Community Outreach

Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers 2012 Review

Stop Crime

The Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers organization is thankful to the public for participation to apprehend criminals and is pleased to report statistical information about the activity of the program for 2012.

The Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers Organization is a venue for the public to provide anonymous information to the Corpus Christi Police Department about unsolved crimes. The proposed vision statement for the Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers is to facilitate the public with the best and safest outlet to provide anonymous information to law enforcement that may not have been collected otherwise while utilizing the latest technological trends available and paying a reward to tipsters for information that leads to an arrest.

There were 2,253 tips called into Crime Stoppers for 2012 which resulted in 130 arrests and 177 cases cleared. The anonymous tips resulted in $19,650 worth of recovered property, $27,195 in street value of narcotics seized, and 10 weapons recovered. Those who provided information that led to the arrest of criminals were paid rewards. The total amount of rewards approved this year was $19,841.

The Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers 501.3(c) organization began in October 1981 by a group of citizen volunteers and has facilitated 2,793 arrests since inception. The Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers Board currently has 13 citizen volunteers. All the money paid in rewards to tipsters is generated from donations to the program. No tax dollars fund the Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers program.

An example of a good Crime Stoppers tip was October 2, 2012 at 2222 Capitan #B. Corpus Christi Police Narcotics Vice Investigators acted on a tip and seized 20 pounds of marijuana, 8.43 grams of cocaine, and $14,520 in cash.

Siezure from October 2, 2012 Case #1210020122 from a Crime Stoppers tip
seizure from October 2, 2012 Case #1210020122 from a Crime Stoppers tip

The Corpus Christi Crime Stoppers Organization is thankful for the public support to hold criminal accountable for their actions and encourages anyone with information about unsolved crimes to call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888TIPS.com. The organization also has the Tipsubmit mobile app for users to provide tips on their smart phone. Everyone is encouraged to research reported criminal activity in their area by visiting the website, Crimereports.com and there is an option to provide Crime Stoppers with information about the crimes featured on that site. If the information provided to Crime Stoppers leads to an arrest, the tipster could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Bravo District, Patrol Division

Police Catch Man Filling Up Stolen Truck With Gas on Airline Road

Occurred Monday, December 31, 2012, 1:47am, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, 1212310015

A 46-year-old man was arrested Monday morning for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle when an alert Corpus Christi Police Officer saw the man fill up with gas at Airline and Holly.

A Corpus Christi Police Patrol Officer pulled into a gas station at the intersection of Airline and Holly Road at 1:47 in the morning and saw an unoccupied red 1999 FordF-150 pickup truck at the fuel pump. The officer saw the truck had no front license plate displayed. The officer circled to the back of the truck and checked the Texas license plate displayed on the rear of the truck.

The officer was notified the license plate displayed was reported as a stolen license plate from Corpus Christi on December 26, 2012. The Officer stopped a 46-year-old man who crossed the street from the gas station as a possible person who brought the truck to the fuel pump. The officer then discovered the truck was reported stolen out of George West.

The officer found evidence the 46-year-old man, Leonel Soliz (8/16/1966), had driven the truck to the fuel pump. The Police Officer then discovered methamphetamines in the truck during an inventory.

Soliz was arrested for possession of a controlled substance from penalty group 1, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (both state jail felony offenses), and for theft for the stolen license plate (a Class B Misdemeanor). Soliz was then delivered to the Corpus Christi city detention center.

Community Outreach

Police Warn Against Celebratory Gunfire

Celebratory gunfire may not seem like a big deal to many, but to put this into perspective, a bullet fired into the air can climb up to two miles. When it falls back to earth, it can reach a speed of 300 to 700 feet per second. A velocity of only 200 feet per second is strong enough to penetrate the human skull.

Celebratory gunfire is not only dangerous but it is against the law. Texas Penal Code 42.12. “DISCHARGE OF FIREARM IN CERTAIN MUNICIPALITIES” states; A person commits an offense if the person recklessly discharges a firearm inside the corporate limits of a municipality having a population of 100,000 or more. An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

A person acts recklessly, or is reckless, with respect to circumstances surrounding his conduct or the result of his conduct when he is aware of but consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur. An individual guilty of a Class A misdemeanor shall be punished by: a fine not to exceed $4,000; confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year; or both such fine and confinement.

Remember what goes up must come down and the Corpus Christi Police Department want no one to get hurt.

Delta District, Traffic Safety Division

Man Causes Crash At Staples & Kostroyz With Fatal Injury, Then Arrested For Intoxication Manslaughter

Intersection of Kostoryz and Staples by Google
Intersection of Kostoryz and Staples by Google

Occurred Monday, December 31, 2012, 5:47am, Staples St. at Kostoryz St. Intoxication Manslaughter, 1212310030

A 22-year-old man was arrested for intoxication manslaughter Monday morning after a single vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man.

A black 2003 Kia Sorento was driven by 22-year-old Michael Valenzuela (10/18/1990) on Kostoryz Monday morning at about 5:45am. The Kia traveled north on Kostroyz to the Staples Street intersection and then conducted a left turn onto Staples Street. Valenzuela lost control of the vehicle and the Kia struck the curb on the right side of the roadway and then rolled. The Kia landed on the driver’s side.

A 22-year-old man was the rear passenger in the Kia and was ejected from the Kia. The 22-year-old passenger was not wearing a seat belt and was fatally injured. The two women passengers and Valenzuela were uninjured in the crash.

Corpus Christi Police investigated the crash and discovered Valenzuela was in possession of marijuana. Investigating officers believe speed was a contributing factor to the crash and also discovered evidence Valenzuela was intoxicated.

Police Officers took Valenzuela to Spohn Shoreline Hospital for a medical evaluation and to collect a specimen of his blood. Valenzuela was then delivered to the Corpus Christi city detention center.

Valenzuela was arrested for Intoxication Manslaughter (a second degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine) and for possession of marijuana (a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine).

Traffic was disrupted in the intersection for about 2 hours.

Corpus Christi Police remind motorists that everyone in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt. Police also urge everyone to reduce the risk in traffic and have a driver that has not consumed alcohol.

Adam District, Patrol Division

Woman Shoots Man on Chippewa Street

Occurred Sunday, December 30, 2012, 15:12, Aggravated Assault, 3600 Chippewa Street 1212300084

               A 36-year-old man was injured by a gunshot to the arm Sunday afternoon at the 3600 block of Chippewa Street near Hiawatha.

A gray car was parked at the 3600 block of Chippewa Street at about 3:10pm. A 36-year-old man stood outside the window to the car and a Hispanic woman sat in the passenger side of the car.  The woman presented a pistol and shot the 36-year-old man once in the arm and the car sped away.

The 36-year-old man presented a pistol and fired several shots at the car. The 36-year-old man then ran from the scene, and was later found at a local hospital to seek treatment for his non-life threatening injury.

Corpus Christi Police collected evidence from the scene and gathered information from witnesses. The Investigating officers discovered the victim of this aggravated assault has previously been convicted of a felony and he was in possession of a firearm.

Corpus Christi Police continue to investigate the aggravated assault and investigate any violation of law for the unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Anyone with additional information about this crime should call Corpus Christi Police Detectives at 886-2841. Information may be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS (8477) or online at www.888TIPS.com.

Charlie District, Criminal Investigations Division

Police Arrest 3 Men For Abduction On Braesvalley Dr.

Corpus Christi Police arrested three men at about 4:00am December 30, 2012, for the child abduction from the 6900 block of Braesvalley Drive that happened on December 28, 2012.

Corpus Christi Police Detectives gathered information Saturday night and identified 17-year-old Eric Dimick (10/15/1995), 18-year-old Jacob Musich (5/5/1994), and 18-year-old Colton Visor (4/3/1994) as those responsible for the crime. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for all three for the charge of Aggravated Kidnapping, a 1st degree felony offense punishable by up to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

Corpus Christi Police Officers went Visor’s residence at the 5300 block of Spring Brook Drive and arrested Visor and Dimick. Officers arrested Musich at his residence at the 7300 block of Tangled Ridge. The Chevy Suburban which belonged to Musich was impounded. All three men were then delivered to the Corpus Christi city detention center.

The Corpus Christi Police would like to thank the public for the assistance and support to apprehend these individuals. It is the mission of the Corpus Christi Police Department to work as an equal partner with the community to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime, and to enhance public safety.

Delta District, Patrol Division

Man Barricades Himself In Home To Avoid Arrest on Talisman Street

Occurred Friday, December 28, 2012, 20:38, 1800 Talisman Street, Aggravated Assault, 1212280142

               A 55-year-old man was arrested safely Friday night after he barricaded himself in his home for about an hour and a half on the 1800 block of Talisman Street.

Corpus Christi Police were called to a disturbance at 8:40pm on the 1800 block of Talisman Street Friday night. A 32-year-old woman called police and said her 55-year-old friend, Juan Medina (7/2/1957) shot at her with a pistol. The woman said she was not injured and was able to get away from Medina.

The 32-year-old woman said she and Medina became involved in a disturbance which escalated to the point that Medina shot once in her direction. The 32-year-old woman said Medina was intoxicated and at his house alone.

Corpus Christi Police went to the house; but, Medina went into the house and refused to meet with the police officers. Medina was armed, had fired one shot at a person, and had gone into a shelter to a hidden position, so the Corpus Christi SWAT team and the Hostage Negotiating team were summoned to seek a peaceful end to the event.

The 4000 block of Niagra Street and the 1800 block of Talisman Street were closed to traffic for the duration of the negotiation. Several neighbors were displaced from their home to keep them at a safe distance during the event.

Medina was safely arrested at 10:40pm by the Corpus Christi SWAT team for Aggravated Assault (a 1st degree felony), Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (a 3rd degree felony), and for unlawful restraint (a Class A misdemeanor). Medina was then delivered to the city detention center.

Community Outreach

Emergency Responders Deliver Safety Message For New Year’s Holiday

Corpus Christi Chief of Police Floyd Simpson delivers a safety message from Spohn Memorial Hospital
Corpus Christi Chief of Police Floyd Simpson delivers a safety message from Spohn Memorial Hospital

The Corpus Christi Police Department, the Corpus Christi Fire Department, the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office and the Christus Spohn Health System delivered a safety message Friday afternoon from the front door of the Emergency Department at Spohn Memorial Hospital.

Corpus Christi Police Chief Floyd Simpson was one of the speakers in the afternoon message. Chief Simpson explained that Corpus Christi Police will have additional D.W.I. patrol for the New Year’s evening. Chief Simpson explained that six Police Officers will begin at 5:30pm to locate impaired drivers. The special patrol will continue until 3:30am or later as needed.

The Nueces County District Attorney’s Office has provided a phlebotomist to be available at the city detention center for the New Year’s holiday. An officer who arrests an impaired driver may have a blood specimen collected at the detention center rather than taking the prisoner to the hospital for the evidence collection.

Chief Simpson spoke about the Corpus Christi Police Officers who will be assigned to join the Corpus Christi Fire Department this holiday to identify and issue citations to those who ignite fireworks in the city in violation of the ordinance. Chief Simpson provided the reminder that fireworks are prohibited inside the Corpus Christi city limits.

Staffing has been increased this year for the New Year’s holiday. The Corpus Christi Police have adjusted officers schedules to provide 13 additional patrol officers (not including the additional 6 for D.W.I. enforcement) to work on the New Year’s holiday. Additional patrol supervisors have also been assigned to adjust their schedule to work on the New Year’s holiday.

Chief Simpson explained that the Corpus Christi Police Department and all emergency responders want everyone to have a safe holiday. Impaired driving and fireworks injuries are preventable, and staff will be available for emergencies and enforcement.

Charlie District, Patrol Division

Police Arrest 2 Men For Burglary on Nemec Street

Occurred Friday, December 28, 2012, 00:23, 2500 Nemec Street, Burglary of a Habitation, 1212280003

                Two men were arrested Friday morning for burglary of a habitation on the 2500 block of Nemec Street.

A 21-year-old woman was in her home at 12:20am when there was a knock at her door. The 21-year-old woman looked outside and recognized one of two men who stood at the front door. The two men broke the front door open and entered the house while the woman ran to the back of the house.

The two men took a laptop computer and a cell phone from the couch where the woman sat before the knock at the door. The two men left the home, and the uninjured woman called Corpus Christi Police.

Corpus Christi Police Patrol Officers arrived and met the victim, then broadcast a description of the red 4 door passenger car used by the two suspects in this burglary. An other Corpus Christi Police Patrol Officer found the red passenger car with the two suspects and arrested 20-year-old Zachary Ozuna (5/29/1992) and 20-year-old Luis Cadena (5/15/1992) for burglary.

Both men were delivered to the city detention center and the laptop was returned to the owner.

Traffic Safety Division

City Road Closures For December 28-January 4

New – 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.

Chaparral Street and Schatzell Street Intersection

Monday – Friday

On December 17, 2012, weather permitting; contractors will begin preparation for the city’s Chaparral Street Improvement Project.   As this phase is ongoing, crews will be placing traffic control signs and mobilizing materials.

North Beach Burleson Road between Surfside and Timon

Monday – Friday

Beginning December 3, 2012 through December 14, 2012, weather permitting; contractors will be doing sidewalk repairs on Burleson Street between Surfside Boulevard and Timon Boulevard.

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 section 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.

New – Staples Street (Williams Street to Saratoga Boulevard)

Saturday – Friday (24-hour closure)

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.

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.

New – Sarazen Drive from Staples Street to Wooldridge Road

Saturday – Monday

Only inbound traffic is allowed to enter Sarazen Drive from Staples Street.  Traffic exiting must head north on Sarazen Drive and exit to Wooldridge Road.

New – 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.

New – Airline Road

Saturday – Friday (24-hour closure)

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

New – Staples Street and Weber Road/Doddridge Street

Saturday – Friday (24-hour closure)

Beginning on Friday, November 2, 2012, 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.  New – No left turns will be permitted onto Doddridge Road from Staples Street.

Corpus Christi Police Daily Blotter