Auto pedestrian accident takes life in Orange County

Dubach officer killed by a passing vehicle during traffic stop, LSP says

LINCOLN PARISH, La. (KNOE) – The Louisiana State Police are investigating a crash that killed a Dubach officer during a traffic stop on Saturday, April 27, just before 1 p.m. LSP says Officer Russell Croxton pulled a vehicle over while on duty in his fully marked police vehicle. Croxton parked behind the vehicle he pulled over on U.S. 167 and the police car had its emergency lights on. Croxton was standing next to the driver’s side window of the vehicle he pulled over when a Peterbilt commercial vehicle, driven by 61-year-old Michael Sutterfield of Russellville, Arkansas, hit the police car. LSP says the CMV then hit Officer Croxton before hitting the pulled-over vehicle. Croxton was brought to a local hospital where he later died. Sutterfield and the driver of the pulled-over vehicle were wearing seatbelts and were left uninjured. LSP says impairment is not suspected, but routine toxicology samples were collected for analysis. The crash remains under investigation. “This is a reminder to everyone to please obey the ‘Move Over’ law,” reads a press release from LSP. “If you see an emergency vehicle stopped with its emergency lights activated, please reduce your speed and change lanes to give first responders room to operate safely. Following this law will help keep first responders safe while they are assisting others on our highways.” This marks the 14th deadly crash LSP Troop F has investigated in 2024.

Man wanted for attempted homicide

DESOTO PARISH, La. – A 21-year-old is wanted by the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office and Bossier Police. Fredrick Miller was last seen on Sunday around 2 p.m. when he got into a high speed chase with Bossier police after a failed traffic stop. Officials say the chase ended in a crash near Highway 509 and Interstate 49 south. A juvenile was shot and treated with non-life-threatening injuries. Three suspects have been arrested but Miller managed to escape. Anyone with information is urged to call 911.

Port Arthur fire chief terminated without explanation

Port Arthur Fire Chief Greg Benson tells KFDM 6 News that the city manager has fired him, effective immediately. “I had a one-on-one meeting with Ron Burton at 4 p.m. today,” Benson told KFDM. “He said he didn’t like the direction in which the fire department was going, and therefore, he’s making a change. I asked him specifically what he was referring to, and he didn’t provide me with anything.” KFDM left a message with Burton and is waiting for a response. Deputy Chief Robert Havens has been named interim chief. He’s served more than 30 years with the Port Arthur Fire Department and was one of four finalists for the chief’s position in 2021 when Benson was named chief. “I was taking the department in the direction I felt it needed to be,” Benson told us. “I worked on implementing changes and making it a professional department.” Benson said he would have welcomed feedback from the city manager, prior to his termination. “He never gave me a reason,” Benson told us. “Technically, if he was unhappy with something, he should have given me feedback and an opportunity to make changes. If he would have done that, I would have asked him what he wanted to see changed. He wasn’t transparent. He did not provide any rationale for the decision.” While Benson is considering the next step in his future, he remains positive about the people of Southeast Texas. “I like Port Arthur and the people of Southeast Texas,” said Benson. “I’ve always like being involved in the community.”

TP&W recovered over $100k worth of stolen fishing equipment during Big Bass Splash

Texas Parks & Wildlife has announced that game wardens recovered over $100,000.00 worth of stolen boats, trailers, and fishing equipment during the recent Sealy Outdoors Big Bass Splash on Lake Sam Rayburn. The state agency says their Texas Game Warden Marine Theft Investigation Unit conducted a two-day operation, during which they checked approximately 300 boats, 243 boat engines, and 100 boat trailers. Game wardens were brought in from San Augustine, Sabine, Angelina, Tyler and Nacogdoches Counties to assist Jasper County game wardens. Jasper County Game Warden Justin Eddins said Sunday that no arrests have yet been made and the investigation is still underway.

Trinity County sheriff: Possible tornado traps 2 in home wreckage

TRINITY, Texas (KTRE) – According to an East Texas sheriff, two people were trapped in their home after it was destroyed by a tornado. Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace posted the above footage to his Facebook page from the Rock Creek subdivision on the Trinity River after what he called “a twister” destroyed a home and damaged several others. Wallace confirmed that two people were trapped inside the destroyed home and were extracted by first responders. Wallace said the husband was transported to a nearby hospital for his injuries, though he could not comment on the severity of the victim’s condition. The man’s wife, who Wallace said was the other trapped individual, did not require immediate medical attention. At least one other nearby home had its roof torn off by the high winds, Wallace said, and numerous others were badly damaged. Wallace said the damage was caused by a tornado, saying “no doubt there was rotation,” but a tornado has yet to be confirmed by the National Weather Service for that area. Multiple cars were flipped upside down by the weather event, Wallace said, some of which can be seen in the video. Trinity Fire and Rescue later advised that FM 356 was closed from Westwood to Trinity, saying flooding has made it impossible to travers. No fatalities have been reported in Sunday night’s storms.

Woman from New Llano dies in Vernon Parish crash

A woman from the small town of New Llano in nearby Vernon Parish died in a tragic auto accident that occurred on Saturday morning on Highway 171 near the entrance to Fort Johnson. Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop E said the crash occurred at about 10:30 when a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck which was headed north on Highway 171 apparently ran a red light and struck 2007 Nissan Versa which was traveling west from Fort Johnson and crossing through the intersection. The driver of the Nissan, Hui Son Lyons, 74, of New Llano was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet, 69-year-old Haskel Roshong of Longansport and an unidentified passenger received what was said to be only minor injuries and were taken by ambulance to a hospital in Leesville for treatment. The investigation into the incident is continuing and officers have reportedly obtained blood samples from those involved for analysis as they continue to seek a cause for the crash.

East Texans preparing for tax-free weekend for emergency supplies

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – We are entering severe weather season throughout the state, and Texans are preparing to stock up on all of their emergency supplies this weekend, during the annual sales tax holiday. Kevin Lyons, a spokesperson with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts says this holiday was passed by legislation in 2015. “They we’re smart enough to know that this time of year right in the middle of tornado season, hurricane season coming up, wildfires. The idea is to stock up now and so that way when severe weather hits no matter what part of the state, you’re in then you are already for that weather with those items,” Lyons said. The comptroller’s office estimates shoppers will save about $2.1 million in state and local sales taxes during the tax holiday. “75 dollars and under the items are like household batteries, fuel containers, flashlights. Items less than $300, hurricane shutters, emergency ladders, and of course the big item is any sort of portable generator less than $3,000,” Lyons said. Edwin Cornejo, store manager for Higginbotham Brothers in Tyler says they always see more customers during the holiday weekend. “We started ordering more and more each year just because everyone usually knows about the tax-free holiday and take advantage of it,” Cornejo said.

Joshua Palmer found guilty of murder, weapons charge

Man robbed and shot in the head in Lufkin

Lufkin Police say a man was shot in the head and he told officers that it occurred as he was being robbed by a man he knew, but didn’t know his name. It happened shortly after 10:00 Wednesday night on West Laurel Avenue, just northeast of the downtown area. According to police, the victim, who was not identified, is undergoing hospital treatment and at last word was in stable condition. Meanwhile, police say they’re still working to identify the suspect.

Man shot in head in overnight Lufkin incident

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) – Lufkin police are investigating a shooting that left one man injured Wednesday night. According to a release from the City of Lufkin PIO Jessica Pebsworth, the shooting call came in to the police department around 10:20 p.m. Officers responded to the 100 block of West Laurel Avenue, where they say a man had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. The man reportedly told police he had been robbed and shot by a man who he knew but could not identify. He was flown to a hospital where the release said he was in stable condition Thursday morning. Anyone with information is asked to call the Department at 936-633-0356 or Crime Stoppers at 936-639-TIPS.

No injuries in 2 overnight Longview house fires

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – The Longview Fire Department extinguished two housefires that resulted in no injuries Thursday night and early Friday morning. According to the Longview Fire Department’s Facebook page, the first fire was responded to around 11 p.m. Thursday in the 800 block of Buchanan Avenue. Upon arrival, the post said there were visible flames in the back of the home, where the fire was put out without injury. The home was vacant at the time, the post said, and sustained an estimated $35,000 in damages. The department responded to the second fire around 3:50 a.m. Friday in the 1300 block of North Ninth Street, where the fire was found on the south porch of the home. According to the post, all residents were out of the home upon the department’s arrival. One pet was treated with oxygen on the scene, the post said, but is reportedly in good health. The American Red Cross is assisting the four occupants of the home, and the post said the fire was determined to have been set intentionally. Investigation is ongoing.

2 charged in shooting murder of Longview businessman

LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – Two men are in jail in connection with the 2016 murder of a prominent Longview businessman. Ronnie Horaney, well-known Longview resident and owner of Horaney’s Feed Store, was shot to death at his home on Tryon Road on May 30, 2016. Since that day no arrests were made until Wednesday, when Reza Kamali, 87, of Longview, was booked into the Gregg County Jail on a charge of murder. Another man, Alfredo Lizcano, 38, of Garland, was arrested and booked into the Dallas County Jail on a charge of murder the same day. Arrest documents explained the details of the investigation leading to the arrests (story continues below).According to the arrest affidavits, Lizcano was hired by Kamali to kill Horaney at his home on May 30, 2016. The document said that an anonymous cooperator told them Kamali, who they identified as “Ray,” “wanted to kill the victim up close and personal because of a family dispute.” In June of 2016, investigators began surveilling Kamali, who was reportedly seen meeting a man at a restaurant in Dallas. This second man was later identified as Lizcano after a traffic incident with the same vehicle seen at the restaurant.

Leesville man indicted for murder of estranged wife

LEESVILLE, La. (KPLC) – A Grand Jury has indicted a Leesville man who was arrested in 2023 after being accused of murdering his estranged wife, according to the Office of District Attorney for the 30th Judicial District. On December 22, 2023, Ozell Craft was arrested by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office after the body of Tamika Cannon was found dead near an apartment complex. Craft was located shortly after at a relative’s home in Chicot County, Arkansas, where he was arrested and extradited back to Vernon Parish for second-degree murder. After hearing testimony from witnesses, the Grand Jury returned an indictment for second-degree murder. He now faces formal arraignment in court and will scheduled for trial. Craft faces a mandatory life sentence if convicted.

Lufkin man arrested for capital murder in death of 4-month-old son

LUFKIN, Texas (KETK) – A man was arrested in Lufkin on Tuesday for capital murder in the October death of his 4-month-old son. Investigators confiscate 163 grams of meth during traffic stop near Gladewater According to police, a warrant was obtained for the arrest of 25-year-old Anfernee Durham, of Lufkin, upon the finalization of his 4-month-old son, Kylo Powell’s, autopsy. Officials said his death was ruled a homicide by blunt force trauma to the head and torso by a Harris County medical examiner. He died in a Houston hospital on Oct. 20 after being transferred from a Lufkin hospital three days earlier. Durham was taken into custody with the assistance of the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, and his bond has been set at $1 million. Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Passing drivers saw escalating conflict along I-20 that ended in murder

SHREVEPORT, La. — Caddo Parish sheriff’s investigators on Wednesday continued to search for the gunman who shot and killed a truck driver after they got into a fight alongside an interstate on-ramp. The Tuesday morning shooting occurred near two truck stops along Interstate 20 three miles east of the Louisiana-Texas state line. Cameras in the cabs of passing 18-wheelers showed parts of an escalating altercation between the trucker and a man who had been driving a sport-utility vehicle. Investigators believe the men got out of their respective vehicles, the trucker took a swing at the other man with what appeared to be a flashlight then started to run when the other man pulled a gun. Investigators said the man who had been driving the dark-colored SUV shot the trucker several times before driving away headed toward Texas. Sheriff’s detective Capt. Bobby Herring would not say whether authorities have a suspect but said there is no indication of a threat to the general population. He said the shooting appears to be the result of a dispute between the two men, but he would not rule out the less-likely scenario it might have been a case of road rage. The name of the dead man, who is in his 30s, has not been released pending notification of relatives. He worked as an independent truck driver and is not from Caddo Parish, authorities said. The shooting happened about 10:15 a.m. Tuesday along the westbound on-ramp of I-20 Exit 3. In addition to the 18-wheelers whose cab cameras recorded parts of the altercation, a vehicle belonging to a passing motorist was hit by gunfire, authorities said.

Truck destroyed by fire on Wednesday morning

The Newton Fire Department was busy dealing with a truck fire early Wednesday morning. According to Captain Melanie Smith, it happened at about 7:30 next to Highway 87 just north of Newton. The truck was destroyed, but fortunately there were no injuries. Captain Smith said the cause of the blaze is unknown.

1 dead in I-20 road rage shooting in Greenwood

GREENWOOD, La. – Caddo Parish sheriff’s deputies are investigating a fatal shooting of a truck driver Tuesday on Interstate 20 in Greenwood. It happened just off the westbound entrance ramp of Exit 3 and Louisiana Highway 169. A trucker was shot in the head in a road rage shooting, Capt. Bobby Herring said. The suspect was last seen heading west towards Texas in a dark color SUV, he said. Witnesses told deputies two men were seen arguing outside their vehicles and the 18-wheeler driver was seen running away before the other driver shot him. Deputies say I-20 and the entrance ramp are both open.

Accused killer indicted on two counts of capital murder in Audrii Cunningham death

The Polk County grand jury has indicted Don Steven McDougal, 42, on two counts of capital murder in the death 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham. Her body was found February 20 in the Trinity River near the US Highway 59 bridge following a search after she was reported missing. Investigators say he used a rope to tie a large rock to her body in order to make it sink. An autopsy shows Audrii died from homicidal violence including blunt force trauma to her head. Audrii had been missing since Thursday, February 15, when she didn’t make it to her school bus that morning. Deputies say McDougal was the last person to see her alive. According to the probable cause affidavit for McDougal’s arrest, “upon recovery of the child victim’s body, law enforcement discovered a large rock tied to the child victim’s body. The rope used was consistent with rope that was observed in McDougal’s vehicle on a traffic stop two days prior.” McDougal is a friend of Audrii’s father and lived in a cab over a camper behind their Livingston house. Investigators say he had access to the home. The warrant indicates McDougal and Audrii left her home in the Lake Livingston Village subdivision on the morning of February 15. “McDougal and the child victim left in McDougal’s 2003 Chevrolet Suburban with intent to drop the child victim off at the school bus stop near the entrance of the subdivision. It was discovered the child victim was not at the bus stop when a Livingston ISD bus arrived at the location, and discovered that the child did not make it to Creekside Elementary that day.” According to a court document, “video footage and cell phone data places McDougal at three locations of interest. Evidence in connection with the defendant and the child victim was located at two of those locations and recovered. One of these locations is the Trinity River near State Highway 59 South, where Audrii’s body was later located. Affiant shall show through the investigation, investigators were able to determine through cell phone data, video footage and other forensic evidence, McDougal lied about his whereabouts and activities on the day of February 15, 2024.” The District Attorney hasn’t said if she’ll seek the death penalty.

Natchitoches Police arrest 2 suspects for Front Street business burglary

NATCHITOCHES, La. (KALB) – The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested two suspects for a burglary that occurred at a business on Front Street on April 19. NPD said around 3:01 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 500 block of Front Street regarding a burglary. The case was assigned to detectives in the Criminal Investigation Division who, with the help of the public, were able to identify suspects. NPD said Johnovan Goston, 25, and Maiya Augustine, 24, both of Natchitoches, were placed under arrest without incident on April 22. They are both charged with unauthorized entry of a place of business and principal to simple burglary and were placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Shemaria Lewis at (318) 238-3914. Remember all information given shall remain confidential. How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers: You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smartphone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward of up to $3,000 for the arrest of an offender.