive to change the filters,” he said.

The Arkell’s are concerned that the sludge from the filter is from the miles of pipe the water must go through in order to get to their tap, but Barbara Payne, spokesperson for the North Harris County Regional Water Authority, explained that new pipe was installed to avoid that problem.

“It was a huge and amazing undertaking. We replaced over 75 miles of pipe (in Northwest Houston),” she said.

Payne, who lives in the same area as the Arkell’s, said that she hasn’t noticed any particulate in her water and feels very comfortable drinking it.

“Now the pipes in their neighborhood haven’t been replaced and they’re 30 years old, but like I said, I live there and I feel perfectly safe drinking the water,” said Payne.

Arkell has sat in on board meetings and called Water District 52 to voice her concerns. She has also requested to have her water tested.

“But no one’s ever come out. I even left water samples outside for them to pick up and no one ever came,” she said.

Though Arkell’s neighborhood was supposed to switch from ground to surface water in December, Delise Keim, vice president of communications for Southwest Water, said that the switch hasn’t been made yet.

“They are not yet using surface water. They have switched over the chloramine, though,” she said.

A chemist at Lone Star College, who asked that her name not be used, explained that chloramine is formed when ammonia bonds to chlorine. It’s an inexpensive way to kill bacteria in the water, but, she said, it cannot be filtered out.

“It can be treated out with metabisulfite, which is what a lot of home brewers use, but it cannot be filtered out,” she said.

The Sun asked the chemist what it could do to a human body. Ultimately, while communities across the country have been using chloramine in small doses for years, no studies regarding long-term effects have been done and so the Environmental Protection Agency hasn’t gotten involved.

“I don’t know what it can do to humans,” she said, “but I can tell you what (chloramine) does to pipes. It erodes them; it separates the metal. While it’s not an acid, it does have acidic results, so you can imagine what it could do to the intestines.”

The metabisulfite, she said, turns the chloramine into a semi-solid, a gel-like substance, and that allows for it to be filtered out.

She did say, however, that her water comes from the City of Houston, and she feels comfortable drinking the water.

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Tar balls found on Texas beach

2010-07-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

(CNN) -- Texas authorities have traced a small number of tar balls found near Galveston to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Coast Guard and state officials said Monday.
The tar balls collected from beaches in Galveston County over the weekend could fit in a five-gallon bucket, but have been confirmed to have originated from the ruptured BP well off Louisiana, said Jim Suydan of the Texas General Land Office.

Galveston is about 400 miles west of the site of the worst oil spill in U.S. history, which began in late April with the sinking of the offshore drill rig Deepwater Horizon. Coast Guard Capt. Marcus Woodring said authorities weren't sure how the tar balls made it that far, but tests confirmed that at least the first batch collected Saturday came from the Deepwater Horizon spill off Louisiana, he said.
None were found Monday, and the area's beaches and waterways remained open.
"Until we see a greater sum of oil, I can be cautiously optimistic that maybe this is something that will pass," Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski told reporters.

Tar balls occasionally strike the Texas coast, in part because of seepage from undersea oil deposits or from sunken vessels, Woodring said. "Seventeen or 18" cases of tar balls unrelated to the

Deepwater Horizon disaster have been reported to Woodring's Houston-Galveston Coast Guard sector since the spill erupted in April he said.

And though the ones found Saturday and Sunday were confirmed to have come from the ruptured well off Louisiana, they were less weathered than officials would have expected -- leading the Coast

Guard to suspect the oil was either stuck to the side of a ship's hull or mixed in with ballast water from a passing vessel, he said.

Ships passing through the spill are are supposed to be decontaminated before they head into port, he said.

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Freedom Over Texas Fireworks Show!

2010-07-01T08:49:00.001-07:00

Houston will set the stage for an extraordinary patriotic celebration at Mayor Annise Parker’s official Fourth of July event, Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell. Texas singer-songwriter Pat Green will headline the annual event held from 4 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, with his performance culminating in the nation’s largest land-based fireworks show, presented by Shell Oil Company. Admission to the event is FREE with the donation of one canned item per person to the Houston Food Bank.

"As Americans, I believe it is our civic duty to celebrate the birth of our nation and reflect upon those brave men and women who have made great sacrifices for us to live in a free country," said Mayor Annise Parker. "I invite fellow Texans to join us in honoring our country, respecting the values of the founding fathers and instilling pride in our diverse community.”

Headlining the evening’s celebration on the Freedom Stage is Pat Green (with Cowboy Mouth and Little Big Town), an artist who has blazed his own trail and recorded a total of 10 studio albums. Fifteen of his singles have charted on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, of which the highest-peaking is the #3 "Wave on Wave" from his gold-certified album. Green has toured with many popular country music artists including Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson, Kenny Chesney, and many more. At this year’s event, Green will be presented by the Texas Music Charts with an award recognizing him as the “Most Played Texas Artist” of the last decade.

When the concert comes to a close at 9:30 p.m., eyes will turn skyward for an extraordinary fireworks spectacular perfectly set to a selection of America’s favorite tunes, from patriotic songs to rock ‘n’ roll hits to classic bestsellers. Shell Oil Company is the underwriter of the 2010 fireworks show for the fifth consecutive year, and with their contribution, the city’s official fireworks show will enliven Houston’s skyline. Producing the show will be world-renowned fireworks artists from Pyro Spectaculars North by Souza.

"For more than 80 years, Shell has been a strong supporter of the Houston community and our nation. As a country, we have much to celebrate, and we at Shell are thrilled to participate in the festivities this year,” said Ben Dillon, Vice President Corporate Affairs, Shell Oil Company.

In addition to this year’s entertainment headliner, the festival will also spotlight a top-notch selection of local and regional music. Throughout the day, four stages will keep toes tapping with music ranging from country western and rock 'n' roll to Latin, R&B, and oldies.

Booth exhibits and family friendly patriotic activities will encompass Buffalo Bayou and Eleanor Tinsley Park:

KBR Liberty Park

Encompassing more than three football fields in length, KBR Liberty Park will showcase military artifacts and vehicles including representation from all five military branches and more. The branches and the Houston Police Department will offer recruiting on site.
The U.S. Army will showcase an Apache Helicopter flight simulator and a 55-ton M-60 Battle Tank.
The Museum of Printing History and the Military Museum of Houston will exhibit historical items that have helped shape our nation’s history in this area.
Bud Light Zone

Cool off with a cold one at the Budweiser Beer Garden, and enjoy a prime view of the sixth annual Bud Light Texas Volleyball Championship Series Finals.
Make a rest stop at the Bud Light Build-A-Bar, which will offer a shaded sitting area equipped with plasma TV screens. Also, don’t miss a sneak peak of an event performer during their official Bud Light Sound Check.

Be sure to stop by the Budweiser Good Sport’s Booth and learn how you can save lives by being a designated driver.

Walmart All American Kids Zone

More than 30,000 square feet of free educational programming and entertainment await children.
Houston Public Library’s HPL Mobile Express computer lab, will teach child how to use a computer.
Houston Fire Department’s Smokehouse will teach kids the importance of fire safety.
Historical costumed characters will talk with children about the documents that defined our government.

Juno Baby will have sing-a-long activities for children and little aspiring stars are invited to perform in the Rising Stars Search contest for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to San Francisco and be featured in the next Juno Baby production.
Free games, rides, face painting and interactive activities will be open to children of all ages.
Additional activities:

Gexa Energy will be giving US Flag hand fans to the first 30,000 people who enter the gates. Booths will be setup for families to take fun photos with Shrek The Musical characters, enter for a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii or Cancun, and also for a chance to win a Home Theater System, which includes a Sony Bravia 40’ LCD TV.
Visit KBR’s five primary beneficiaries on site: Career and Recovery Resources, Goodwill Industries, Houston Community College, Soldier’s Angels and Wreaths Across America-Houston.
The 2010 Land Rover models will be on display including the all new 2010 Land Rover LR4 and award winning Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.
Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell will be simulcast on ABC-13/KTRK-TV from 7-10 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, and will be syndicated statewide from 8-10 p.m. In addition, KILT 100.3 FM will simulcast the music medley specially choreographed for the fireworks spectacular.

With the donation of one canned item per person to the Houston Food Bank, admission for the event is FREE. Without the donation, tickets will be $8 per person. Children two years and under will be admitted free. In keeping with last year’s theme, Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell will expand its offering of recycling receptacles, encouraging all patrons to recycle.

Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell sponsors include: Fireworks sponsor: Shell; Anchor Sponsors: Gexa Energy, Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors, KBR, Houston Area Land Rover Centres, and Walmart; Co-producers: City of Houston/Mayor’s Office of Special Events; Additional sponsors include Doubletree Hotel Houston Downtown; Houston Chronicle; 100.3 KILT; HOT 95-7; Mix 96-5; SportsRadio 610 and Mega 101 FM; Texas Lottery; Juno Baby; Enterprise Rent-A-Car; Texas Southern University and LifeGift. In-kind sponsors include Houston Dynamo, Houston Rockets, Houston Astros, Houston Aero and Metro. The event benefits Houston Central Improvement, Inc.

For more information, call 832.393.0868 or visit the Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell Web site at www.freedomovertexas.org or www.houstonspecialevents.org.

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Houston-area mom on trial over 4-year-old daughter's death, TX

2010-06-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

By Associated Press
6:12 AM CDT, June 30, 2010
HOUSTON (AP) — Prosecutors say a Houston-area nurse on trial for failing to prevent the death of her 4-year-old daughter lied to doctors and investigators about a boyfriend now accused of raping the girl.

But an attorney for Abigail Young of Spring told jurors that the woman had her daughter tested for leukemia when she noticed her frequent bruising and consulted doctors.

The child -- Emma Thompson -- died last year after suffering from a severed pancreas and fractured skull. Prosecutors yesterday displayed autopsy photos of Emma's injuries.

Texas Child Protective Services revamped its investigations into alleged sexual abuse after the death. Investigators say the girl had genital herpes.

Young could face up to life in prison if convicted of injury to child by omission.

Her boyfriend at the time, Lucas Coe, faces trial in September on charges of aggravated sexual assault.

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Recovery Effort in Gulf Expected to Continue Despite Storm

2010-06-28T14:35:00.001-07:00

By JOSEPH BERGER

A tropical storm moving across the western Gulf of Mexico that is likely to strengthen into a hurricane is not expected to seriously disrupt efforts to capture oil gushing from the stricken BP well, officials of the Coast Guard and BP said Monday.

Adm. Thad W. Allen, of the Coast Guard, who is commanding the federal response to the disaster, said at an afternoon press conference that high seas produced by Tropical Storm Alex should not force the evacuation of rigs and other equipment from the blowout site, which is 50 miles off the Louisiana coast. Should an evacuation take place, he said, it could halt the work of collecting oil and drill relief wells for about 14 days.

“As it stands right now, absent the intervention of a hurricane, we’re still looking at mid-August," to have relief wells shut off the gusher entirely, Admiral Allen said.

However, BP officials said that what could be delayed, even by current wave heights, is an effort to prepare what is known as a “floating riser system” that will help raise the daily total of collected oil from, about 25,000 barrels to as much as 50,000 barrels. At a briefing Monday morning, Kent Wells, a senior vice president of BP who is overseeing BP’s efforts, said the storm is expected to follow a track that will take it well west of the blowout site, but it may produce waves of 10 to 12 feet, which Mr. Wells said was too high for the “very precise work” on the surface needed to prepare the floating riser system.

Mr. Wells said the containment cap and a second system that are collecting 25,000 barrels of oil a day would not need to be disconnected and the drilling of two relief wells should continue on schedule. The first relief well is supposed to pump in heavy mud and shut off the gusher sometime in August.

Tropical Storm Alex is on a course heading for northeastern Mexico and a stretch of Texas. Meteorologists at Accuweather.com said they are anticipating a landfall between Tampico, Mexico and Brownsville, Tex. Wednesday night or early Thursday.

Meanwhile Associated Press reported that BP had filed documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission that indicate the cost of capping and cleaning the spill have reached $2.65 billion. BP has lost more than $100 billion in market value since the drilling platform the company was operating blew up April 20. The costs include spill response, containment, relief well drilling, grants to gulf states, claims paid, and federal costs, but not a $20 billion fund for damages the company created this month.

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Alex may effect Gulf oil production ..

2010-06-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON (Dow Jones)--Tropical Storm Alex, expected to become a hurricane Tuesday, seems to be headed on a path away from the bulk of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico's oil and gas production and refining infrastructure. But some production impact will be felt as one of the largest energy producers in the Gulf said Monday it was shutting down several platforms as a precaution.

Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSA) said it had pulled 700 workers from its Gulf operations, and some 835 workers remained offshore. The company is shutting in production from its Western and Central Gulf of Mexico assets to prepare for the potential full evacuation of personnel Tuesday. The company started pulling workers from the Gulf over the weekend. The company didn't specify how much production would be shut or how many platforms were being evacuated.

At 11 a.m. EDT, Alex was located about 85 miles west-northwest of Campeche, Mexico, in the western Gulf of Mexico, and was heading towards southern Texas and northern Mexico. Most U.S. offshore oil and gas platforms are located in the eastern part of the Gulf, far from Alex's forecast path.

Alex "is not likely to have a major impact on production or refining in the U.S.," Doug MacIntyre, senior analyst at the Energy Information Administration, told Dow Jones Newswires Monday. "Alex's current path appears to avoid most of the oil and gas production platforms and any of the major refining centers."

Energy markets Monday seemed to take the storm in stride. Light, sweet crude for August delivery ended 61 cents lower at $78.25 a barrel a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Natural gas for July delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange settled 2.96% lower at $4.717 million British thermal units.

Gulf producers Apache Corp. (APA), Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM), and Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (APC) also said Monday they have started evacuating non-essential workers from the offshore facilities expected to be in the path of the storm but none have so far reported any impact to their production.

BP PLC (BP, BP.LN) said Monday it pulled non-essential personnel from three offshore facilities in the the Gulf, and that production was not affected. The company evacuated workers from Atlantis, Mad Dog and Holstein platforms.

Alex may delay BP PLC's plans to increase the amount of oil collected from a leaking well in the Gulf by a week, a company official said Monday.

While the storm's winds are expected to stay far to the west of the Deepwater Horizon spill, high seas are likely to become an issue this week, said Kent Wells, a senior vice president with BP, in a press briefing. Waves up to between 10 feet and 12 feet would prevent BP from hooking a third rig up to an underwater containment system, a process that needs three days of good weather, Wells said.

Two rigs, the Discoverer Enterprise and Q4000, are already collecting between 20,000 and 25,000 barrels of oil a day from the well, which has gushed ever since a rig working at the site caught fire and sank in April.

Chevron Corp. (CVX) and ConocoPhillips (COP) said that they have not evacuated workers, but that they are closely monitoring the forecast for Alex.

A hurricane watch was issued for parts of the south Texas Gulf coastline area and parts of northern Mexico, the National Hurricane Center reported Monday on its website.

The NHC, in its advisory, also said Alex likely will become a hurricane Tuesday and has increased in strength, now with winds of 60 miles per hour.

The watch area for the U.S. extends from south of Baffin Bay to the mouth of the Rio Grande in Texas, with Mexico issuing a hurricane watch from the Rio Grande to La Cruz.

-By Isabel Ordonez, Dow Jones Newswires; 713-547-9207; isabel.ordonez@dowjones.com

(Brian Baskin and Angel Gonzalez contributed to this article

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Breaking: Houston women drowns in tub/3-year old present.

2010-06-22T08:18:00.001-07:00

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on June 22, 2010 at 7:36 AM
Updated today at 9:08 AM
HOUSTON – Police are investigating after relatives found a woman dead in her bathtub Monday evening. A 3-year-old child was also alone inside the home.
Police said around 7 p.m., worried relatives went to the home located on Briar Seasons at Winter Park in southwest Houston after not hearing from the woman. They found the little girl alone with her mom's body and called 911.
Police said the house was secured from the inside and there were no signs of forced entry. They said the woman appeared to have drowned, but the official cause of death is pending an autopsy.

2010-06-14T07:01:00.001-07:00

A woman was apparently sexually assaulted and beaten to death Friday inside her apartment while her son slept in another room, Houston police said.

The woman identified as Bridgette Jones was found lying on the living room floor in an apartment at the Luxor Park complex in the 5800 block of West Sunforest in northwest Houston about 8 a.m., police said.

She had been beaten in the head.
Jones' 10-year-old son was asleep in his bedroom at the time of the slaying. He was not hurt and is now with relatives.
Police said there were no signs of forced entry, leading investigators to believe Jones may have known her attacker. Officials said a large-screen television and Jones' white Mazda 626 four-door car were missing.

A passer-by found Jones' body, after seeing the door ajar at the first-floor apartment.
Police are looking for a man they said is a person of interest in the slaying, but they declined to identify him or disclose his possible relationship to Jones. The also are searching for Jones' missing car, which has Texas license plate FGR 230.

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