VCU Officers, continuing traffic enforcement, arrested two more bad drivers yesterday.

VCU Officers observed several vehicles racing each other in the 4700 block of HWY 358 (W/B). At speeds of over 115 mph, these vehicles were observed cutting in and out of traffic trying to out perform each other.

The two drivers were stopped and arrested for reckless driving. Vehicles were impounded.

Violent Crimes Traffic Units continue to make arrests.

In the evening of June 27, 2025, 4 individuals were arrested for reckless driving after they were observed traveling over 100 mph on HWY 358, cutting in and out of traffic, posing a danger to other motorist on the road.

These were all separate occasions and traffic stops. Two of these individuals were on motorcycles. Spread the word, you will be arrested for this behavior.

Charles has been located, deceased. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

The Corpus Christi Police Department needs your help in locating missing person Charles Huff.

Charles was last heard from on June 22, 2025. He was last in the area of the Fish Pass Jetties off HWY 361.

Charles is 66 years old, 5’10 in tall and weighs 215 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

If you see Charles or know where he is please call 911, or non-emergency at 361-886-2600.

Fulfilling our solemn vow to never forget, Corpus Christi Police Chief Mike Markle and the Narcotics and Vice Investigation Division Staff dedicated their newly remodeled office space to fallen Narcotics Officer Sgt. Ruben Almanza on Wednesday, June 18th. Almanza was shot while attempting to apprehend an armed robbery suspect on July 27, 1984, and died shortly after midnight the following day. His assailant was shot and killed by another CCPD officer responding to the call. Almanza was a plainclothes Narcotics Detective at the time and not required nor expected to respond to such a call.

As part of the dedication ceremony, NVID Deputy Chief H. Bowers presented Almanza’s widow, Irma, with a newly designed Detective Badge. The Police Department began issuing the distinct Detective badges in 2024 to Detectives within the Investigations Bureau, which includes NVID. Deputy Chief Bowers explained how the Detective badge number corresponds with each Detective’s individual radio call sign. Bowers informed the gathering that Almanza’s badge number 5435 will henceforth be retired, never again to be issued to any Detective within NVID. Chief Markle spoke of how proud the Department was of Almanza’s service and how honored the Department was to dedicate the building to Ruben, while reminding the family that they will always be part of the CCPD family.

Almanza’s widow was joined by two of his three daughters, his last surviving sister, grandson, and several other close family members. Almanza’s family members shared stories about Almanza’s proud service to his country as a US Army Viet Nam War Veteran, and his burning desire to become a Corpus Christi Police Officer once he returned home. His widow spoke of how much he loved being a CCPD Officer and how dedicated he was to his undercover work. Ruben, she said, had coached her to tell shady-sounding late night callers asking for “Oscar” that “Oscar” was on the road driving his semi and would call them back when he returned home. “Oscar the truck driver” was Almanza’s undercover identity, which came naturally to him, because he had been employed as a truck driver before being hired by the Police Department. His dedication to his craft and exceptional undercover skills led to several large drug busts, including the four-hundred-pound marijuana seizure Almanza is seen posing next to in a photograph on the NVID Wall of Honor that bears his name.

Also present to honor Almanza was his Police Academy classmate and fellow Special Services Division Officer, CCPD Assistant Chief (ret.) Jesse Garcia. Garcia recalled

Almanza’s “infectious smile” every time they crossed paths, but noted that “if things got heavy, you never had to look for him. He was right there.” “He was a courageous officer committed to his profession,” Garcia continued, “who had a love of God and Country that all great cops seem to have.” Above all else, Garcia concluded, “His greatest treasure, as he often said, was his family. We all miss him.”

A portrait of the man began to emerge from the many fond memories shared by his family with Almanza’s much younger NVID brothers and sisters -many of whom were not yet born on the day he made the ultimate sacrifice. It was the portrait of a good man, who loved his country and his community. A portrait of a loving husband, a treasured son and brother, and a devoted and caring father. It was the portrait of a Cop’s Cop as well. The type of Cop that always had your back. The type of Cop, who as a plainclothes Detective, didn’t have to respond to the foot pursuit of an armed robbery suspect, but did anyway. The type of Cop who wouldn’t let his fellow officers face danger alone. A Cop who, knowing all he had to lose, was still willing to stand between the evil in this world and the community he swore to protect. In short, it was the portrait of a hero. A portrait that will not soon fade.

The Corpus Christi Police Department Auto Theft Task Force will be canceling the 68-A inspections scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience. The next 68A inspection will be on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

UPDATE: Gilbert has been located.

The Corpus Christi Police Department is requesting your assistance in locating a missing elderly male. Gilbert Garza, age 72, was reported missing by family today, June 20, 2025. Gilbert was last contacted on June 18, 2025. Gilbert possibly suffers from undiagnosed dementia and wanders off.

Gilbert stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches and weighs approximately 170 pounds.

If you observe Gilbert or are aware of his current location, please promptly contact 911 or the non-emergency number (361) 886-2600.

Violent Crimes Traffic units continue to make arrests.

Over that past few evenings VCU Traffic units arrested 3 individuals for reckless driving and other offenses.

Juan Ortiz Munoz (19) was arrested on Ocean Dr. after he was observed by Officers traveling twice the speed limit and dangerously changing lanes as if he were the only one on the road.

Tanner Loesch (22) was also arrested on a separate occasion on Ocean Dr. for reckless driving, unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of marijuana.  He was observed by Officers driving well over the speed limit and driving erratically through traffic and other motorists.

Hailey Campos (19) was arrested near Airline and Williams for reckless driving, possession of marijuana and tampering. She was observed by officers driving erratically through traffic and putting other motorists in danger.

The Corpus Christi Police Department’s Traffic Division is continuing the investigation into the motorcycle fatality that took place at the 100 block of SH 358 west bound at 2:32 am on Monday June 9, 2025.

Investigators are asking for anyone that may have witnessed the crash to please call the traffic division at 361-886-2596.

Investigators believe a white vehicle may possible have been involved and they are attempting to speak with the driver of the vehicle.

You may also call Crime Stoppers at 361-888-TIPS or submit the information online at https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=343&C=&T=. The information provided to Crime Stoppers is anonymous and if the information leads to an arrest, it could earn you a cash reward.

The Corpus Christi Police Department is requesting your assistance in locating a missing female. Melinda Martinez, age 58, was last seen in December 2024. Melinda suffers from early stages of dementia.

Melinda stands at a height of 4 feet 10 inches and weighs approximately 110 pounds. Melinda is homeless and is said to frequent the Staples Street Station, Mother Teresa Shelter, and the area of Horne Rd./Columbia St.

If you observe Melinda or are aware of her current location, please promptly contact 911 or the non-emergency number (361) 886-2600.

On Sunday June 8, 2025, at approximately 2100 hrs., officers were dispatched to the 3800 block of S. Staples St. in reference to a major vehicle accident involving a pedestrian.

When officers arrived, CCFD was administering CPR to a 69-year-old male. The male was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

It was determined that the male was trying to cross the roadway, not at an intersection or crosswalk, when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The driver of the vehicle stayed on scene after the accident and immediately called for emergency services.

No foul play is suspected.