Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Division

Dollar General Robbery Suspect Arrested

Date:  October 5, 2013, 11:13am
Location:  3130 Morgan Avenue http://goo.gl/maps/fqF1w
Event:  Aggravated Robbery
Case Number:  1310050064

Corpus Christi Police Officers have arrested the suspect wanted for the Dollar General robbery which occurred on October 5, 2013.  At 11:13am, store employees called Police to the Dollar General located at 3130 Morgan Avenue and reported being robbed at knifepoint.  A store clerk sustained a minor cut to her finger when the robbery suspect slashed at her.  He was able to take an undetermined amount of money and get away in a Sports Utility Vehicle.

Detectives were able to follow-up on tips which led them to Juan Vela (09/11/67) who was identified as the suspect involved in the Dollar General robbery.  On October 9, 2013 at 10:47pm, Vela turned himself in to Officers in the City Hall parking lot.  He was booked at the City Detention Center and charged with the outstanding  Aggravated Assault warrant.  His bond was set at $100,000.

Criminal Investigations Division

Man Arrested for Murder

The Texas Rangers arrested Jose Alfredo Saldana (12.2.1987) in San Antonio on Wednesday 10.9.2013 on a Murder warrant out of Nueces County. 

Officers were dispatched for a man down (assault injuries) at 2751 S. Port Avenue and found a 52-year-old man lying in the parking lot. He was taken to Spohn Memorial where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, 10.6.2013. Detectives with the Robbery/Homicide Division obtained the Murder warrant for Jose Saldana.

With the assistance of the Texas Rangers, Saldana was arrested in San Antonio on Wednesday, 10.10.2013 and booked into the Bexar County Jail. He was transported back to Corpus Christi by Detectives and booked into the City Detention Center late Wednesday evening.

This is the 14th Criminal Homicide for 2013 in Corpus Christi.

Community Outreach

Join CCPD Explorer Post #133 for McExplorers Night at McDonalds

ExplorersPhoto#133
Corpus Christi Police Department Explorer Post #133

Corpus Christi Police Department’s Explorer Post #133 and the McDonald’s at Leopard and Violet are joining together to hold McExplorers Night.  McDonald’s will donate 10% of all  purchases between 5:00pm -8:00pm to the CCPD’s Explorer Post #133.

The Explorer program enhances self-confidence, motivation, civic-mindedness, and cultivates strong leadership traits.  These characteristics help Explorers prepare for a career in law enforcement and to become future leaders.

Our reputation of pride and excellence in representing our fair city and CCPD at many state and national competitions is well-known.  Over the years, we have won many National Police Explorer Competition Awards.  The monies raised will be used for competition fees and expenses during the next Alamo Heights Competition in San Antonio, TX.

Community Outreach

Who stole Victoria’s Secrets?

Date:  August 30, 2013, 08:12pm
Location:  5488 S. Padre Island Drive http://goo.gl/maps/lKkSY
Event:  Theft~Shoplifting
Case Number:  13083000158

Corpus Christi Property Crimes Detectives are asking the public’s assistance to help identify the suspects involved in the shoplifting theft of bras and panties valued at $5,700.

Store surveillance video shows two men and a woman walk into the Victoria’s Secret and steal the undergarments.    The videos have been uploaded to the Police Department’s YouTube account at  http://youtu.be/0vRoC2hDKoo and  http://youtu.be/NhKQC–ZRDk.

Anyone with any information on this crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 361-888-TIPS or submit a tip online at www.888TIPS.com.  Tipster will earn a cash reward if the suspects are identified and arrested.

Traffic Safety Division

Police Investigate Crash With Fatal Injuries

Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 7:55am

Location: McKenzie Road near Haven Drive http://goo.gl/maps/mlcMi

Event: Vehicle Crash

Crash Number: C1307419

A 43-year-old man did not survive a vehicle crash on McKinzie Road near Haven Drive Wednesday morning.

A green Ford F-150 pickup truck driven by a 43-year-old man traveled north on McKinzie Road at 7:55am. A commercial motor vehicle driven by a 36-year-old man traveled south on McKenzie at the same time. The Ford F-150 drifted into oncoming traffic and struck the commercial motor vehicle head on. The 36-year-old man refused medical treatment and the 43-year-old man did not survive the crash.

McKinzie Road was closed to traffic from 8:00am until about 10:30am.

The Corpus Christi Police Traffic Safety Section are investigating to determine the cause of the crash. Anyone with any additional information about the crash should call the Corpus Christi Police Traffic Safety Section at 886-2600.

Community Outreach

City Ordinance: 53-16 -Use of Wireless Communications While Driving

The following is the City Ordinance regarding “cell phone” use within Corpus Christi, Texas. Effective today Officers will issue warning citations for violations within this ordinance. On November 11th, 2013 Officers will begin issuing citations for violations.

Ordinance

Adding a new section 53-16 of the city code relating to restrictions on use of wireless communications while driving, creating an offense, providing for penalties, providing for severance, providing for publication, and providing for an effective date,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI:

SECTION 1. Chapter 53 of the City of Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances is amended by adding a new Section 53-16 to read:

Sec. 53-16. Use of wireless communications while driving.
A. Definitions
“Hands-free device” means speakerphone capability or a telephone attachment or other piece of equipment, regardless of whether permanently installed in the motor vehicle, that allows use of the wireless communication device without use of either of the operator’s hands.
“Park or Parked” shall mean for the operator to completely cease movement of a motor vehicle in a lawful manner and location. For purposes of this Section, “Parked” does not include or mean a vehicle stopped in a lane of traffic due to either a lawful traffic control device, or the conditions on the roadway, or traffic congestion patterns then existing.
“Wireless communication device” means a device that uses a commercial mobile service, as defined by 47 U.S.C. § 332.

B. An operator of a motor vehicle may not use a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle within the city limits.

C. This section does not apply to an operator of a motor vehicle using a wireless communications device:
1. while the vehicle is parked;
2. that is affixed to the vehicle and used as a global positioning or navigation system;
3. that is used with a hands-free device;
4. who is an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle while acting in an official capacity;
5. who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission while operating a radio frequency device other than a wireless communication device; or
6. while driving a motor vehicle on private property.

C. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of an offense under this section if a wireless
communications device is used to make an emergency call to:
(1) an emergency response service, including a rescue, emergency medical, or hazardous
material response service;
(2) a hospital;
(3) a fire department;
(4) a health clinic;
(5) a medical doctor’s office;
(6) an individual to administer first aid treatment; or
(7) a police department.

D. A violation of this Section is a Class C misdemeanor punishable as provided in Section 1-6 of
the Code of Ordinances.

E. The culpable mental state required by Section 6.02 of the Texas Penal Code is specifically
negated and dispensed with and a violation under this subsection is a strict liability offense.

F. To the extent that this section conflicts with the Texas Transportation Code, this section does
not apply.

SECTION 2. If for any reason any section paragraph subdivision clause phrase word or
provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid or unconstitutional by final judgment of a court
of competent jurisdiction it shall not affect any other section paragraph subdivision clause phrase
word or provision of this ordinance for it is the definite intent of this City Council that every
section paragraph subdivision clause phrase word or provision hereof be given full force and
effect for its purpose.

SECTION 3. Publication shall be made one time in the official publication of the City of
Corpus Christi as required by the City Charter of the City of Corpus Christi.

SECTION 4. Penalties are as provided in Section 1-6 of the Code of Ordinances.

SECTION 5. This ordinance takes effect immediately upon passage.

Patrol Division

Patrol Report October 9, 2013

“Adam” District

Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2013, 10:02am

Location: 1000 Nueces Bay Boulevard http://goo.gl/maps/V3YAx

Offense: Aggravated Robbery (Penal Code Section 29.03) 1st Degree Felony

Case Number: 1310080034

A 31-year-old man reported to the Corpus Christi Police that an unknown man injured and took the wallet from the 31-year-old man Near Leopard and Nueces Bay Boulevard Tuesday morning. Corpus Christi Police responded to an injured man at the 1000 block of Nueces Bay Boulevard at 10:02am. The man was quickly taken to the hospital and Officers investigated because the injury appeared to be the result of a criminal offense. Once at the hospital, the 31-year-old man told Officers something fell off his truck and when he returned to get the item, a man asked the 31-year-old man for money. The 31-year-old man said when he took out his wallet; the unknown man struck him on the head and took the wallet. Investigators are working with the 31-year-old man to develop a description of the suspect in this case.

 

“Bravo” District

Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 4:54am

Location: Don Patricio and Sunnycrest Street http://goo.gl/maps/yzdqQ

Offense: Warrant of Arrest (Code of Criminal Procedure 15.01)

Case Number: 1310090015

Corpus Christi Police arrested a 20-year-old man several warrants for his arrest Wednesday morning on Don Patricio Road and Sunnycrest Street. A Corpus Christi Police Officer conducted a traffic stop when he saw 20-year-old Tyler Franks (3/9/1993) ride his bike without a rear red reflector as required. Franks gave the Officer a false name and then the Officer discovered warrants for the arrest for Franks when the true identity of Franks was revealed. The Officer then discovered a crystal substance in Franks’ pocket which the Officer believes is methamphetamine.

Franks was arrested for the two warrants for his arrest (both for motions to revoke for original charges of burglary of a habitation), for fail to identify as a fugitive from justice, and for possession of a controlled substance in penalty group 1. Franks was then delivered to the city detention center.

 

Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2013, 15:22

Location: 2101 Airline Road http://goo.gl/maps/OokoE

Offense: Burglary of a Vehicle (Penal Code Section 30.04) Class A Misdemeanor

Case Number: 1310080086

A 32-year-old woman reported to the Corpus Christi Police that her purse was taken from inside her unattended car at 2101 Airline Road Tuesday afternoon. The 32-year-old woman told Officers she left her purse on the floorboard of her black Chevrolet Cobalt 2 door car while she went inside to exercise. The 32-year-old woman said she discovered the window to her car was broken and the purse was missing.

The suspect in this case is described as a heavy-set Hispanic male who wore shorts and a white t-shirt and left in a small black 2 door car.

 

“Charlie” District

Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2013, 15:06

Location: 6643 Staples Street http://goo.gl/maps/PIIzZ

Offense: Burglary of a Vehicle (Penal Code Section 30.04) Class A Misdemeanor

Case Number: 1310080084

A 30-year-old woman reported to the Corpus Christi Police that her purse was taken from inside her unattended car at 6643 Staples Street Tuesday afternoon. The 30-year-old woman told Officers she left her purse on the floorboard of her gold 2010 Dodge Charger while she went inside to exercise. The 30-year-old woman said she discovered the window to her car was broken and her purse was missing. The 30-year-old woman told the investigating Officer her credit cards were already used and the Officer continued to investigate.

The suspect in this case is described as a heavy-set Hispanic Male who wore shorts and a white t-shirt and left in a small black 2 door car.

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 October 8, 2013

“Bravo” District

Date: Monday, October 7, 2013, 18:10

Location: 2400 Scotch Moss Drive http://goo.gl/maps/U8yQq

Offense: Burglary of a Habitation (Penal Code Section 30.02) 2nd Degree Felony

Case Number: 1310070148

Two 12-year-old boys were taken into custody for burglary of a habitation on the 2400 block of Scotch Moss Drive Monday evening by the Corpus Christi Police. A 45-year-old man arrived home and discovered his front door open and his electronics gaming system missing from inside. The man then found a 12-year-old boy inside the home. The Corpus Christi Police arrived and discovered a second 12-year-old boy was also involved in the burglary. The gaming system and accessories valued at about $1, 900 dollars were returned to the 45-year-old man and the two 12-year-old boys were delivered to the Nueces County Detention Center.

 

“Charlie” District

Date: Monday, October 7, 2013, 20:47

Location: Greenwood Drive at Horne Road http://goo.gl/maps/bGjPE

Offense: Endangering a Child (Penal Code Section 22.041) State Jail Felony

Case Number: 1310070159

Corpus Christi Police arrested 31-year-old Ruben Contreras (8/20/1982) for several charges relating to unsafe driving Monday night on Greenwood Drive at Horne Road. Corpus Christi Police Officers saw a silver 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and a silver Ford Mustang race on Greenwood Drive near Bernandino. A Corpus Christi Police Officer conducted a traffic stop of the Silverado truck and arrested Contreras for Reckless Driving. The Officer discovered a 4-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl as passengers inside the Silverado so Contreras was additionally charged with endangering a child for creating a substantial risk of injury to the children. Contreras was also driving with an invalid license and had a Municipal Court warrant for his arrest. Contreras was charged with Endangering a Child, the Warrant for his arrest, Driving While License Invalid, and for Reckless Driving and then delivered to the city detention center.

 

“Delta” District

Date: Monday, October 7, 2013, 22:46

Location: 802 S. Staples Street http://goo.gl/maps/9ncIJ

Offense: Resisting Arrest (Penal Code Section 38.03) Class A Misdemeanor

Case Number: 1310070178

Corpus Christi Police arrested 27-year-old Ernesto Tamez (9/11/1986) for Public Intoxication, Resisting Arrest, and Evading Arrest on the 800 block of South Staples Street Monday night. Corpus Christi Police responded to a disturbance complaint at a club at 802 South Staples Street. Police met Tamez to inquire about the disturbance. Tamez fled from the Officers and then resisted arrest until he was apprehended. Tamez was then delivered to the city detention center.

 

Date: Tuesday, October 8, 2013, 3:07am

Location: Ocean Drive at Oleander Avenue http://goo.gl/maps/zXSTF

Offense: Driving While Intoxicated (Penal Code Section 49.04) Class B Misdemeanor

Case Number: 1310080010

Corpus Christi Police arrested 24-year-old Siobhain Farias (9/25/1989) for Driving While Intoxicated after she was involved in a single vehicle crash at Ocean Drive at Oleander Avenue Tuesday morning.

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.

Charlie District, Community Outreach, Criminal Investigations Division

Can you ID these robbery suspects?

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Corpus Christi Robbery Detectives are asking the public’s assistance to help identify the suspects  involved in the robbery of two businesses on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

At 11:13am, store employees called Police to the Dollar General located at 3130 Morgan Avenue and reported being robbed at knifepoint.  A store clerk sustained a minor cut to her finger when the robbery suspect slashed at her.  He was able to take an undetermined amount of money and getaway in a Sports Utility Vehicle.

The suspect in the Dollar General robbery is described as a Hispanic man in his mid to late 30’s, stands 5’9″ feet tall, and weighs 140 lbs.  He was seen leaving in a black Ford Explorer. #1310050064

At 12:28pm, Police were to the Wal-Mart located at 1821 S. Padre Island Drive for a robbery.  Further investigation revealed a fire was set in the grocery section, shortly before the robbery occurred.  The robber was able to escape, walking out with customers as the store was evacuated.

The suspect in the Wal-Mart robbery is a Hispanic man in his mid twenties, standing 5’9″ to 5’10” feet tall, and weighing 130 lbs.  He was seen leaving in a blue Ford Explorer. #1310050069

It is unknown at this time, if the robberies are connected, but Detectives ask that anyone with any information on these two robberies or knows the identity of the suspects are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS or submit a tip online at www.888TIPS.com.  Tipsters will earn a cash reward if the suspects are identified and arrested.

Patrol Division

Patrol Report October 7, 2013

“Adam” District

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2013, 5:38am

Location: 4400 Baldwin Boulevard http://goo.gl/maps/ftlv9

Offense: Driving While Intoxicated (Penal Code Section 49.04)

Case Number: 1310050045

Corpus Christi Police arrested 42-year-old Juan Villa (6/24/1971) for driving while intoxicated in a red Ford F-150 on the 4400 block of Baldwin.

 

Date: Monday, October 07, 2013, 00:47

Location: Leopard Street at Westchester Drive http://goo.gl/maps/dPVzJ

Offense: Driving While Intoxicated (Penal Code Section 49.04)

Case Number: 1310070017

Corpus Christi Police arrested 25-year-old Leonard Perez (9/15/1988) for driving while intoxicated in a white 2003 Chevrolet pickup truck at Leopard Street and Westchester Street.

 

“Bravo” District

Date: Sunday, October 6, 2013, 3:03am

Location: 5560 South Padre Island Drive http://goo.gl/maps/GHOFy

Offense: Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (Penal Code Section 31.07)

Case Number: 1310060041

A 14-year-old boy was taken into custody Sunday morning for Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle after he was found with an 18-year-old man and another 14-year-old boy at a restaurant on South Padre Island Drive at 3:00am. A Corpus Christi Police Officer noticed the two 14-year-old boys in a red 2010 Chevrolet Aveo in the drive through at 3:00am. The Officer went to investigate the curfew violations. The 18-year-old man was issued a citation for inducing curfew and the two 14-year-old boys were issued a citation for violation of the night curfew. The Officer then discovered the grandparents of one 14-year-old boy reported the car stolen. The 14-year-old who took the car without permission was then taken into custody and delivered to the Nueces County Juvenile Detention Center.

 

“Charlie” District

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2013, 23:39

Location: 5900 Saratoga Boulevard http://goo.gl/maps/jdBHw

Offense: Reckless Driving (Transportation Code Section 545.401)

Case Number: 1310060001

Corpus Christi Police arrested 30-year-old Juan Escalera (5/31/1983) for reckless driving Saturday night when a Police Officer saw Escalera operate a silver 2003 Chevrolet Silverado at 80 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour speed zone. The truck also did not have insurance. The truck was taken to the city impound and Escalera was delivered to the city detention center.

 

Date: Sunday, October 6, 2013, 2:00am

Location: 4425 South Padre Island Drive http://goo.gl/maps/zFYuq

Offense: Aggravated Assault (Penal Code Section 22.02)

Case Number: 1310060023

Corpus Christi Police arrested 51-year-old Nick Perez (1/11/1962) Sunday morning at a bar located at 4425 South Padre Island Drive after he assaulted a man and then tried to stab another man with a knife. Only minor injuries were reported and no person was cut by the knife. It was not determined what provoked the fight. Perez was delivered to the city detention center charged with aggravated assault, a second degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Date: Sunday, October 6, 2013, 23:55

Location: 5820 Staples Street http://goo.gl/maps/ULQiV

Aggravated Assault (Penal Code Section 22.02)

Case Number: 1310070011

A 17-year-old man reported to the Corpus Christi Police that he as in a fight and cut by a knife at a club at 5820 Staples Street. The 17-year-old man said he was surrounded by four men and punched until one man presented a knife and cut the 17-year-old man on his hand. The 17-year-old went to the hospital for treatment for a laceration to the hand and the injuries are not considered life threatening.

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.

Corpus Christi Police Daily Blotter