UPDATE: ARREST MADE; SHOOTING ON OMAHA DR.

UPDATE: During the overnight investigation Robbery Homicide Detectives were able to follow up on leads and identify the offender in the Omaha Dr. shooting. Detectives secured a Murder warrant for offender Andrew Botello (60 YOA).

Detectives along with the CCPD Gang Unit, Violent Crimes Unit, and SWAT, were able to track down Botello’s location to a residence in the 1600 block of Main Dr. Botello exited the residence without incident and was taken into custody.  

Botello was transported to the main police station for an interview. He was then taken to the City Detention Center for booking, where he was charged with the Murder warrant.

Original: On January 24, 2025, at about 5:17 pm officers were dispatched to the 900 block of N. Omaha Dr. in reference to a shooting.

When officers arrived, they located a middle-aged male in an apartment with an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a located hospital by EMS, where he later succumbed to his wounds. 

Robbery Homicide Detectives were called out to investigate. Officers are checking for any possible witnesses. Investigators believe parties were known to each other. 

This is still an active scene. 

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Corpus Christi Police Detectives at (361) 886-2840. Individuals who wish to remain anonymous while providing information to Detectives may contact Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or submit their tip online at https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=343&C=&T=

SHOTS HEARD: UPDATED

UPDATE: Officers were able to identify one of the detained as 38-year-old Julio Soliz. Witness statements and other evidence gathered at the scene showed Soliz was responsible for firing a weapon inside and outside of the home. He was placed under arrest for Deadly Conduct-Discharge Firearm. He was transported to the City Detention Center for booking. A firearm was located in the residence.

ORIGINAL POST: On January 24, 2025, at 2:54 pm Officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Florida Dr. in reference to shots heard.

Officers arrived on location and set up a perimeter around the suspected house.

Officers were able to safely call out two occupants from inside of the home and detain them without incident. There are no reported injuries.

This is still an active scene.

SCAM ALERT

Scam Alert!!

The Corpus Christi Municipal Court and the Corpus Christi Police Department will not call you about an active warrant and demand payment over the phone via credit card, bank draft or gift card. If you receive a phone call from an individual identifying themselves as a Municipal Court employee or a Corpus Christi Police Officer and they are demanding payment immediately over the phone, hang up.

You may receive a text message from Municipal Court letting you know that you have a new warrant, but they will not ask for payment.

You can check if you have an active warrant by visiting the Corpus Christi Municipal Court website.
https://www.municipalrecordsearch.com/corpuschristitx/Cases

Should you have an active warrant you can visit this page to explore your options and pay the warrant.
https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/corpuschristitx/

CORPUS CHRISTI MAN CONVICTED OF WEAPONS CHARGE

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury in Corpus Christi has returned a guilty verdict against a 30-year-old local man for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The jury deliberated for 17 minutes following a one-day trial before finding Michael Pulido guilty.

On Feb. 7, 2024, authorities arrived at a local apartment complex following a criminal mischief complaint. The investigation led them to Pulido who had fired four gunshots inside his apartment.

They checked his criminal history and discovered Pulido had been previously convicted of a felony. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition per federal law.  

At trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury that the gun belonged to someone else. They were not convinced and found him guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos presided over the trial and set sentencing for April 15, at which time Pulido faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Corpus Christi Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Yasmine Tucker and Ashley Martin prosecuted the case. 

CCPD Officer arrested

The Corpus Christi Police Department was recently notified by the Department of Homeland Security, of an investigation involving a Corpus Christi Police Department Officer, Daniel Verduzco. 

On Sunday, January 19, 2025, Agents with the Department of Homeland Security arrested Daniel Verduzco, charging him with Coercion and Enticement (18 U.S. Code 2422).

The Corpus Christi Police Department is fully cooperating with the investigation, which is being led by the Department of Homeland Security.  Any further questions regarding details of this investigation should be referred to them.  Verduzco  has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation that may lead to disciplinary action up to and including his termination.

CITY TO OPEN OVERNIGHT COLD WEATHER REFUGE CENTER SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2025

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The National Weather Service predicts cold temperatures will impact the area beginning Sunday evening through Wednesday. City officials are monitoring the potential for freezing rain and ice on the roads. Lows are expected to periodically drop to 25-32 degrees.

After several days of inclement weather, agencies that provide overnight shelter are at capacity. 

Due to the prolonged cold temperatures and out of an abundance of caution, the City of Corpus Christi will open an overnight Cold Weather Refuge Center.

Cold Weather Refuge Center:
The Corpus Christi Gym, located at 3203 Cabaniss Parkway, will run continuously from 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 19, to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 22 (end time subject to change based on weather conditions). Food and drinks will be provided by the Salvation Army.

Daytime Warming Centers:
The City will offer daytime warming centers, which are free and open to the public. Their hours of operation are listed below. PLEASE NOTE: the times listed are subject to change in the event of a weather-related delayed start for City employees.

Owen R. Hopkins Library, 3202 McKinzie Road,826-2350
Monday: CLOSED (holiday), Tuesday – Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Friday- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Sunday: CLOSED  

Ben F. McDonald Library, 4044 Greenwood Drive, 826-2356
Monday: CLOSED (holiday), Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED

Anita & W.T. Neyland Library, 1230 Carmel Parkway, 826-2370
Monday: CLOSED (holiday), Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.,  
Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Sunday: CLOSED

Janet F. Harte Library, 2629 Waldron Road, 826-2310
Monday: CLOSED (holiday), Tuesday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sunday: CLOSED

Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Library, 5930 Brockhampton Drive, 826-2360
Monday: CLOSED (holiday), Tuesday – Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sunday: CLOSED

La Retama Central Library, 805 Comanche Steet, 826-7055
Monday: CLOSED, Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday – Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) will provide free transportation to and from the refuge center and warming center during available hours. For more information, go to https://www.ccrta.org. The Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) will also provide transportation to daytime warming centers, the cold weather refuge center, or homeless shelters. To arrange transport, call CCPD Non-Emergency Police at (361) 886-2600.

You can also find updates on the City’s website: www.corpuschristi.gov, and on social media channels: Facebook @citygov or @ReadyCC, LinkedIn @City of Corpus Christi, and X @cityofcc, or contact the Customer Call Center by dialing 3-1-1 or using the free mobile app. Continue to monitor these channels for updates regarding any delayed business hours or closures.

NON-EMERGENCY PHONE LINE OUTAGE

UPDATE: 8:43am
All phone lines are operational.

ORIGINAL POST:
CCPD MetroCom is currently experiencing an outage with the non-emergency phone line (886-2600). When called, a busy signal is heard.

Please call 911 for non-emergency calls until further notice.

TRAFFIC CRASH 5300 SARATOGA BLVD

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 1:08pm, officers were dispatched to the 5300 block of Saratoga Blvd. in reference to a major traffic crash involving a pedestrian.

Officers arrived and found that a 47-year-old female slipped and fell in the parking lot. When she was attempting to stand up, she was struck by a black SUV that was turning the corner in the parking lot. The driver remained on scene and spoke to officers.

Medics transported the female to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There were no citations issued.

WRONG WAY DRIVER CAUSES CRASH, ARRESTED FOR DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 5:06am, officers were dispatched to the 12500 block of IH-37 northbound in reference to a major traffic crash involving a wrong way driver.

Officers arrived and located a multi-vehicle crash involving four vehicles, including a tractor trailer. Officers determined that the driver of a black pickup was traveling southbound on IH-37 in the northbound lanes of travel and caused the crash. Medics transported three subjects to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers closed the highway for an extended period of time due to a fuel spill. HAZMAT crews were called to the scene to assist.

Officers determined that the wrong way driver, 34-year-old Erick Vela, displayed signs of intoxication, and he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. After he was medically cleared at a local hospital, he was transported to the City Detention Center for booking.

Erick Vela

4100 BLOCK OF MIDLANDS STREET WARRANT

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 5:26pm, CCPD officers were assisting the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force in serving a parole violation and felony warrant on a 30-year-old male at the 4100 block of Midlands Street.

Before officers were able to make an arrest, officers heard a gunshot and located the male with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers immediately rendered medical aid, and medics transported the male to a local hospital where he is in critical condition.

No officers discharged their duty weapons in this incident. There is no threat to the public.

Corpus Christi Police Daily Blotter