On Monday, February 12, 2024, at 2:56pm, officers were dispatched to assist CCFD with traffic control for a residential fire at the 2700 block of Camargo Drive.  

The fire department gained control of the fire and conducted their primary search of the residence and advised they located a victim inside of the residence. Due to suspicious circumstances, the fire department contacted the police department and advised us of their findings.  

Homicide detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division have arrived and are actively investigating the scene.  

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to contact detectives at 361-886-2840. You may also call Crime Stoppers at 361-888-TIPS.  

Detectives with the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division busted yet another illicit gambling operation Thursday afternoon located inside a game room on the city’s south side. Continuing their initiative to eliminate illegal gambling within the Corpus Christi city limits, NVID Detectives served a search warrant at the El Patron Sweepstakes Game room, located on the 4600 block of SPID, shortly after noon yesterday. The search warrant was the conclusion of a months-long investigation into the business that uncovered evidence of illegal gambling. During the search, Detectives found and seized ninety pieces of gambling equipment and over $31,000 in cash. Andria Thompson, age 34, was arrested and charged with gambling promotion, keeping a gambling place, possession of a gambling device, and engaging in organized criminal activity. Engaging in organized criminal activity is a state jail felony, punishable by up to two years in jail and a maximum $10,000 fine, while the other three charges are class A misdemeanors. Twenty-three adult patrons inside the game room were cited for gambling, a class C misdemeanor.

This investigation continues, and additional charges and arrests are likely. The Corpus Christi Police Department reminds citizens that game rooms which pay out cash rewards are engaging in illegal gambling. Patrons as well as the management of these establishments may face criminal charges.

NVID Detectives were assisted in the operation by officers with the CCPD Operations Division, as well as investigators with the State of Texas Comptroller’s Office, which regulates coin operated machines.

The Corpus Christi Police Department continues to collaborate with our local state and federal partners to investigate and combat illegal gambling. Investigators will continue to enforce all Texas gambling laws, which will help accomplish our mission to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and to improve the quality of life in our community.

UPDATE: The suspect has been identified.

Corpus Christ Police Detectives would like your help in identifying a burglary suspect.

This male suspect has committed several business burglaries on the south side in the past few weeks.

If you have any information about this person pictured, please call our Criminal Investigation Division at 361-886-2840.

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=. Information provided to Crime Stoppers is anonymous and if the information leads to an arrest, it could earn you a cash reward.

This is great information. Please take a moment to read. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our newly established Auto Theft Task Force helpline at 361-886-2874. 

#IfYouLikeItLockIt

Did you know that today is Safer Internet Day? Let’s start the conversation about SMART Parenting Tips for Online Safety. There are resources and support available to help you.

We want to work together for a Safer Internet for our children. Please follow the following #internetsafety

SETUP DEVICES, ACCOUNTS AND PASSWORDS.
It is important for parents to know how to set up their children’s devices for several reasons. Overall, knowing how to set up a device empowers parents to create a safe and healthy digital environment for their kids. It allows them to strike a balance between protecting their children and allowing them to explore the online world in a responsible and beneficial way. While knowing how to use parental controls and security features is essential, it goes beyond technical knowledge. Parents should also be familiar with current online trends, dangers, and age-appropriate content to effectively guide and advise their children on safe and responsible digital citizenship. Remember, technology evolves rapidly, so it is important for parents to stay informed and adapt their strategies as needed to ensure their children’s continued safety and well-being in the digital world.

MONITOR ALL ONLINE USE AND CONNECTIONS.
Monitoring your children’s online use and connections isn’t about spying, it’s about striking a crucial balance between protecting them from potential harm and fostering their digital independence. Monitoring your children’s online use and connections is an ongoing process, an investment in their safety, well-being, and digital citizenship. By striking the right balance and focusing on open communication, you can empower your children to navigate the online world safely and confidently.

APPROVE ALL GAMES AND APPS.
Parents’ approval of their children’s apps and games is crucial for several reasons and goes beyond simply saying “yes” or “no.” It’s about creating a safe and enriching digital environment that fosters safety, security, healthy development, trust and communication. Approving apps together creates opportunities for open communication about online activities. Discuss the reasons behind your decisions, explain potential risks, and set expectations for responsible use. This builds trust and strengthens parent-child relationships.

RESTRICT CONNECTIONS AND PERMISSIONS.
It’s incredibly important for parents to restrict their child’s access to inappropriate content. It’s about creating a safe and age-appropriate online environment where children can explore and learn while being protected from potential harm. Here are some helpful approaches: • Open communication: Talk to your children about the dangers of inappropriate content and set clear expectations for their online behavior. • Parental control tools: Utilize parental control features offered by devices and platforms to filter content, limit screen time, and monitor online activity. • Age-appropriate resources: Choose websites, apps, and games specifically designed for children’s age and developmental needs.

TALK – START THE CONVERSATION AND TEACH YOUR CHILDREN.
Open and repeated conversations are your most powerful tool for online safety. By prioritizing open and repeated conversations about online safety, you can equip your children with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. Think of it as an investment in their future, just like teaching them any other important life skill. Technology and online trends evolve rapidly, making it impossible for parents to know everything. Having ongoing conversations about online safety allows you to stay updated on the latest trends, apps, and challenges kids might face. You can adjust your guidance accordingly. Remember, these conversations don’t have to be one-sided lectures. Here are some tips for making them more engaging and effective: • Start early and adapt the conversation to your child’s age and development. • Make it a natural part of everyday life, not just a one-time event. • Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to their concerns. • Use real-life examples and relatable scenarios to illustrate your points. • Focus on teaching them strategies for staying safe, not just scaring them. • Be open to learning from them as well.

For additional information and resources, please see:
https://icactaskforce.org/internetsafety
https://saferinternetday.us/

#SID2024 #SaferInternetDay #StartTheConversation #InternetSafety

Congratulations to Senior Officer Ramiro Torres on his retirement after 32 years of service with the Corpus Christi Police Department.

Ramiro began his career in January of 1992 and graduated from the 49^th Police Academy. After completing the Field Training phase, he started his career in the Uniform Division as a patrol officer. Ramiro has served in several divisions and capacities over the course of his career, including as a Directed Patrol Officer with the Crime Reduction Unit.

Ramiro later served as an Investigator with the Criminal Investigations Division, where he served on the Graffiti Task Force, Robbery and Homicide Unit and the Family Violence Unit. He received a certificate of commendation from Corpus Christi Mayor Joe Adame in June 2010 for removal of graffiti and arrest of graffiti vandals.

Ramiro was most recently assigned to the Financial Crimes Unit where he investigated financial crimes, white-collar crimes and cases involving financial exploitation of the elderly and disabled individuals.

In May of 2015, Ramiro volunteered his time with a CCPD strike team that went to assist in the search and rescue of the victims of the Wimberly, Texas Memorial Day flooding. This mission got him interested in search and rescue and ultimately Ramiro continued to volunteer his time as a ground search and rescue technician and a flood and swift water rescue technician with the Texas Search and Rescue Organization.

Thank you for your years of service to the citizens of Corpus Christi and to the Corpus Christi Police Department.

Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Time: 10:00 am (gates open at 8:00 am)
Location: 5485 Greenwood

ON SITE AUCTION SALE AND LIVE ONLINE (WEBCAST)

REGISTRATION: visit https://siskauction.hibid.com/ to register and obtain further on-line auction instructions.

VIEWING: Friday, February 2, 2024, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Everyone must be registered and have a bidder number to enter the auction.

No purses or backpacks allowed in the auction area.

ABSOLUTELY no one under 18 allowed throughout the entire auction.  This includes viewing day, during the auction and while picking up auction vehicles.

64 Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, ATV, RV and Trailers

This is a national issue that is affecting Corpus Christi!

Did you know that some Kia models are on recall for key start ignitions with security concerns?

Since safety and security are our top priority, CCPD recommends all Kia owners contact your local Kia dealership to see if your vehicle qualifies.

If it doesn’t, you can also call Kia Consumer Assistance at 800-333-4542 and they will mail you a steering wheel security feature to help protect your vehicle!

Stay safe Corpus Christi and always remember: If you like it, lock it!

On January 27, 2024, at about 11:09 PM officers were dispatched to the area of IH 37 and Violet Rd. in reference to shots fired. Comments stated the involved vehicles were now closer to Suntide Rd.

One of the involved vehicles pulled into the Annaville Police Sub-station on Tuloso Rd. and contacted an officer who was in the parking lot. The 35-year-old female driver told the officer a black Chevrolet truck had cut her off while she was trying to enter the highway near Violet Rd. The truck began tail gaiting her then pulled out a gun and shot at the back of her SUV several times. The victim said she tried to get away, but the truck followed her. That is when the truck also pulled into the Police sub-station as well.

The officer was able to contact the driver of the truck and detain him without incident. Other officers arrived to assist. The officers located several bullet holes in the back of the SUV. There was a total of 4 occupants in the SUV. There were no injuries.

Officers arrested the driver of the truck for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The gun used was recovered from inside of the truck. He was identified as 61-year-old James Jones.

84th Corpus Christi Police Applicant

You are invited to attend the Corpus Christi Police Department Practice Physical Assessment Test (PAT) on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. for our upcoming CCPD 84th Police Academy projected to begin July 2024. The practice test will take place at the main police station (321 John Sartain, Corpus Christi, TX 78401). Applicants will meet us at the gated entrance directly across from Whataburger on the Bay (Water St. side of the building). Check-in time will be between 7:00 am – 7:30 am, so we can start promptly at 7:30 am.