On Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 10:38pm, officers were dispatched to the intersection of S. Padre Island Drive eastbound and Weber Rd in reference to a major traffic crash involving a motorcycle. 

Officers arrived and located a two-vehicle accident. Medics transported the 26-year-old male motorcycle driver to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The other driver was uninjured. 

Investigators with the Traffic Unit arrived and conducted their investigation. They found that the driver of beige passenger car was traveling eastbound on S. Padre Island Drive, disregarded the red light and struck the motorcyclist who was traveling southbound on Weber Rd through a green light. 

Officers determined that the at-fault driver, 17-year-old Jayden Gonzalez, displayed signs of intoxication, and he was arrested for intoxication assault with a vehicle. He was additionally charged with possession of marijuana after officers located marijuana inside of his vehicle. 

After Gonzalez was medically cleared at a local hospital, he was transported to the City Detention Center for booking. 

On Tuesday March 25, 2025, at approximately 5:00 pm, while participating in a police promotional assessment center in Springfield, Illinois, Corpus Christi Police Department Lt. Braden Tackett entered a local business near his hotel. As he walked to the rear of the business, Lt. Tackett noticed an elderly woman standing in front of a Bitcoin ATM who was speaking to an unknown person on her cellphone. The woman appeared somewhat distressed and as Lt. Tackett walked closer, he overheard the voice of a man with a distinctly foreign accent, directing the woman to deposit a large sum of cash into the Bitcoin ATM. Although off-duty and in another city, Lt. Tackett immediately recognized the signs of a possible scam taking place, and at the risk of offending the woman, identified himself as a police officer and asked to speak with her before she deposited the cash. Upon questioning her, the woman told Lt. Tackett that she had received an unsolicited phone call from an individual claiming to be associated with her retirement account. The caller informed her that he had accidentally deposited $30,000 into her retirement account and sent her a phony text message screenshot showing the alleged error, which she shared with Lt. Tackett. The scammer directed her to go to her bank, warning her not to tell anyone, withdraw $30,000 cash from her personal savings account, and send it to him via Bitcoin ATM. As soon as the man on the cellphone heard Lt. Tackett speaking to the woman, he became irate and told her to stop talking to him. Lt. Tackett suggested that she hang up on the caller and then explained to her that this was a scam and that once she deposited the cash into the Bitcoin ATM it would be lost forever. Lt. Tackett recommended that she return the cash to her account immediately the following morning, explained to her that no legitimate business would ever ask her to send cash via Bitcoin, and recommended that she report this scam to her bank and the Springfield Police Department. While speaking with the woman, her phone continued to receive calls from the scammer, so Lt. Tackett showed her how to block that number. As soon as she blocked the original number, she immediately began receiving multiple phone calls from other unknown phone numbers-undoubtably the scammer. Lt. Tackett then walked the woman to her car and ensured she safely left the business with her cash.

This instance is just one example of the many schemes unscrupulous online scammers use to target our vulnerable seniors. Fortunately for this woman, the keen awareness and prompt action by one of Corpus Christi’s finest averted what would have surely been a financial tragedy for her.

The Financial Crimes Unit of the Corpus Christi Police Department provides the following tips to keep citizens from becoming victims of similar scams:

1. Always be skeptical and verify information before acting, especially when faced with unsolicited phone calls, emails or texts. If unsure, call the business or agency directly using a published phone number or email address, not the number or email address the solicitor used.

2. Be Wary of Urgency and Pressure. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly and avoid thinking things through.

3. Never provide any unsolicited caller, texter or emailer with your social security number or financial account numbers.

4. No reputable business or government agency will request payment via gift cards or Bitcoin ATM transactions.

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

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, officers observed a white passenger car racing a dark gray passenger car at the 300 block of S. Shoreline Blvd. southbound. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the white passenger car and arrested the driver, 19-year-old Jesse Estes, for racing. He was additionally charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon due to a handgun found in his possession. His vehicle was impounded, and he was booked at the City Detention Center.  

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 12:40am, officers observed a blue passenger car racing a red passenger car at the 5500 block of Highway 358 westbound, both vehicles traveling over 85mph, trying to outpace each other. Officers reported that speeds continued over 110mph in a posted 60mph. Officers conducted traffic stops on both vehicles. The driver of the blue passenger car, 24-year-old Andrea Tapia, and the driver of the red passenger car, 21-year-old Matthew Ybarbo, were arrested for racing. Ybarbo was additionally charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon due to a handgun found in his possession. Both vehicles were impounded, and both were booked into the City Detention Center. 

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2:38am, officers observed a black passenger car traveling over 100mph at the 5400 block of Highway 358 westbound. The posted speed limit is 60mph. Officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested 20-year-old Michael Gamboa for reckless driving. His vehicle was impounded, and he was booked into the City Detention Center. 

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2:43am, officers observed a red pickup traveling 100mph at the 5400 block of Highway 358 westbound. The posted speed limit is 60mph. Officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested 44-year-old Kathy Martinez for reckless driving. She was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance after illegal narcotics were located inside of her vehicle. Her vehicle was impounded, and she was booked into the City Detention Center. 

On Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2:45am, officers observed a motorcycle traveling over 120mph at the 4200 block of Ocean Drive. The posted speed limit for that area is 40mph. Officers conducted a traffic stop and arrested 36-year-old Christopher Castellanos for reckless driving. He was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance after illegal narcotics were located in a compartment on his motorcycle. His motorcycle was impounded, and he was booked into the City Detention Center. 

On Friday, March 28, 2025, at around 10:45pm, officers observed a gray passenger car traveling over 95mph at the 5400 block of Ocean Drive. The posted speed limit for this area is 45mph. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and arrested the driver, 18-year-old Brayden Garza, for reckless driving. His vehicle was impounded, and he was booked into the City Detention Center. 

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On Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 12:35am, 37-year-old David Aguilar was observed by officers recklessly driving his vehicle over 115mph at the 5600 block of Highway 358 westbound. The speed limit for the highway is 60mph. Aguilar was arrested for reckless driving and his vehicle was impounded. He was booked into the City Detention Center. 

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On Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 1:49am, 17-year-old Maelynn Barnholt was observed by officers recklessly driving her vehicle over 105mph at the 5500 block of Highway 358 westbound. The speed limit for the highway is 60mph. Barnholt was arrested for reckless driving and her vehicle was impounded. She was booked into the City Detention Center. 

On December 2, 2024, a City of Corpus Christi Waste Water employee at the Greenwood Water Recycling Plant, 6541 Greenwood Drive, called the Corpus Christi Police Department in reference to a found bone. The Greenwood Water Recycling Plant is the same location where the contents of the Perry Place lift station wet well were transported to in June 2024, following the discovery of Caleb Harris’s remains.

The bone was discovered by subcontractors within a drying bed at that facility.  The bone was collected by a CCPD Patrol Officer who transported the bone to the Nueces County Medical Examiner’s office.  The ME examined the bone, determined it to be human, and then sent the bone to the UNTCHI for DNA comparison to Caleb Harris.

On March 25, 2025, Homicide Detectives were notified by UNTCHI that the bone was positively identified as belonging to Caleb Harris. According to the Nueces County Medical Examiner, the cause and manner of Death of Caleb Harris remains unchanged (undetermined).

NVID KEEPS PRESSURE ON ILLEGAL GAME ROOMS.
SERVES MULTIPLE SEARCH WARRANTS

Detectives with the CCPD Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division continued their drive to eradicate illegal gambling within the Corpus Christi city limits by serving multiple search warrants Wednesday afternoon at two illegal gambling establishments on the city’s northwest. Following a months-long investigation into the businesses that uncovered evidence of illegal gambling, Detectives secured search warrants for two separate unnamed game rooms located at 11217 Leopard Street, Suite A and Suite B. During the searches, NVID Detectives seized a large amount of gambling equipment, over $10,000.00 cash, and other evidence of illegal gambling.

Arrested at Suite A was game room employee 55-year-old Molly Miller. She was charged with Gambling Promotion, Keeping a Gambling Place, and Possession of a Gambling Device. Miller was additionally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance when officers found a small baggie of drugs on her during her arrest on the gambling charges.

At Suite B, Detectives arrested 59-year-old Guadalupe Harvey and Leticia Torres, 43, on charges of Gambling Promotion, Keeping a Gambling Place, and Possession of a Gambling Device. Torres was additionally charged with Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (handgun). A total of nine patrons were cited for Gambling, a Class C misdemeanor.

Yesterday’s raids came on the heels of a NVID search warrant last Wednesday at the Lucky Spin game room, 2330 Airline Road, where Detectives arrested 26-year-old Alysah Fernandez for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, Gambling Promotion, Keeping a Gambling Place, Possession of a Gambling Device, and violation of the Nueces County Game Room Ordinance. In that instance, Detectives seized a sizeable quantity of illegal gambling equipment, over $10,000 cash and a vehicle.

Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and Possession of a controlled substance are state jail felonies punishable by up to two years in jail and a maximum $10,000 fine, while the Gambling charges are class A misdemeanors.

All three investigations are ongoing, and additional arrests are possible. The Corpus Christi Police Department reminds citizens that game rooms which pay out cash rewards, or rewards that can be immediately redeemed for cash are engaging in illegal gambling. Patrons as well as the management of these establishments may face criminal charges.

NVID Detectives were assisted in these operations by officers with the CCPD Directed Patrol Unit and Traffic Section, along with investigators with the State of Texas Comptroller’s Office, which regulates coin operated machines.

The Corpus Christi Police Department continues to collaborate with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate and combat illegal gambling. Investigators will continue to diligently enforce all Texas gambling laws, which furthers our mission to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and to improve the quality of life in our community.

Update 9:38pm: Mr. Oliva has been located, is safe, and is being reunited with family.

Corpus Christi Police needs your help locating a missing elderly male.

72-year-old Cristobal Oliva Jr was reported missing by family members and was last seen at around 4:45pm on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the 6000 block of S. Padre Island Drive on the eastbound side.

Mr. Oliva is described as a Hispanic male, who is 5’11”, weighs approximately 160 pounds, has brown eyes, short gray hair, and was last seen wearing a dark blue Dallas Cowboys shirt, light gray sweatpants and black shoes. Mr. Oliva suffers from dementia and other medical conditions that require medical assistance.

If you have any information or see Mr. Oliva, please call the Corpus Christi Police Department by calling 911 or 361-886-2600.

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2:27am, officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Barry St in reference to a stabbing. 

Officers arrived and could hear an active disturbance with someone being assaulted. Officers made entry into the residence and found a 37-year-old male victim suffering from assault injuries. They also located a 26-year-old female victim suffering from assault injuries. The third male officers made contact with was 30-year-old Justin Gutierrez.  Officers determined that there was no stabbing that occurred.

Officer investigation found that Gutierrez had invited the 37-year-old male victim to the residence where Gutierrez threatened him with a knife and physically assaulted him while stealing personal belongings from the victim. The 37-year-old victim was transported to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries (determined to be non-life-threatening). The 26-year-old female had been assaulted by her boyfriend, Gutierrez, earlier in the evening. Her injuries were non-life-threatening, and she was treated on scene by medics. 

Gutierrez was arrested for aggravated robbery and for assault family violence. During the arrest, he became combative with officers and resisted the arrest. He was additionally charged with resisting arrest. After being medically cleared at a local hospital, Gutierrez was transported to the City Detention Center for booking. 

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 7:26am, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Airline/Holly reference a major traffic accident involving a motorcycle. 

Officers arrived and located a two-vehicle crash. Medics transported the 64-year-old male driver of the motorcycle to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the pickup was not injured.

Investigators with the Traffic Unit arrived on scene and conducted their investigation. They found that the driver of a pickup was traveling west on Holly and was attempting to turn south onto Airline through a yellow flashing turn arrow. The motorcyclist was traveling east on Holly through the intersection and was struck by the pickup. 

The driver of the pickup received a citation for fail to yield right of way- left turn. The driver of the pickup was not intoxicated. It is unknown if the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. 

On Friday, March 14, 2025, at 3:49am, officers were dispatched to the 5900 block of Ayers Street in reference to a shooting. 

Officers arrived and located an 18-year-old male victim who was deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. 

Detectives with the Robbery/Homicide Unit are currently conducting their investigation. Detectives found that the 15-year-old juvenile male shot the victim and pointed a gun at another juvenile male before fleeing the scene. Detectives have apprehended the 15-year-old juvenile male and charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has been booked into the Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center. 

Detectives do not believe this to be a random act of violence as the parties knew each other. There is no threat to the community. 

If you have any information about this incident, you are encouraged to contact Detectives at 361-886-2840. If you would like to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 361-888-TIPS (8477) or submit the information online at https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=343&C=&T=.