All posts by Kirk Stowers

Charlie District, Traffic Safety Division

Five Vehicle Crash Disrupts Friday Morning Traffic On SPID

Occurred Friday, January 18, 2013, 7:32am, State Highway 358 at Weber Rd. Major vehicle crash C1300408

                A crash on the SPID freeway near Weber Road involved five vehicles and sent three people to the hospital Friday morning.

A 44-year-old man drove a black 2003 GMC Sierra pickup west on SPID and entered the freeway from Weber at about 7:30 Friday morning. The 44-year-old man crossed the solid white line and struck an unoccupied black 2008 Volkswagen Beetle which was parked between two solid white lines on the shoulder of the freeway. The Sierra pickup spun and struck a gray 2007 Ford Explorer on the freeway slow lane. The Explorer then struck a gray 2003 Chrysler Town & Country van which struck a red 2006 Dodge Charger. The Ford Explorer rolled onto its side and stopped on the freeway.

A 13-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, and a 45-year-old woman were taken to the hospital by ambulance from the crash. The unoccupied VW Beetle was impounded. The 44-year-old man in the GMC Sierra was issued a citation for making an unsafe change from a direct course.

Community Outreach

Crime Stoppers Hosts Luncheon at the Ortiz Center Thursday

The Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers board members stand with the police coordinator at the Ortiz Center after the Luncheon
The Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers board members stand with the police coordinator at the Ortiz Center after the Luncheon

The Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers hosted a Judges appreciation luncheon Thursday at the Ortiz Center in a fundraising program with guest speakers from the Emergency Services in Corpus Christi.

The guest speakers for the fundraiser lunch were Corpus Christi Police Chief Floyd Simpson, Nueces County Sheriff Jim Kaelin, and Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha.

The purpose of the luncheon was to raise money for the Crime Stoppers program which is an independent non-profit organization. Funding for the program is solely from donations and not any from tax dollars. The donations are used to reward those who call into Crime Stoppers to provide information about unsolved crimes which leads to an arrest, and the donations cover operating expenses. Those who do call into Crime Stoppers are anonymous and their information is kept confidential and protected even for criminal trial.

The Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers board members are volunteers and donate their time for the operation of the program and to host events like this luncheon. The Luncheon is the opportunity to thank judges for support to the Crime Stoppers program. Criminal law judges are able to apply fees to probation which  benefit the Crime Stoppers program to provide rewards to tipsters for providing information about unsolved crimes.

Anyone interested in the Crime Stoppers program may visit the website www.888TIPS.com for information.

Gang Unit

Gang Unit Conducts Warrant Round-up

The Corpus Christi Police Gang Unit conducted a warrant round-up Thursday morning in which six known gang members were arrested. The arrests were at several homes throughout Corpus Christi. The purpose of the round-up was to apply law enforcement on known gang members in this community. Those arrested were:

Joe Flores                            12/13/1982         1301170039         Parole Violation

Roman Casso                     09/12/1977         1301170027         Parole Violation

Nemias Gonzalez             11/07/1982         1301170024         larceny Warrant

Alfredo Blanco                  11/14/1978         1301170034         Parole Violation

Damien Cantu                   11/23/1978         1301170054         Contempt of Court/ Burglary Vehicle

Joseph Perez                     07/11/1988         1207150125         Assault Warrant

The Gang Unit also came in contact with a seventh fugitive while conducting the operation:

Christopher Corral           11/18/1987        1301170053        Possession of Marijuana and a Municipal Court Warrant.

There were no injuries in the arrests. Seven other individuals were served with arrest warrants who were already incarcerated.

Delta District, Patrol Division

Man Sells Invalid Wrestling Tickets Through Facebook Advertising & Gets Arrested

Occurred Sunday, January 13, 2013, 18:46, 3900 Highway 286, Fraud, 1301130107

                A 33-year-old man was arrested Sunday for selling invalid tickets to a WWE Wrestling event though Facebook advertising.

Corpus Christi Police responded to a call at a fast food restaurant on the Cross-town Expressway at Horne Road for a complaint by a 22-year-old woman who bought tickets to a professional wrestling show and discovered the tickets were invalid. The 22-year-old woman told police Marcus Zamarripa (3/7/1979) posted tickets for sale on Facebook. The 22-year-old woman said she bought tickets and then later discovered the tickets were invalid. The 22-year-old woman said she went back to the Facebook posts and discovered Zamarripa was on his way to the restaurant to meet a 23-year-old woman to sell tickets for the same seats.

Corpus Christi Police Patrol officers found the 23-year-old woman at the restaurant and then met Zamarripa when he arrived to meet the 23-year-old woman.  Investigating Patrol Officers discovered Zamarripa sold several copies of tickets for the same seats to multiple people.

Zamarripa was arrested for Fraud, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine. Zamarripa was then delivered to the city detention center.

Traffic Safety Division

Night Time Utility Work To Affect Staples Street Traffic

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises citizens beginning Tuesday, January 15, 2013 between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. weather permitting; city contractors and American Electric Power (AEP) will be doing major utility work on Staples Street between Peerman Place and Hamlin Drive.

While this work is ongoing, this section of Staples Street will be closed to traffic.  Staples Street northbound traffic will be detoured onto eastbound Hamlin Drive, onto westbound Peerman Place to Staples Street.

Traffic control devices will guide motorists through the construction site.  While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible.  Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricades for their safety and that of construction crews.  Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

For more information, please contact Traffic Engineering at (361) 826-3547.

Traffic Safety Division

75 Year Old Woman Fatally Injured In Vehicle Crash On Ayers Street

Occurred Wednesday, January 09, 2013, 18:20, 3900 Ayers Street, Vehicle Crash with Fatal Injury

               A 75-year-old woman was fatally injured after she was hit by a car at the 3900 block of Ayers Street Wednesday night.

A 75-year-old woman walked east to cross Ayers Street at about 6:20pm Wednesday night. A 51-year-old man drove a 2003 Ford Taurus south on Ayers Street and passed through the intersection of Ayers and Roosevelt Drive.

The 75-year-old woman entered the street where there was not a crosswalk and the 51-year-old man said he did not see the woman. The 75-year-old woman was struck by the Ford Taurus and she did not survive the crash.

The 51-year-old man was the only occupant of the car and was not injured.

Corpus Christi Police Crash Investigators do not believe alcohol or speed were contributing factors to the crash. No citations have been issued and the investigation continues.

Corpus Christi Police stress the importance to be aware while driving and watch for pedestrians even in places where they should not be such as on the freeway. Pedestrians are urged to be watchful for traffic and expect not to be seen by motorists. Everyone is urged to take extra precautions, especially at night, in order to get to their destination safely.

Bravo District, Criminal Intelligence Unit

Police Release Sketch of Burglar

Corpus Christi Police are searching for a Hispanic Man, 25-30 years of age, 250-300 pounds and about 5ft. 7inches tall
Corpus Christi Police are searching for a Hispanic Man, 25-30 years of age, 250-300 pounds and about 5ft. 7inches tall

Burglary with Intent to Commit Other Felony
December 17, 2012

Crime of the Week #2

Air Dates:  January 9-16, 2013

Case # 1212170115

Monday, December 17, 2012, at 1:20pm Corpus Christi Police investigated a violent crime at an apartment complex in the area of Airline and Holly.

A 15-year-old girl was in her apartment alone. A Man knocked at the door and asked to use the bathroom. The 15-year-old girl opened the door and the man forced his way inside. The man then assaulted the 15-year-old girl and caused her serious injury.

The 15-year-old girl worked with a police Forensic Artist to develop this sketch of the attacker.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man, about 5` 07″ tall, about 250-300 pounds, and about 25-30 years of age.

If you can identify this individual or if you have additional information about this crime call Crime Stoppers at 888- TIPS, or log on at 888tips.com. If the information leads to an arrest, the information you provide could earn you $1000 in cash.

 

Traffic Safety Division

Utility Work Will Affect Staples Street Traffic

The City of Corpus Christi Traffic Engineering office advises residents beginning on Friday, January 11, 2013, weather permitting; city contractors will shift southbound Staples Street traffic and reduce it to one lane in each direction; from the Moore Plaza entrance through the Williams Drive intersection.

The advance traffic control preparation will begin Thursday evening.

Traffic control devices will guide motorists through the construction site.  While the work is underway, motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes to avoid the area if possible.  Motorists are also advised to observe all construction warning signs and barricades for their safety and that of construction crews.  Access to local driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.

For more information, please contact Traffic Engineering at 826-3547.

Community Outreach

City Prepares In Advance of Potential Severe Weather

The City of Corpus Christi continues to monitor the potential of severe weather over the next 24 to 48 hours while making a variety of preparations for public safety throughout the city.

Many city departments are preparing just in case weather conditions result in hazardous conditions including the potential for flooding or high winds. Crews are pre-staging roadway barricades, clearing storm drains as well as notifying contractors to secure constructions sites for potential high winds and heavy rains.

The City urges citizens to stay informed regarding changing weather conditions and observe any warnings issued by local officials.

Traffic Safety Division

City Road Closures Jan 4-11, 2013

5800 Block of Yorktown Boulevard (near the Staples Street intersection)

Wednesday through Wednesday

Contractors will reduce northbound Yorktown Boulevard to one lane of traffic at the 5800 block between 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.

New – Chaparral Street and Schatzell Street Intersection

Monday – Friday

The intersection of Chaparral Street and Schatzell Street will be closed to traffic.  Chaparral Street between Lawrence Street and Schatzell Street; and Schatzell Street between Water Street and Chaparral Street will be designated as a no through Traffic- Parking Only zone.  Motorists traveling on northbound Chaparral may detour onto eastbound Lawrence Street to Water Street; and the westbound traffic on Schatzell may detour onto Water Street.

McBride Lane (Between Leopard Street and IH-37 Eastbound Frontage Road)

Monday – Friday

James Street and Erin Drive:  Erin Drive will be closed at the McBride intersection.  Access to James Street and Erin Drive will be through the IH-37 frontage road, and both streets – James and Erin – will be closed to through traffic. 

McBride Lane:  McBride Lane will be closed to traffic between IH-37 frontage road and Hampshire Road.  Eastbound traffic on IH-37 frontage road will be detour onto to southbound Navigation Boulevard, onto westbound Leopard Street, to McBride Lane.   Traffic on McBride Lane will be detoured onto westbound Hampshire Road to South Padre Island Drive.

Sanitary Sewer Line Inspection and Cleaning

Tuesday

Beginning November 13, 2012, contractors will be doing Sanitary Sewer Line Inspection and Cleaning on various streets throughout the City to include Everhart Road, Gollihar Road, and Hugo Drive.  Expect various lane closures.

Kostoryz Road

Saturday – Friday (24-hour closure)

Northbound Kostoryz Road traffic will be shifted onto the southbound lanes between S.P.I.D. and Sunnybrook Road, and again shifted onto the northbound lanes approximately 500 feet past Sunnybrook. Traffic, on these two sections of Kostoryz Road, will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction.   In addition, traffic on eastbound McArdle Road will be shifted onto the westbound lane where traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction through the Kostoryz Road intersection.

Staples Street (Williams Street to Saratoga Boulevard)

Saturday – Friday (24-hour closure)

New -The Wooldridge Road traffic will be shifted onto the westbound lanes and traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction through the Staples Street Intersection.

New – Bonner Drive and Cain Drive:  Beginning Wednesday, December 27, contractors will close either Bonner Drive or Cain Drive at the intersection of Staples Street.  When closed, detours will be through Burton Lane.

Staples Street will have the center lane closed to traffic with two lanes of traffic open in each direction beginning north of Wooldridge Road to Holly Road.

Staples Street traffic between Holly Road and Curtis Clark Drive will be shifted onto the northbound lanes and traffic reduced to one lane in each direction.

Sarazen Drive from Staples Street to Wooldridge Road

Saturday – Monday

Beginning December 17, 2012, contractors permit only inbound traffic to enter Sarazen from Staples Street.  Traffic exiting must head continue north on Sarazen and exit onto Wooldridge Road.

Rodd Field Road and Williams Drive

Saturday – Monday

Road work on Rodd Field Road at the Williams Drive intersection has been delayed until after the holiday season.  Work is scheduled to begin on January 2, 2013, weather permitting.  During the holiday season, No Left Turns onto Williams Drive from northbound Rodd Field Road will still be enforced.

Up River Road

Saturday – Friday (24-hour closure)

The westbound traffic on Up River Road will be closed to traffic and the eastbound traffic will remain one-way traffic between Dunn-Meany Road and Dunn Lane.  In addition, Up River Road westbound traffic will be detoured onto southbound Dunn Lane, onto southbound Navigation Boulevard, onto the westbound IH-37 frontage road, onto northbound Dunn-Meany Road to Up River Road.

Bear Lane 

Saturday – Friday (24-hour closure)

Bear Lane will be closed to through traffic from approximately 200’ west of Flato Road to Fortune Drive.  In addition, Bear Lane will be closed from Green Point Drive to Old Brownsville Road, and on closed on Navigation Boulevard from Agnes Road to Old Brownsville Road.

Airline Road

Saturday – Friday (24-hour closure)

Traffic on Airline Road is closed to traffic between Wall Street and Rodd Field Road.  In addition, eastbound traffic on Lipes Boulevard and Slough Road will be closed between Giants Drive and Rodd Field Road.   Eastbound Lipes Boulevard traffic will be detoured north on to Giants Drive, and eastbound Wall Street traffic will be detoured northbound onto Airline Road.

Staples Street and Weber Road/Doddridge Street

Saturday – Friday (24-hour closure)

Beginning on Friday, November 2, 2012, and for approximately six weeks, weather permitting; City contractors will be doing road work on Staples Street between Weber Road/Doddridge Street intersection and Peerman Place. As this project is ongoing, southbound traffic on this section of Staples Street will be shifted onto the northbound lane and traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction.  No left turns will be permitted onto Doddridge from Staples.