Community Outreach

Police Arrest Two Men for Capital Murder

Corpus Christi Chief of Police and his staff stand with Nueces County District Attorney Mark Skurka to deliver the news of the arrest of two men for Capital Murder
Corpus Christi Chief of Police and his staff stand with Nueces County District Attorney Mark Skurka to deliver the news of the arrest of two men for Capital Murder

Corpus Christi Police  with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms arrested two men at a home on the 800 block of Indiana Avenue for warrants for a Capital Murder which occurred February 16, 2014 in the 4700 block of Cheryl Drive.

Corpus Christi Police were called to the 4700 block of Cheryl Drive in reference to a shooting on February 16, 2014 at about 11:19pm. Officers arrived and found two-year old LillyAnna Valent and six-year-old Nevaeh Oliva were killed by multiple gunshots fired into the home by multiple unknown suspects.

The Corpus Christi Police Department Robbery/Homicide Detectives, Gang unit, Narcotics and Forensics units continuously worked in coordination in order to develop probable cause. Witness statements, physical evidence, tips from the public, and assistance from the District Attorney’s Office were collected to secure arrest warrants for two suspects:

  • ·         26-year-old Brendon Andrew Gaytan (5/9/1987) charged with Capital Murder (Penal Code Section 19.03)
  • ·         22-year-old Cruz Salazar (8/20/1991) charged with Capital Murder (Penal Code Section 19.03)

Officers with the U.S. Marshals Task Force assisted Corpus Christi Police Detectives to locate and arrest both suspects at a residence on the 800 block of Indiana Avenue at 1:30am on February 28, 2014. The bond amount for each suspect is $2 million dollars.

The Corpus Christi Police Department thanks the community for information provided to Investigators.  The investigation of this case continues and anyone with any additional information is encouraged to provide that information to Investigators through Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888TIPS.com.

The Corpus Christi Police has one unsolved homicide for 2014 which is the murder of Mr. Duhart on Martin Luther King Drive. Anyone with information about that crime should call Crime Stoppers to provide Investigators with tips.

Gang Unit

Police Recover Guns and Narcotics on Barrera Drive

Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 14:23

Location: 4300 Barrera Drive

Offense: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Health and Safety Code Section 481.115) 2nd Degree Felony

Case Number: 1402260099

Corpus Christi Police arrested 20-year-old Derrick Gomez (7/19/1993) at a home on the 4300 block of Barrera Drive Wednesday for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Corpus Christi Police Officers and Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms went to the house and discovered contraband to include firearms, a ballistic vest, ammunition, and narcotics which the Officers believe was crack-cocaine. Officers collected the contraband and delivered Gomez to the city detention center.

Community Outreach

Vehicle Auction This Saturday at the Police Impound Lot

The city of Corpus Christi will auction 88 cars, trucks, and motorcycles at the four paved acres of the Corpus Christi Police Vehicle Impound Lot located at 5485 Greenwood Drive on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 10:00am. The general public is allowed to register and view the vehicles for auction from 8:00am to 4:00pm on Friday, February 28. The general public can continue to register and view the vehicles from 8:00am to 10:00am on the day of the auction. The vehicle for auction may be viewed online and an auction list may be downloaded from www.siskauction.com.

There are 27 vehicles for auction that were seized for no insurance. The department’s strong stand and enforcement of this “Zero Tolerance No Insurance Initiative” will continue and all vehicles involved in accidents will be impounded and the driver cited if they are unable to provide financial proof of insurance. Driver’s license and proof of financial responsibility checkpoints will continue to be conducted at the Shift Captains’ authorization.

Charlie District, Criminal Investigations Division

Police Seek Help To Identify a Thief

Lottery Ticket Theft 3 Lottery Ticket Theft Stripes 2 Lottery Ticket Theft Stripes

Date: Friday, January 31, 2014, 4:00am

Location: 3201 South Padre Island Drive

Offense: Theft (Penal Code Section 31.03) Class B Misdemeanor

Case Number: 1401310061

The Corpus Christi Police Property Crimes Detectives would like help from the public to identify a man who stole lottery tickets from a store located at 3201 South Padre Island Drive on January 31, 2014. Detectives have video images of the man and his vehicle. A 21-year-old man generated the complaint after a man went through the store at 4:00am and went into the back store room and then stole the lottery tickets. The tickets were not activated, so they have no real value. The man then left in a silver four door sedan. The man is described as a male with medium brown skin, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, 220 pounds, with dark hair, full beard, and wore a black t-shirt with white writing, blue jean shorts, and white tennis shoes.

Anyone who can identify this individual or has any additional information about this crime should call the Corpus Christi Police Property Crimes Detectives at 886-2841. Anyone who would like to keep their identity secret and still provide information to Detectives should call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or log on to www.888TIPS.com. Information provided to Crime Stoppers which results in an arrest can earn the caller a cash reward.

Bravo District, Patrol Division

Patrol Report February 27, 2014

The Corpus Christi Police Department generated 147 original reports for formal criminal complaints from midnight February 26 to 6:30am February 27, 2014. These are a sample of the criminal complaints filed by the Corpus Christi Police for that time period.

 

“Bravo” District

 

Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 7:20am

Location: 1010 Behmann Street

Offense: Criminal Mischief (Penal Code Section 28.03) Class B Misdemeanor

Case Number: 1402260029

Corpus Christi Police arrested 23-year-old Nathan Ogden (7/17/1990) at an apartment complex located at 1010 Behmann Street for criminal mischief Wednesday morning. Corpus Christi Police responded to a complaint from a 59-year-old man who said that an unknown person forced his way into the apartment at 7:20am. The 59-year-old man told Officers he heard a person bang on the front door and attempted to enter, then broke the window and climbed inside the apartment. The 59-year-old man told Officers he pushed the man back out the window and called for help. The 59-year-old man pointed out the man who broke the window and Officers arrested Ogden for criminal mischief and public intoxication. Officers learned Ogden resides in the same apartment complex, but tried to enter the wrong apartment by mistake. Officers delivered Ogden to the city detention center.

 

Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 12:36pm

Location: 6101 Saratoga Boulevard

Offense: Abandoning/Endangering a Child by Criminal Negligence (Penal Code Section 22.041) State Jail Felony

Case Number: 1402260069

Corpus Christi Police arrested 21-year-old Tene Cloud (7/6/1992) at a store located at 6101 Saratoga Boulevard Wednesday for child abandonment. Corpus Christi Police responded to a complaint from a 21-year-old man at about 12:30pm for a person in violation of a criminal trespass warning. The 21-year-old man told Officers a woman who was banned from the property arrived in a vehicle that he pointed out to Officers. One Officer noticed a 5-year-old girl unattended in the vehicle. The Officer noted the outside temperature was 46 degrees with light rain and the child was insufficiently protected from the weather. The Officer brought the child to the store away from the elements. Another Officer went inside the store and found Tene Cloud, the person in violation of the criminal trespass warning. Officers learned Cloud is not the mother to the child, but was charged to care for the child. Officers arrested Cloud for child abandonment. Officers delivered the child to another family member for care. Officers impounded the vehicle, and then delivered Cloud to the city detention center.

Search the website Crimereports.com to research all reported criminal activity in Corpus Christi. Anyone who knows any additional information about these crimes should contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at 886-2841. Information about unsolved crimes may be provided to investigators anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or online at 888TIPS.com. Information provided to Crime Stoppers which results in an arrest may earn the caller a cash reward.

Community Outreach

Department Will Host Women In Policing Seminar This Saturday

Women In Policing

The Corpus Christi Police Department will host a Women In Policing Seminar this Saturday, March 1, 2014 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Corpus Christi Police Training Center located at 4510 Corona Drive (http://goo.gl/maps/g16S4). The purpose of the seminar is to inform women about the Corpus Christi Police Department as a career opportunity. Women Corpus Christi Police Officers will present information about the minimum standards and qualifications to be employed as a Police Officer, the pay scale and benefits, the training academy curriculum, and the process to apply for the Corpus Christi Police Department. The entrance physical fitness exam will be offered at the conclusion of the seminar for those who would like to participate. Those who attend should bring appropriate attire if they would like to participate in the physical fitness exam. The seminar will include video presentations, door prizes, refreshments, applications, and child care will be provided. There is no fee to attend and anyone interested should reserve a seat by calling (361) 826-4071 or (800) 743-2620.

Criminal Investigations Division

Body Found Near Port of Corpus Christi Identified

UPDATE 2.25.2014 3:48 p.m. The body that was located near the Harbor Bridge has been identified as Missing Person, Sean Yates. The Medical Examiner is currently conducting an autopsy for cause of death.

 

Original Story:

The Corpus Christi Police Department Homicide/Robbery Bureau is asking the public’s assistance in locating 35-year-old Sean Yates  who was reported missing on January 30, 2014.  Yates was last seen at 902 Airport Road and is in need of his medication.

Sean was last seen wearing a grey shirt, dark jeans and white tennis shoes. He is 5′ 5″ tall and weighs 154 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. He is non-aggressive, likes flashing lights and police officers.

If you have any information or know the whereabouts of Sean Yates please call CCPD’s 911 Metrocom Center. For further information please contact Corpus Christi Police Department Homicide/Robbery Detective R.L. Garcia at 361-886-2850.

Patrol Division

Patrol Report February 25, 2014

The Corpus Christi Police Department generated 173 original reports for formal criminal complaints from midnight February 24 to 7:20am February 25, 2014. This is a sample of the criminal complaints filed by the Corpus Christi Police for that time period.

 

“Delta” District

Date: Monday, February 24, 2014, 23:34

Location: 2600 Nogales Street

Offense: Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (Penal Code Section 31.07) State Jail Felony

Case Number: 1402220147

Corpus Christi Police arrested 17-year-old Robert Lugo (9/13/1996) for unauthorized use of a vehicle at the 2600 block of Nogales Street Monday night. Corpus Christi Police Officers conducted foot patrol and heard screeching tires and a vehicle rev the engine. The Officers approached the vehicle and detained the operator, 17-year-old Robert Lugo, and the four juvenile passengers. Officers learned the vehicle was reported stolen on February 22 from the 3800 block of Caravelle Parkway in Corpus Christi. The four passengers were two 13-year-old girls, a 13-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy. The two boys were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center with citations for violation of night curfew. The two 13-year-old girls were taken to the Nueces County Juvenile Detention Center for providing false identifying information to the Officers. The Officers returned the vehicle to the owner and delivered Lugo to the city detention center.

Search the website Crimereports.com to research all reported criminal activity in Corpus Christi. Anyone who knows any additional information about these crimes should contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at 886-2841. Information about unsolved crimes may be provided to investigators anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or online at 888TIPS.com. Information provided to Crime Stoppers which results in an arrest may earn the caller a cash reward.

Patrol Division

Patrol Report February 24, 2014

The Corpus Christi Police Department generated 507 original reports for formal criminal complaints from midnight February 21 to 6:00am February 24, 2014. These are a sample of the criminal complaints filed by the Corpus Christi Police for that time period.

“Adam” District

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2014, 20:34

Location: 300 Lantana Street

Event: Major Vehicle Crash

Crash Number: C1400716

Corpus Christi Police responded to a vehicle crash with a fatal injury on the 300 block of Lantana Street Saturday night. Corpus Christi Police learned a blue 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis did not successfully negotiate a curve, the car struck a culvert, and the operator was ejected from the vehicle. The operator was a 33-year-old man and there was a 14-year-old passenger who was not ejected and suffered minor injuries. The 33-year-old man did not survive the crash. The vehicle was impounded and the Corpus Christi Police Traffic Safety Section continues to investigate the crash.

“Bravo” District

Date: Sunday, February 23, 2014, 12:52

Location: 9300 State Highway 358 east bound

Offense: Reckless Driving (Transportation Code Section 545.401)

Case Number: 1402230079

Corpus Christi Police arrested 25-year-old Rudy Rojas (2/9/1989) for reckless driving on the 9300 block of State Highway 358 Sunday. A Corpus Christi Police Officer saw a black 2012 Ford Mustang travel east on South Padre Island Drive at 102 miles per hour. The Officer conducted a traffic stop and arrested the operator, 25-year-old Rudy Rojas, for reckless driving. The Officer impounded the Mustang and delivered Riojas to the city detention center.

“Charlie” District

Date: Sunday, February 23, 2014, 19:09

Location: 4600 Marie Street

Offense: Kidnapping (20.03) 3rd Degree Felony

Case Number: 1402230120

A 12-year-old girl reported an attempted kidnapping at the 4600 block of Marie Street to Corpus Christi Police Sunday. The 12-year-old girl told Officers she walked alone on the 4600 block of Marie Street at 7:00pm Sunday night. The 12-year-old girl told Officers a heavy-set man walked up behind her and grabbed her shoulders. The 12-year-old girl told Officers she broke free from the man’s grip and ran away. The 12-year-old girl told Officers she was not injured, and she described the man as medium brown skin and wore a white t-shirt, blue jean shorts, and had tattoos on his arms. The 12-year-old girl told Officers the man got into a silver Chevrolet Impala and left the area.

Date: Sunday, February 23, 2014, 21:07

Location: 4600 Cosner Drive

Offense: Discharge a Firearm inside the Municipality (Penal Code Section 46.02) Class A Misdemeanor

Case Number: 1402230133

Corpus Christi Police arrested 27-year-old Michael Morin (2/2/1987) for discharging a firearm inside the city limits at the 4600 block of Cosner Drive Sunday night. Corpus Christi Police responded to a complaint of a person who discharged a firearm on the 4600 block of Hakel Drive at 9:00pm Sunday night. A Corpus Christi Police Officer saw a gray 2009 Pontiac sedan pass a stop sign without stopping and the Officer initiated a traffic stop. The Officer discovered the operator of the Pontiac, 27-year-old Michael Morin, had a pistol. The Officer discovered evidence that Morin had discharged the firearm in the area of the 4600 block of Hakel Drive moments before the Officer conducted the traffic stop. The Officer arrested Morin for discharging the firearm inside the city limits and impounded the vehicle. No injuries or damage were reported. The Officer then delivered Morin to the city detention center.

Date: Monday, February 24, 2014, 2:37am

Location: Holly Road at Staples Street

Event: Major Vehicle Crash

Crash Number: C1400741

Corpus Christi Police responded to a head on collision at Staples Street and Holly Road Monday morning. Corpus Christi Police learned that a maroon 1994 Chevy Suburban operated by a 19-year-old man and a silver 2007 Kawasaki motorcycle operated by a 49-year-old man collided with each other in the intersection. The 19-year-old man told Officers he had the green light and began a turn from Holly onto Staples when the motorcycle struck the Suburban. The 49-year-old man and his passenger, a 54-year-old man, were taken to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Officers impounded the Suburban and continue to investigate the crash. No citations have been issued. Officers noted fog was present at the time of the crash.

Search the website Crimereports.com to research all reported criminal activity in Corpus Christi. Anyone who knows any additional information about these crimes should contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at 886-2841. Information about unsolved crimes may be provided to investigators anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or online at 888TIPS.com. Information provided to Crime Stoppers which results in an arrest may earn the caller a cash reward.

Community Outreach

Animal Care Services Euthanizes Dog After 22 year-old man is bitten

On February 9th at approximately 9:52 am, Corpus Christi Police Officers and Corpus Christi Fire Department Medics responded to a residence on the 500 block of 18th Street to investigate a report of a dog bite with injuries.  Upon arriving, Officers and Medics discovered a 22 year old man with multiple bite injuries to the arms and legs.  The victim told Officers that he had been attacked by a pack of three to five dogs, and pointed out a residence where the dogs had returned to following the vicious attack. The victim was taken by private vehicle to Spohn Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries.  A fireman at the scene told police officers that the dogs were loose when the medics arrived and pointed out a residence where two of the dogs had been taken.  Corpus Christi Animal Control Officers responded to MMC and contacted the victim, who told ACOs that he had been walking down the street when he was attacked by a pack of three to five dogs and at least two came from the same residence.  ACOs photographed the man’s injuries and then went to the scene of the attack where they contacted a woman.  The woman, who was in possession of one of two dogs that attacked the man, initially denied the dog belonged to her, denied living at the address, claimed the dog had been restrained the whole time, and claimed that the other dogs were strays.  A police officer at the scene told ACOs that she had seen the dog loose when she arrived on scene and a neighbor told officers that the second dog had been driven away from the home by another woman.   Officers impounded that dog, a female pit-bull mix, at the scene and transported it to Animal Shelter to be held for the mandatory ten day quarantine period.   ACOs checked the address and discovered there had been nine previous complaints of aggressive dog calls, including complaints from City Code Enforcement Officers and US Postal Carriers.  Most calls indicated that the dog owners allowed their dogs to run loose and that they were becoming progressively more aggressive toward citizens living in the neighborhood.  ACOs were able to identify the person who took the second dog, also a pit-bull mix, from the scene, contacted her and convinced her to bring the dog to Animal Control for the ten day quarantine.  That woman told officers that the dog belonged to her son, who was in jail.  The dog had no registration tag, no microchip, or tattoo to properly identify the owner.

Animal Control Officers contacted the resident of the address to attempt to impound the outstanding two dogs. The woman agreed to surrender the dog, but failed to follow through on her agreement.  The remaining two dogs from the vicious attack were never found.

Animal Control Officers checked records and could not find any record of any animal being registered to anyone at the address where the dogs lived.  Officers further checked and could not find any registration under any of the names given by any of the women.

Both dogs were kept in quarantine at Animal Care Services.  During this time period, both dogs were evaluated by Shelter Vet Dr. M. Draper, who determined both dogs were highly aggressive and recommended they be deemed as Dangerous Dogs under the Texas Health and Safety Code.  On February 19th at 10:11 am the male dog was euthanized by Animal Care Services staff.  This was past the 240 hour state required quarantine period.

On February 20th, the female pit-bull, was released to the woman who admitted ownership at the beginning.  Animal Care Services Staff failed to notify the alleged owner of male pit-bull mix that the dog was going to be euthanized and offer her one last opportunity to prove ownership.  The ACO who euthanized the dog mistakenly believed that the dog had been “surrendered” by the owner.

Animal Care Services admits that this entire incident could have been handled better and offers our apologies.  An internal investigation is underway to determine what possible departmental policy was violated and create a procedure to prevent this from happening again.

Dog bite

Corpus Christi Police Daily Blotter