Laredo News
Safety
Laredo woman charged with animal cruelty after hitting kitten, LPD says
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A woman was arrested Monday, Aug. 17, after a witness provided video showing her hitting a kitten, according to the Laredo Police Department. Officers responded to Saint Peter’s Park in the 1600 block of Matamoros Street on Monday regarding a report of anima...
Laredo city employee arrested on DWI charge
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A City of Laredo employee was arrested on a DWI charge after officers responded to a report of a man drinking while driving, according to the Laredo Police Department. Officers responded to a restaurant in the 5300 block of McPherson Road at 6:58 p.m. on Aug...
Mother accused of purposefully leaving 2-year-old son home alone in hot garage, exposing him to drugs
MESA, Ariz. ( KPHO /Gray News) — A mother in Arizona is facing child abuse charges for allegedly leaving her toddler in a sweltering garage and exposing him to dangerous drugs late last month. Police said that on July 29, a neighbor called 911 and reported that Amy Shellhammer, 3...
8-year-old child dies after being hit by car while checking mailbox
TAYLOR COUNTY, Wis. ( WEAU /Gray News) - An 8-year-old child died Monday afternoon after being struck by a car while checking a mailbox in Wisconsin, according to authorities. Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 3:05 p.m. along with multiple local police, fire, and e...
Couple marry in hospital after groom’s father paralyzed in ATV crash
DULUTH, Minn. ( Northern News Now /Gray News) - A couple in Duluth moved their wedding to a hospital room Saturday so the groom’s father could be present for the ceremony. Ross and Dallas Garner had originally planned a venue wedding but changed course after Ross’s father, Darrin...
‘Such a special kid’: Thousands of dollars raised for family after son dies in crash while riding bike
ANCHORAGE, Alaska ( KTUU /Gray News) - An Alaskan family is receiving support from their community and around the county after tragically losing their son in a crash. According to the Anchorage Police Department , officers were called last Wednesday night about a bicyclist being ...
Dedicated working grandmother among those killed in massive industrial fire, family says
TOLEDO, Ohio ( WTVG /Gray News) - Authorities in Ohio say two have died following an explosion at an industrial facility Tuesday morning. Family members identified one of the workers killed as Mary Allen, saying she died in the fire. Allen was described as a loving mother and gra...
ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen dies at 93
(Gray News) - Bill Rasmussen, the co-founder of ESPN, died on Tuesday. He was 93. The sports network said he died from the effects of Parkinson’s disease, according to a press release. In the late 1970s, Rasmussen was fired as communications director of the New England Whalers, a...
Officer accused of misusing Flock cameras to track estranged ex-wife more than 700 times, police say
HAINES CITY, Fla. ( WWSB /Gray News) - A police officer is accused of using Flock cameras to track his estranged ex-wife while on and off duty. Christopher Goodson faces two criminal charges after an investigation found evidence that he allegedly misused Flock cameras while on an...
Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, his brother were with her during final moments, incident report shows
GREENVILLE, S.C. ( WHNS /Gray News) — Actress Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend and his brother were with her during her final moments, according to an incident report. Panettiere was found dead in a Greenville apartment on Sunday afternoon, according to the Greenville City Police De...
Sizzling Temperatures
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Another day of summer heat and humidity is in store today with highs between 100 and 105 west, and in the 90s east. Heat index values will be between 105 and 110. Elevated fire weather concerns continue. Partly cloudy, warm and humid conditions are on repeat...
14 charged in cocaine trafficking case linked to two fraternities
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (Gray News) - Authorities have charged 14 people in connection with a cocaine trafficking ring involving two Penn State University fraternities, officials said. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, along with State College police, announced the charges Mo...
Parents arrested after 6-month-old found inside hot car
ST. LOUIS, Mo. ( KMOV /Gray News) - The parents of a 6-month-old child have been arrested after the child was found in a hot car early Saturday afternoon. St. Louis Metropolitan Police state that at around noon, officers were at the 1400 block of N. Kingshighway Boulevard for an ...
16-year-old identified as person killed in mass shooting
LEXINGTON, Ky. ( WKYT /Gray News) - A teenager was killed, and four others were injured in a mass shooting Saturday evening, according to Lexington Police. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office has identified the person killed in Saturday’s mass shooting as 16-year-old Di’Zhon Robe...
Laredo family loses home in weekend fire, ‘It was a very bad fire,’ neighbor says
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A family lost its home after a fire tore through it Saturday, Aug. 17, on Century Drive, according to the Laredo Fire Department. Everyone inside made it out safely, but the home is reportedly a total loss. Crews were called to the home around 6 p.m. The Lar...
Police: Woman charged after kids found living in ‘extreme amount of trash,’ insect infestation
NACOGDOCHES, Texas ( KTRE /Gray News) — A Texas woman was arrested after officers reported discovering her three children living in trash and without beds or running water. Keosha Hubbard-Woodson, 28, has been charged with three counts of endangering a child. She was arrested Aug...
North Laredo power restored after tractor-trailer hits pole
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Power has been restored to a north Laredo neighborhood after a tractor-trailer hit a utility pole. Laredo police said the driver, who was seen hitting the pole in video footage, was not cited. About 19 customers in the area were without electricity until abo...
Arrest warrant issued for 2024 presidential candidate Jill Stein
ST. LOUIS, Mo. ( KMOV /Gray News) - A warrant has been issued for Dr. Jill Stein after she failed to appear in court for a 2024 assault charge. An order filed by St. Louis Judge Karma Johnson on Monday states that Stein and her attorney failed to appear in court on Monday morning...
Police K-9 found dead in handler’s car
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. ( WVIR /Gray News) - A Virginia police department’s K-9 died Sunday night. The Charlottesville Police Department said K-9 Blue was found unresponsive in a police vehicle at his handler’s home in Greene County before he was pronounced dead. According to the Ch...
Tractor-trailer hits North Laredo utility pole, causes power outages
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A tractor-trailer struck a utility pole in North Laredo, causing power outages in the area, according to the Laredo Police Department. The crash was reported at around 10:45 a.m. near 8900 San Mateo Dr. on Monday morning, Aug. 17. AEP’s outage map shows the ...
Century Drive house fire: Family was celebrating birthday when blaze broke out
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A family member is sharing new details about a house fire on Century Drive that destroyed the home and sent one person to the hospital. The sister of one of the homeowners said the family was celebrating a birthday Sunday night, Aug. 16, when the lights bega...
Despite potential links to cancer, many firefighters are still wearing PFAS gear
( InvestigateTV ) — Paul Cotter spent decades living the typical firefighter routine. When the alarm sounded, he’d step into his turnout gear – the specialized boots, pants, topcoat and helmet that’s worn to protect first responders from extreme heat and moisture – and be on the ...
How the Idaho Student Murders Shattered a Safe College Town
Our country loves a mystery. Millions of us are captivated by true crime. We hang on to every headline, every breaking news update, every tidbit we can get our hands on. But eventually the news cycle moves on — and so do we, oftentimes forgetting the very real human impact of tru...
Preview: Episode 1 centers on 2022 Idaho murders
The murder of four college students, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Maddie Mogen, led to weeks of fear and a nationwide manhunt, and the eventual arrest of Bryan Kohberger. That one awful night forever changed four families, countless friends, and rocked an en...
Summer in the City
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Sunny and hot afternoon with highs in the 100s. Moderate to major heat related impacts, heat index values of 105-110 . Elevated fire weather concerns will continue this week. Overnight lows will remain warm in the mid 70s to low 80s. Have a great week! For m...
Mother accused of putting infant son in scalding-hot water, causing severe burns
MARRERO, La. ( WVUE /Gray News) - A Louisiana mother is accused of deliberately putting her 1-month-old son in scalding-hot water, causing severe burns. Melvinika Williams, 26, was arrested Wednesday following accusations that she severely abused her 1-month-old son, the Jefferso...
‘A sweet lady’: Teen boys arrested, charged in death of 70-year-old woman
PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. ( WKYT /Gray News) - Two teenage boys have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of a 70-year-old woman, police said. Officials say Sherri Mitko was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds inside her Lower Line Creek Road ...
Separate traffic stops lead to two arrests
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Two people were arrested following separate traffic stops conducted under Operation Stone Garden, according to Webb County Constable Precinct 1. Precinct 1 deputies pulled over Vanessa Ordas Cervantes near Chihuahua Street and Cedar on Wednesday, August 12. ...
Laredo honors fallen Marine David Lee Espinoza with fifth annual memorial walk
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo held its fifth annual memorial walk Saturday, August 15, in honor of Marine Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza, who was killed during the Kabul evacuation in August 2021. Family members, community members, and Laredo Police Explorers Post 468 gathered ...
House fire destroys home on Century Drive West, two treated for smoke inhalation
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A house fire destroyed a home in the 500 block of Century Drive West in Laredo on Saturday, August 15. Two people were transported for smoke inhalation. Flames were reported around 6 p.m. Firefighters, rescue crews and police blocked off the area. Dozens of ...
Two homes reportedly swept away as Hurricane Lala triggers flash flood emergency in Hawaii Island
HONOLULU ( KHNL /Gray News) - Two homes were reportedly swept away after torrential rainfall from Hurricane Lala triggered a flash flood emergency Saturday night in the Kau District of Hawaii Island. ‘Particularly dangerous situation’ According to the National Weather Service, ra...
Emergency text feature saves 88-year-old driver, his dog stranded on muddy back road
YAVAPAI COUNTY, Ariz. ( AZFamily /Gray News) - Thanks to his phone’s emergency text feature, an 88-year-old driver and his dog were rescued after they got stuck in muddy conditions in a remote area of Arizona. Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Forest Patrol deputies got an urgent r...
Man breaks into apartment by punching hole in wall, assaults 15-year-old girl, police say
ATLANTA ( ANF /Gray News) - A Georgia man was arrested after police say he broke into a family’s apartment by punching a hole in the closet wall then assaulted a teenage girl. Gainesville Police allege 29-year-old Obed Reyes broke into a family’s apartment just before 10 p.m. Wed...
Teen dies after falling inside derelict high-rise, police say
NEW ORLEANS ( WVUE /Gray News) - A 17-year-old boy died early after falling from an open stairwell inside the derelict Plaza Tower in downtown New Orleans, police said. New Orleans Police Department Supt. Anne Kirkpatrick said a group of teens -- the exact number unknown -- broke...
Police find shooting suspect hidden in closet on VSU campus
ETTRICK, Va. ( WWBT /Gray News) - The Chesterfield County Police Department said a 19-year-old Henrico man is behind bars after a mass shooting at Virginia State University on Saturday morning. Just before 1:30 a.m., officers were called to a reported shooting along Boisseau Stre...
Teen dies after falling from top of moving vehicle, police say
TRENTON, Ohio ( WXIX /Gray News) - A 16-year-old boy is dead after falling from the top of a moving vehicle in Ohio. It happened about 10:30 p.m. Friday in Trenton, about 40 minutes southwest of Dayton. Trenton police and fire crews responded to reports that a teenager fell while...
Friends step in to fill void of brotherly support for girl who lost her older brother in crash
MANILA, Ark. ( KAIT /Gray News) - An Arkansas family says they are grateful for their friends who have helped fill the void left by the tragic death of a young family member. It’s been eight months since the Curtwright family lost their son, Brady, in a crash. Ashley Curtwright s...
Man arrested after allegedly shooting woman, driving 5-plus hours with body in passenger seat
MEMPHIS, Tenn. ( WAFB /Gray News) - A man has been arrested after he allegedly shot a woman in Louisiana and drove with the victim dead in the passenger seat to Tennessee. According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, Tyronne Brazille, 50, was taken into custody after being pul...
Court documents: 18-year-old’s BAC nearly 3 times the legal limit after fatal high-speed crash
HEWITT, Texas ( KWTX /Gray News) - The blood alcohol content of an 18-year-old was three times the legal limit after he crashed and killed another driver in Texas, court documents allege. Cash Lee Stebner, 18, was arrested Thursday on a charge of intoxication manslaughter in conn...
Stolen bronze statue honoring boy who died from cancer recovered; 2 suspects arrested
MIAMI LAKES, Fla. (Gray News) – Two people have been arrested for allegedly stealing a park statue that honors a boy who died from cancer. The now-recovered bronze statue was first reported missing from Jakey Duque Park in Miami Lakes, Florida, on Aug. 8, according to the Miami-D...
House fire closes streets near Springfield Ave. in Laredo
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A house fire broke out in the 5800 block of Springfield Avenue at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, according to the Laredo Fire Department. Flames and smoke were coming from the living room, and the fire spread into the attic before being extinguished, the Laredo Pol...
Fire reported on open lot in south Laredo
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A fire that broke out Friday, August 14, on a warehouse lot near Highway 59 in the Remington area has been extinguished. Investigators have not yet determined a cause, fire officials said. The Laredo Fire Department responded around 8 p.m. to reports of the ...
Laredo police, fire unions warn of officer departures amid stalled contract talks
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Unions representing Laredo police officers and firefighters appeared before a special city council meeting Friday, Aug. 14, warning that stalled contract negotiations could drive officers and firefighters out of the department. Sgt. Heriberto Avalos, preside...
Laredo crash involving tractor-trailer closes two lanes
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) -A crash involving a pickup truck and a tractor-trailer is blocking two southbound lanes near FM 1472 Road and Pellegrino Court, according to the Laredo Police Department. Heavy traffic is being reported in the area as of Friday, Aug. 14. For more headlines, c...
Man training to be deputy arrested on child sex charge, sheriff’s department says
COLUMBIA, S.C. ( WIS /Gray News) - A man who was training to become a sheriff’s deputy in Richland County has found himself on the other side of the law. According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, 38-year-old Kenneth Edmonds has been arrested and charged with criminal...
LPD cites hundreds in school zones as students return to class
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department is warning drivers to slow down in school zones after issuing hundreds of citations during the first week of school. The Laredo Police Department’s traffic unit handed out 328 citations in Laredo ISD and United ISD school zones. ...
Funeral procession crash in Laredo injures motorcycle escort
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Update: The owner of the funeral procession company has since disputed the police department’s initial report, saying the escort was never in critical condition. A motorcycle escort was struck during a funeral procession near the intersection of Hillside and...
Pregnant woman, unborn baby killed in crash after truck slams into 4 vehicles, authorities say
GILBERT, Ariz. ( KPHO /Gray News) — A pregnant woman and her unborn child were killed Thursday afternoon after a multi-vehicle crash on an Arizona freeway. The Arizona Department of Public Safety reported the crash occurred just before 3 p.m. on the Loop 202 Santan near Power Roa...
Man accused of sexually assaulting woman helping plan his wedding the day before the ceremony
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. ( WOWT /Gray News) - A Nebraska man is accused of sexually assaulting a woman a day before he was getting married. Tyler Weber, 33, was arrested on charges of first-degree sexual assault and first-degree false imprisonment after DNA results contradicted his clai...
Kentucky woman faces felony charges in connection to WWII Memorial vandalism
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - A Kentucky woman faces felony charges after U.S. Park Police arrested her Friday in connection with the vandalism of the World War II Memorial in Washington. Melissa Farris, 40, of Elizabethtown, Ky.,is accused of spray-painting the phrase “clean hands – di...
Man arrested for beating 3-year-old to death over potty training, sheriff’s office says
BELLE ROSE, La. ( WAFB /Gray News) - Louisiana authorities say a man is facing charges in connection with the beating death of a 3-year-old girl. According to the Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Bernard JR Fleander, 26, on Thursday afternoon after the child ...
Criminals convicted of child sexual battery will now be eligible for the death penalty in this state
JACKSON, Miss. ( WLBT /Gray News) — Mississippi has added sexual battery of a child under 12 to the list of crimes eligible for the death penalty. But some critics question whether capital punishment serves as a deterrent for criminals or creates barriers for victims. The new law...
Doctor forgets to drop grandchild off at daycare on her way to work, leading to baby’s death in hot car, police say
MADISONVILLE, Ky. ( WFIE /Gray News) — A Kentucky doctor accidentally left her grandchild unattended in a hot car for about eight hours, leading to the baby’s death, police said. Madisonville police said the death happened Thursday. Police said the baby’s grandmother picked the b...
Man accused of urinating on people during Morgan Wallen concert arrested, police say
BALTIMORE (Gray News) – A man in North Carolina was arrested Wednesday after police say he urinated on concertgoers, including an 8-year-old girl, during a Morgan Wallen show at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore last month. Jayson Reed, 33, faces four counts of second-degree assault,...
Semitruck carrying sea lions crashes on interstate
BOONE COUNTY, Mo. ( KMOV /Gray News) - One person was hurt when a semitruck carrying sea lions crashed in Missouri. The crash happened around 3 a.m. Aug. 13, on Interstate 70 in Boone County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Troopers said a semitruck carrying three...
‘She’s a monster’: Murder suspect captured after killing man in June and using aliases while on the run, deputies say
JACKSON COUNTY, Fla. ( WJHG /Gray News) — A nationwide search for a murder suspect ended Thursday when she was arrested in Florida . The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said Isabelle Johnson, 38, is charged with the murder of Jason Coulthart, 43. His body was found buried in a sha...
Laredo police hosting ‘Fill a Trunk’ donation drive for animal shelter
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Laredo police are hosting a “Fill a Laredo Police Trunk” donation drive to collect supplies for the Laredo Animal Care Services shelter. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the HEB Plus. Officers will be on site to collect donation...