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Wanted Man Runs from Off-Duty Officer at Bus Stop

Ben Lloyd - blloyd@kristv.com — Wed, 15 May 2013 2:01:02 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI - An off-duty officer chased a wanted man from the bus station near City Hall all the way to an I-37 underpass this afternoon.

Police say the plainclothes officer was working security for RTA when he recognized the man. He was able to get the guy in custody briefly. Once free, the man took off running towards Antelope Street and I-37.

A Corpus Christi motorcycle officer was seen moving pretty quickly on foot to catch the guy next the Interstate. It was a Sheriff's Deputy Robert A. Cavazos who caught the guy.

As Cavazos was heading back from lunch he had spotted the chase. He got out of his car and ordered the man to surrender.

As he was being moved to the back of a police car he called out to his girlfriend or wife to "please bail him out." He told the woman he did nothing wrong.

Authorities say the man was wanted on outstanding warrants and now faces charges for evading and resisting arrest. We're waiting on confirmation of the man's identity.

The off-duty officer involved was treated for minor cuts and bruises because he took a nasty spill during the chase.

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Terrifying Shootout with Ohio Police

NBC News — Fri, 3 May 2013 4:03:13 PM

OHIO (WKYC) - A dashcam video released by Ohio police captured a dramatic shootout between two Middlefield police officers and a suspect during a routine traffic stop.

The officers were wounded and are recovering. The suspect was killed.

On March 10, 2013 Officer Brandon Savage and Officer Erin Thomas pulled James L. Gil Gilkerson over while on patrol.

Before they could exit their cruiser, police say the man got out of his car and fired at the officers.

Officers then exited their cruiser and returned fire, killing Gilkerson.

Officer Thomas was shot in the hand. She was taken by a University Hospitals MedEvac helicopter to MetroHealth Medical Center.

Officer Savage was hit in the leg by shrapnel and was taken to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center for treatment.

Mom Grabs Kid as Carjackers Approach

NBC News (WDIV) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 11:20:31 AM

DETROIT (WDIV) - One minute a woman and her 4-year-old son were shopping for balloons at a west Detroit dollar store. The next minute the woman has her son in her arms and she's running for her life.

She was carjacked at gunpoint in the middle of the day. The terrifying ordeal was caught on video. It shows the woman and boy leave the store. As soon as she unlocked the car doors two men wearing black hooded sweatshirts emerged from an abandoned building.

"I really couldn't see their faces. I just saw the gun. That's all I remember seeing," said the woman, who is not named in this story for her safety. "He approached the driver's side and that's when he jumped in my car, took the money and told me to give him the keys."

Thieves Blow Up ATM to Grab Cash

Tue, 2 Apr 2013 11:02:19 AM

UNITED KINGDOM - Thieves in the United Kingdom blow up an a-t-m outside of a gas station and take off with an undisclosed sum of cash.

Surveillance video caught the enormous explosion on tape.

Police said the raid took place in the early hours of Sunday morning. They said they were alerted by a local resident who reported hearing a loud bang.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the a-t-m blown open with the money stolen from inside.

Police said the raid on the a-t-m was similar to others carried out in mainland Europe.

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Kingsville Convenience Store Robbery

Ben Lloyd - blloyd@kristv.com — Mon, 1 Apr 2013 11:49:13 AM

KINGSVILLE - Robbery investigators need help from the public finding the man caught on tape robbing a Kingsville convenience store Saturday morning. The Hispanic male suspect is seen wearing an orange or red bandana while armed with a pistol. He has tattoos on his left forearm.

Surveillance video provided by police shows the suspect force the clerk back inside the store and order him to get cash from the register. The suspect even had to take a closer look at the side of his weapon, presumably to see if the safety was still on.

The clerk obeyed all the man's orders. There is no audio on the video provided, but the clerk appears to be trying to calm the suspect down. The suspect then nervously peers out the front door, taking his time, before leaving the area.

Tips can be left anonymously at with Kingsville Crime Stoppers at 592-INFO or at www.tipsubmit.com

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Injured Driver in China Steers Bus to Safety

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 11:21:19 AM

JIANGSHAN, China - Dramatic video out of China shows a lamppost smash violently through the windshield of a bus, knocking the driver from his seat.

Despite the fact the impact ruptured his spleen, the driver kept it together and managed to steer the bus to the roadside where it was stopped by a guard rail.

China central television described his actions as "heroic."

Speaking from the hospital where he is being treated, the driver said he was acting on instinct.

The lamppost was knocked down by an earlier car crash, putting it at the angle to go through the windshield.

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Videos Released in Purse Snatching Behind HEB

Ben Lloyd - blloyd@kristv.com — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 4:12:07 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI - Investigators released surveillance video today of two people wanted for stealing a purse from an 83-year-old woman behind the HEB on Port Avenue more than a week ago.

Hortenzia Martinez told us she had just picked up a prescription. She regularly walks to store and was heading back home when a guy grabbed her purse. All she saw was the back of his head as he got into the passenger seat of a silver four-door car and took off.

Police say the purse snatcher was wearing a red visor, a gray shirt with the number 24 on the front, khaki cargo shorts and white tennis shoes.

There's no good description of the second suspect who was driving the getaway car, a Ford Focus. The surveillance video images from the HEB just show a distant shot of another man running towards the car.

Martinez tells us the suspects only got away with her prescription, 75 cents, and some stamps.

If you have any information on the suspects, call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS, or submit a tip online at www.888tips.com.

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High Heel Heist in Oklahoma

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 4:00:24 PM

OKLAHOMA (KFOR) - High heels are generally viewed as a women's accessory but one man in Edmond thought differently and it landed him in jail.

Surveillance video caught a suspect on camera in the act of shoplifting from the Super Target in Edmond, Oklahoma

He came into the store barefoot, went to the women's section and picked out a pair of women's high-heeled shoes, $40 Prabal Gurung pumps to be exact.

He then walked around the store for a while in the shoes.

But as soon as he tried to leave, loss prevention officers jumped into action and 18-year-old Sylas Schmiedel was arrested.

When questioned, Schmiedel told officers he was stealing the shoes because he was going to use them for a drag show.

Texas Deputy Saves Man from Burning Home

Wed, 6 Mar 2013 10:43:05 AM

COLLEGE STATION (KBTX) - Saving people from burning buildings isn't usually in the job description for a sheriff's deputy. But for one Texas officer what some call a heroic act was all part of the job.

When Washington County Sheriff's Deputy Art Senteno arrived to the burning house he ran to the flames and smoke to make sure everyone was all right.

"Felt the door was hot. Went ahead and pushed it open. It was unlocked. So, smoke came out. I couldn't see anybody being inside, but I called out, and I heard a faint voice from far back in the house," Senteno recalls.

Dash cam video from Senteno's cruiser shows flames shooting from the roof and smoke billowing.

When Senteno went inside to look for 77-year-old Charles Bazar, he realized just how dangerous the situation was.

"Up here there's stuff falling from the roof. How I didn't get burned I don't know. I couldn't see a foot and a half in front of me. I had a bright light, and I crouched down and made my way, you know, towards the voice," he says.

Bazar's wife Kathleen had already made it out and says she'll never forget what Senteno did for
Her family.

"Can't even possibly say enough about what he did, because he risked his life," she says.

Even the volunteer firefighters on scene believe Senteno's actions were heroic.

"He was pretty aggressive in what he did, and it took a lot courage for him to do that," says firefighter Stephen Draehn.

"I shouldn't be considered a hero for merely doing something that we're sworn to do," Senteno counters.

It's about serving and protecting, even if it means risking his life to help others.

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Thief Strikes Woman with her own SUV

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 12:39:47 PM

IOWA - A woman was injured Saturday when she was struck by her own SUV as it was being driven off by a thief in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Surveillance video shows a man get out of a pickup parked at the gas pumps and get behind the wheel of her vehicle. Police say the owner left the engine running as she went inside the convenience store.

The woman noticed someone was driving off in the SUV, so she ran up to the side, only to be knocked to the ground. She was not seriously injured.

Both the truck and the SUV were last seen heading towards Omaha, Nebraska.

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Store Clerk Pulls Sword on Knife-Wielding Robber

NBC News (WHDH) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:13:48 AM

MASSACHUSETTS (WHDH) - A clerk in New Bedford, Massachusetts turned the tables during a convenience store robbery.

When the would-be robber pulled out his knife, clerk Brian Patel pulled out a sword.

Patel says the robber's knife was about eight inches long.

Patel didn't hesitate to reach under the counter and respond with his sword, about three feet long, that sent the robber running empty handed.

Even a customer got into the act, taking a kick at the crook as he ran out the door.

Blankets Left for Immigrants Taken by Border Patrol

KVOA.com — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 1:16:12 PM

TUCSON, Arizona (KVOA) - A humanitarian group that provides aid and supplies to illegal migrants crossing the desert claims they caught a Border Patrol agent stealing blankets and food from one of their drop sites in southern Arizona via a hidden camera.

The group "No More Deaths" regularly puts out water, food and blankets for migrants crossing the border. They posted a video taken January 8 from a hidden camera near Arivaca, about 12 miles north of the international border.

"We decided to set up these hidden cameras in an attempt to reveal the identity to reveal it was Border Patrol," said Hannah Hafter, a volunteer with the group.

Hafter said they used a wildlife camera that was tripped twice when the agent moved in and out of view. The group claims the agent pictured in the video walked off with the food and blankets meant for traveling migrants.

"Which is no small thing because all of us have been experiencing how terrible the night temperatures are, and the hypothermia that can be caused by the cold is just as dangerous as the heat in the summer," Hafter said.

Robber Threatens to Burn Down Gas Station

NBC News (KPRC) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 1:13:21 PM

PASEDENA, Texas - Police in Pasadena, Texas are asking for the public's help solving a bizarre robbery.

The suspect entered the Big C Market in Pasadena shortly before 10:00 pm on January 12th carrying a gas can.

The man picked up a four-pack of Bud Light & Clamato, then placed the beer on the counter.

He then poured gasoline on the floor in front of the counter and threatened to burn down the store if the clerk didn't hand over money, flicking a lighter as he talked.

The clerk complied and the man left the store with the beer and cash.

The suspect is described as an Hispanic man in his 40s, approximately 5'-9" tall, with black bushy hair and a medium build.

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Officer Punches Handcuffed Suspect

NBC News (KPRC) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:57:35 PM

KPRC) A Houston police officer is under investigation after he punched a suspect in the face while the man was handcuffed.

It was all caught on camera.

Myisha Carrion said she, her child's father, Lucious Davis, and his sister were backing out of a driveway Monday morning.

Police officers, who appeared to be on routine patrol, pulled up and told the trio to pull back into the driveway, Carrion said. She said she does not know why the officers stopped at the home.

"We asked them what is the reason and they're not saying anything. They're telling us to shut up," Carrion said.

Carrion said surveillance cameras at the home captured video of an officer trying to choke Davis.

Davis was arrested and, while his hands were cuffed behind his back, one of the officers punched him in the face as he tried to get off the hot hood of a car, Carrion said.

Community activist Quanell X said the officers then went into the home.

"Then they come in the home, without a search warrant, and search the home, come back out with a shotgun. Then give the young man they beat up a shotgun charge," he said.

Davis was charged with being in possession of a firearm and criminal mischief. According to court records, Davis has been accused of kicking the window and door of a patrol car.

Houston police said the officer seen in the video has been placed on paid leave pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation.

Customer Wanted for Child Abuse Inside Golden Corral

Caroline Flores - cflores@kristv.com — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:07:32 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI - Police are looking for a man who was caught on tape physically assaulting who they believe to be his daughter Wednesday night.

This happened at the Golden Corral on SPID at around 8pm. The manager says the man walked into the restaurant yelling and screaming obscenities at the family.

Then as things got heated, his wife began to leave and the young girl, who police say was between 12 to 13 years of age, tried to run from who they believe was her father.

She tripped and he grabbed her slamming her through the front doors. He then later pushed her to the ground outside of the restaurant.

The manager says she had no idea what made him so upset but knew she had to call the police right away.

Police say the man got away before they were able to get to the scene. If you recognize him call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS.

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Tornado Slams into Florida Nieghborhood

NBC News (WESH) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:22:59 PM

FLORIDA (WESH) - Residents of Edgewater, Florida began cleaning up damage to their properties Tuesday morning after storms brought heavy winds, rain and a possible tornado Monday.

A possible tornado affected several dozen homes in the south Volusia County area. About 40 families live in the modular home community. Thankfully, no one there was seriously hurt.

Downed trees, collapsed pool enclosures and broken windows littered the landscape.

Grinch Swipes Cash from Store Counter

NBC News (KFOR) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 12:20:01 PM

OKLAHOMA (KFOR)- Police are still looking for a woman who can be seen on surveillance footage taking $180 off of a counter at an Aeropostale store at Penn Square Mall.

Kohl Francis wanted to take advantage of the holiday sales at the mall, so he saved up a bit of cash and went to Aeropostale to buy clothes.

When he reaches the counter, he takes out the $180 to pay for his items.

The cashier tells him about a special on shirts, which causes him to turn around and walk toward a shelf.

Although he was just a few feet away, a woman is captured on surveillance footage taking the money and leaving the store.

Co-Worker Thwarts Robbery of Orlando Catering Business

NBC News (WESH) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:07:10 PM

ORLANDO (WESH) - Look at this surveillance video from the back lot of the puff and stuff catering warehouse.

Police say Alonzo Heard attempted to rob Stephen Yakima.

Staring down the barrel of a loaded shotgun, Steve said he had to spring into action.

"I don't feel like I was fighting for my life, I Just wanted to do what was right. I'm not going to put up with it," said Stephen Yakima.

On the video, you can see Steve struggle with Heard.

He says the gun even fired a shot!

Hearing the screams for help from the nearby loading dock, his coworker and former member of the U.S. Army, Rodney delivered the blows that turned this struggle into an arrest.

"I heard the screams for help. I came around the corner and seen them 'scruffling'. Only thing I wanted to do was get my boss man loose," said Rodney Billingsley.

Detectives say earlier in the evening, Heard actually pointed his weapon at a woman who allegedly owed him $2!

They say the found marijuana and cocaine on Heard.

Right now he is sitting behind bars.

Victim Knocked Unconscious in Downtown Argument

Ben Lloyd - blloyd@kristv.com — Mon, 3 Dec 2012 2:08:46 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI - Investigators with the Corpus Christi Police Department are looking for two men involved in an assault that left a 25-year-old man with life threatening injuries just before midnight on Friday.

A friend of Erik Schwirtlich's family says the 25-year-old suffered a broken jaw and a fractured skull in the assault. He's currently in and out of consciousness and remains in intensive care at an area hospital.

Surveillance video from the area of N. Chaparral and Starr Street shows a man intentionally bump into the victim as he was walking down the street while talking on a cell phone.

Schwirtlich got off the phone as he talked to the suspects for less than 30 seconds. One of the suspects, seen wearing a grey polo style shirt, tried to keep the other man from starting a fight, but the suspect in a black and yellow shirt punched Schwirtlich twice.

He was already unconscious as he fell to the ground and hit his head on the sidewalk. Police say he suffered possible life threatening injuries from a cut to the back of his head.

It's not clear how long he was left on the sidewalk before someone stopped to help. In the surveillance video you can see what appears to be flashing lights from a police car about a block over while the assault was going on.

If you can identify the men seen in the video, call Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS, or submit a tip online at www.888tips.com.

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Kidnapping Victim Found in Trunk During Traffic Stop

NBC News (WAVE) — Mon, 3 Dec 2012 1:28:38 PM

KENTUCKY (WAVE) - (WAVE) Shocking dashcam footage shows the rescue of a kidnapped convenience store clerk found in the trunk of a car.

Joseph Davis, Brittany Elder and Trent Blye all have different versions of what happened August 4, 2012 when they were pulled over in Louisville, Kentucky.

Louisville Metro Police Officer Fred Wilson said he flagged the car for an expired plate. However, when a second officer showed up to help with the traffic stop, he heard Sean Bloemer, 22, in the trunk.

Police said he was taken from his job as a clerk at a Circle K.

Blye, Davis and Elder were inside the car and arrested at the scene.

They are charged with wanton endangerment, complicity to kidnapping and robbery.