All posts by Senior Officer Gena Raichert

NVID MINOR STING RESULTS IN THREE VIOLATIONS

Detectives with the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division conducted an undercover operation Friday evening, checking compliance at fifteen beer and wine retailers across the city. Three of the retailers visited by Investigators sold alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 21. NVID’s goal is zero.

During the operation, four cooperating individuals, under the direction and close supervision of NVID Detectives attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages from various convenience stores throughout the city. All four individuals are over the age of eighteen but under twenty-one, the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages in Texas. NVID Detectives checked fifteen businesses and clerks at three of those stores sold alcoholic beverages to the underage operatives.

The store clerks who sold the alcoholic beverages, face a charge of Sale to Minors (TABC 106.3) a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4000. NVID will forward the results of this operation to the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission for administrative action against the permittees, which could include revocation, suspension and/or fines.

Friday’s operation was conducted in advance of next weekend’s anticipated large influx of Spring Breakers, as underage drinkers from colleges and high schools flock to Corpus Christi beaches to enjoy the sun and fun. The goal behind Friday’s operation is to ensure that all Spring Break visitors to our city can enjoy their time here without the tragedy that often accompanies underage drinking. Alcohol is a common denominator in underage traffic fatalities, and frequently leads to numerous other negative consequences. “Thus far, we have had a relatively safe Spring Break, and we need the cooperation of our partners in the business community to help us keep it that way,” said CCPD Investigations Bureau Assistant Chief Todd Green. NVID intends to conduct more of these operations in the near future, including repeat visits of previous offenders. NVID will send letters to all of the businesses that were inspected, including those that were in compliance. For those businesses that were not in compliance, future infractions will likely result in the immediate arrest of the offenders.

The Corpus Christi Police Department continues to collaborate with all government and private entities to combat underage drinking and help accomplish our mission of working with the community to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and enhance public safety.

MISSING PERSON

Update on March 02, 2021: Investigators have made contact with Creyton McDermett, he is safe. Thank you for your assistance in sharing.

Corpus Christi Police Investigators would like help from the public to locate a missing person.

Creyton McDermett was reported missing by his family on February 26, 2021.  Creyton was last seen leaving his residence at approximately 6:30 pm on February 25, 2021. 

Creyton is described as a 24-year-old male who stands 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs approximately 200 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Creyton was last seen driving 2019 Silver or Gray in color Toyota Prius, License Plate NML2255.

If you have any information that may assist Investigators or know the whereabouts of Creyton McDermett please call Corpus Christi Police Department directly by calling (361) 886-2600.   

VESTAL STREET HOMICIDE

This is an update in regards to the incident that occurred on the 4500 block of Vestal on Sunday, February 14, 2021.  

A 95-year-old female was transported to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. A 65-year-old female was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

33-year-old Jonathan Avery was arrested and charged with Murder and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  Avery was arrested on scene and transported to the main station to be interviewed by Detectives.  Avery was later transported to the City Detention Center to be processed.   

We can confirm that this was not a random act of violence and the parties involved were known to each other.  

This is still an active investigation and no other details are expected to be released at the moment.  If you have any information pertaining to this incident, you are encouraged to call the Corpus Christi Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 361-886-2840. Anyone who would like to keep their identity secret and still provide information to Detectives should call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or submit the tip online at https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=343&C=&T=

For additional information: VESTAL STABBING | CCPD Blotter

CRIME OF THE WEEK

Date: December 27, 2020 9:30 pm
Location: 2500 block of Waldron
Offense: Arson
Case #: 2012270100

Arson Investigators with the Corpus Christi Fire Department want your help to catch these arson suspects who ignited a fire on the property of a local high school. This is your Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers, Crime of the Week.

The Corpus Christi Police Department and Corpus Christi Fire Department both responded to a fire located on the 2500 block of Waldron Rd at approximately 9:30 p.m. on December 27, 2020. Upon arrival, officers located a fire in an open field behind the Auditorium.

A closer examination of the scene by officers revealed that several items were intentionally set on fire and several others that had been detonated.

The case was turned over to CCFD Arson Investigators who recovered video evidence which shows two males who are believed to be the suspects who intentionally set the fire.

If you can identify the suspects in the video or have any additional information about who is responsible for this crime, call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or submit the information online at https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=343&C=&T=.

Crime Stoppers guarantees to keep your identity anonymous and if the information leads to an arrest, it could earn you up to $2,500 dollars in cash.

VESTAL STABBING

Date: Sunday, February 14, 2021 1:18 pm
Location: 4500 block of Vestal
Case Number; 2102140041

At approximately 1:18 pm on Sunday, February 14, 2021 officers were dispatched to the 4500 block of Vestal for a medic call.  The call was later upgraded to a possible stabbing.  

Upon arrival, officers located a 33-year-old male suspect outside of the residence, who was immediately taken into custody.  

Officers then entered the home and located two female stabbing victims.  Both victims were transported to a local hospital and we do not have an update on their injuries or conditions for release at this moment.  

We can confirm that this was not a random act of violence and there are no outstanding suspects.  

Updates will be provided as they are made available for release.

Non-emergency calls

As a result of cold weather that is projected to impact the City of Corpus Christi this weekend, the Corpus Christi Police Department’s response to non-emergency calls may be delayed during this time period. Should the weather deteriorate, officers will be tasked with addressing safety issues to safeguard our residents. When possible, we are asking our citizens to utilize the department’s telephone reporting unit (886-2600) to make reports.

COLD WEATHER TIPS

With the impending cold weather expected to hit the Corpus Christi area over the weekend, we urge our citizens to take precautions and have safety measures in place.

Check trusted sources for information or updates often.

Slow down when traveling on roadways, especially on overpasses and bridges.

Bring your pets inside.

Minimize outdoor activities for your family and pets.

Prepare for possible power outages.

Place flashlights in a common area so if you lose power you know where they are.

When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, or space heater; take necessary safety precautions.

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

If you do not have to travel, please stay home.

MISSING YOUTH

Update: Janie DeLaRosa has been safely located. Thank you for your assistance.

Corpus Christi Police Investigators would like help from the public to locate a missing youth.

Delia Janie DeLaRosa was reported missing by her family advising they have not seen her in several months. 

Delia is a 14-year-old female and attached is the most recent photograph of her. 

If you have any information that may assist Investigators or know the whereabouts of Delia DeLaRosa, please call Corpus Christi Police Department directly by calling (361) 886-2600.    

MISSING JUVENILE

Updated 10:24 pm: Ky has been located and is safe with his family. Thank you to everyone who assisted us this evening.

Corpus Christi Police are looking for a missing juvenile.  At approximately 6:15 pm, 9-year-old Ky Balboa was last seen by his guardian in the area of the 9500 block of Sedalia Trail.   

Ky is described as a black male, approximately 4’6’ tall, weighing 61 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Ky was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt with navy blue sleeves and blue jean pants. 

If you see Ky Balboa or know his location please call 911 immediately.

second homicide suspect arrested

Date: Saturday, December 26, 2020
Time: 5:30 am
Location: 4800 Leopard
Incident: Murder
Case Number: 2012260019

On Saturday, December 26, 2020 at approximately 5:30 am officers were dispatched to the 4800 block of Leopard for a man down in a vehicle.

Upon arrival, officers located a deceased 40-year-old male, slumped over the driver’s seat inside of a vehicle.  Homicide detectives responded to the scene and began investigating this unattended death, which was later ruled a homicide. 

An initial arrest was made on December 26, 2020, for 34-year-old Stephanie Ysassi, she was charged with one count of Murder.

Detectives were later able to obtain a second arrest warrant for a suspect, identified as 24-year-old, Mark Hernandez. 

Information was developed by the US Gulf Coast Violent Offender Task Force that wanted fugitive, Hernandez, was staying at a residence located in Robstown, TX.  On January 14, 2021 Hernandez was located and taken into custody without incident.   

Hernandez was transported to the Corpus Christi Police Department for questioning and was later transported to the Nueces County Jail for processing.   

This is still an ongoing investigation and if anyone has any additional information related to this Homicide, you are asked to contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at (361) 886-2840. You may also call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or submit the information online at https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=343&C=&T=.  Information provided to Crime Stoppers is anonymous and if the information leads to an arrest, it could earn you a cash reward.