If someone calls and asks you for payment in the form of a gift card of any kind, hang up immediately. THIS IS A SCAM. If you have questions, please contact the police department.
There will be increased traffic enforcement this Thanksgiving Eve, and the public is encouraged to designate a sober driver. The initiative aims to prevent drunk driving and reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents. The hashtag #EndTheStreakTX and #DeerParkPolice are being used to promote the campaign. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is leading the effort to keep roads safe during the holiday season. ************************ There will be extra traffic enforcement 🚔 this Thanksgiving Eve. Designate a sober driver.
#EndTheStreakTX
#DeerParkPolice
Source: NHTSA
Interim Chief of Police Jerry Wright was unanimously approved and sworn in at City Council yesterday evening as Pasadena Police Department’s new Chief of Police. Congratulations, Chief Wright!
Sergeant Ferraro and Deputy Lopez had a great time attending Career Day at Jensen Elementary School. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to participate in this event!
In 2011, Pasadena Police Officer David Garza and his longtime friend, David Tong, collaborated to provide Thanksgiving meals to 50 families in and around the community. What was believed to be a one-time collaboration blossomed into a yearly event that has become an annual tradition that now provides meals for over 1,000 area families. As the event grew, other agencies were invited and have since become an integral part of what is now known as the Blue Family Thanksgiving Event.
Through generous donations from community partnerships, this year’s meal included a frozen turkey, stuffing, and two sides. Two hundred fifty of these meals went to various homes and shelters throughout Pasadena.
This event was an amazing collaboration of efforts as officers from our department worked alongside the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Houston Police Department, the Pearland Police Department, the Seabrook Police Department – Texas, and numerous other citizen volunteers.
We offer our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make this year’s event possible, including David Tong, the Pasadena Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Walmart Pasadena – Shaver St, Starbucks (5510 Spencer Hwy.), who provided coffee and refreshments, The Serrano Insurance Agency LLC who provided a warm breakfast, Chevron Pasadena Refinery, Asian American Peace Officers’ Association (Texas Chapter), Harris County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, and Officer David Garza, who coordinates this event, and the numerous other volunteers who took time out of their day to lend a hand.
It is that time of year again, and our elves are hard at work collecting donations for our Officer Santa program!
Over the next few weeks, we will share photos of local businesses participating in this year’s program. These businesses express their compassion for the community by providing toys and necessities to children in need during Christmas time. The first partner we are recognizing this week is 4-Horn Investments . We thank the staff for their generosity and for bringing others joy and comfort this holiday season!
For more information on how you can participate, please contact Officer Lisa Wilchek at 713-475-7025. If you would like to donate to our Officer Santa program, you may access the wish list at https://a.co/9TJq0Pm .(These items will be shipped directly to the Pasadena Police Department for distribution.)
We want to thank The Serrano Insurance Agency LLC for their contribution to our Officer Santa program. Their generous donation will go toward helping some less fortunate children have a very Merry Christmas.
If you would like to donate to our Officer Santa program, click through to our wish list at https://a.co/9TJq0Pm. These items will be shipped directly to the Pasadena Police Department for distribution. For more information on how you can participate, please contact Officer Lisa Wilchek at 713-475-7025.
On Saturday, November 18, 2023 at approximately 1:08 AM, Precinct 8 Deputy Morgan with Constable Phil Sandlin’s Office observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Edgebrook Dr. Deputy Morgan caught up to the vehicle and observed a bag thrown out of the passenger side. Deputy Morgan attempted to initiate a traffic stop near Theta St. The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle disregarded multiple stop signs and struck a parked vehicle in a residential driveway. The driver exited the vehicle and began to evade on foot. Deputy Morgan deployed K9 Duke and the driver was successfully apprehended. The driver was identified as 20 year old Richard Herrera. Deputies detained three passengers and located a handgun in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed the handgun belonged to one of the passengers who was identified as 19 year old Jorge Alberto Sosa.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office was contacted and accepted charges for Evading Arrest/Detention with Vehicle on Herrera with a bond set at $100. Sosa was charged with Unlawful Carry of Weapon with a bond set at $100. Both subjects were transported to the Harris County Joint Processing Center.
We want to thank Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union for their generous donation to our Officer Santa program. Your contribution will go towards bringing joy to those less fortunate this holiday season.
The purpose of the Citizen’s Police Academy is to allow citizens to meet the men and women who serve them, to educate citizens in the “how” and “why” of law enforcement, and to provide Police Officers the opportunity to meet and hear from the citizens they serve. If you are interested in learning more about the inner workings of the Deer Park Police Department we have an opportunity for you.
We are currently accepting applications for Class 48 of the Citizen’s Police Academy. For more information contact Sheila Plovanich at 281-930-2118 or [email protected].
Precinct 8 Deputies are going through our annual certification as we transition to the new TASER. During this training, Deputies are informed and directed the proper tactics and procedures in deploying the TASER. The training consists of classroom and scenario-based application on the use of the TASER. Each deputy has the option of being on the receiving end of a TASER to experience its effects firsthand and to be able to articulate the use of a TASER if needed. All Precinct 8 Deputies are required to take this training.
A big thank you to Risa and Debbie with Congregation Shaar Hashalom for dropping off delicious treats for our staff. We appreciate your thoughtfulness and continued support!
Good News! Additional drop off locations have been added to the list! Let’s fill these boxes! #BlueSanta #community #smilingfaces
Precinct 8 deputies participated in firearms training at the Pasadena Police Department shooting range last week. Deputies receive extensive firearms training to ensure strict compliance with safety procedures while they develop a high degree of proficiency in the handling and firing of their firearms.
Don’t forget our next Coffee with a Cop is scheduled for December 1, 2023. We will be at the Madison Jobe Senior Center at 1700 Thomas Ave. from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood.
We look forward to seeing you there!
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of individuals featured on our Most Wanted list, please contact Warrant Officer S. Jackson at 281.478.2088
Did you know you can get a free tow if you break down on a freeway in Harris County?
Save this number and Tow and Go will quickly get you to safety (713-881-3333). If you have the #HoustonTranStar app, simply tap on the tow truck icon in the top left corner to call them. 📲
On Tuesday, November, 7, 2023 at approximately 11:30 PM, Precinct 8 Deputy K. Peters initiated a traffic stop in the 5400 block of the E Sam Houston Pkwy S on a vehicle displaying expired registration and traveling at a high rate of speed.
Upon contact with the driver, Deputy Peters observed the driver wearing a ballistic vest and detected the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle. The driver was identified as 30 year old Malcolm Xavier Sias who further stated he was a security guard. The driver was directed to step out of the vehicle and a handgun was retrieved from the center cup holder. Deputy Peters proceeded to conduct a probable cause based search of the vehicle and located a total weight of 312.96 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office was contacted and accepted felony Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Carry of Weapon. Sias was transported to the Harris County Joint Processing Center where his bonds were set at a total of $1,100.
Constable Phil Sandlin and Deputies Lopez and Camarillo attended the Tierra Subdivision HOA annual meeting tonight. Constable Sandlin spoke to residents about crime in the area. He also spoke about our continuous efforts to suppress crime and provided crime prevention tips to help residents remain safe. Thank you for having us!
We want to thank the members of Iglesia Restauracion for providing our officers with a delicious homemade breakfast. Pastor Santos and his congregation have graciously opened their church doors to our officers to enjoy breakfast and fellowship. We are truly blessed to have been invited and look forward to continuing this tradition.
Please welcome Joseph Nixon III to the La Porte Police Department. He began his career in law enforcement with Harris County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer; then placed himself in the University of Houston-Downtown Police Academy and graduated 31 October 2023. He is currently in orientation phase and set to start field training the week of 20 November with his assignment to be determined by the field training supervisors.
Brought to you by La Porte Adoption Center & Animal Shelter!
Come out and see some awesome critters! See the flyer below for info on how to attend a reptile exhibit that allows you to get hands on with various reptiles and learn more about them!
November 25th, 2023, 5-7 PM, at La Porte Police Department!
We had an exciting evening out at Bryton Hill Apartments! This event combined important crime prevention information and ended with a movie for residents to enjoy. Interim Chief Jerry Wright made a special visit, taking the time to connect with residents and share valuable insights on community safety. We would like to thank the complex management for hosting this engaging event and our dedicated community services officers for sharing this information with our citizens.
Guess what??? Blue Santa boxes have hit the streets! Let’s fill them with toys for all the little girls and little boys!
See the list below of drop off locations!
The La Porte Police Department, on behalf of The Early Act Programs of Jeanie Reed Elementary and Baker Middle School, held its very first Junior Police Academy on Saturday, November 11th. The students learned about several divisions in the department which included: Patrol, Dispatch, SWAT, Criminal Investigations, and Crime Scene. We look forward to more events of this nature in the future!
Victoria Alarcon began working as a PSO for the Pasadena Police Department in March of 2023. She has always enjoyed serving her community and thought this job would be an excellent opportunity. In her free time, Victoria enjoys playing with her dog, reading, and watching movies. Victoria attends the University of Houston to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minoring in physics. She is eager to continue learning as a PSO and excited to see what the future holds in her new career path.
Lisa Cravin was born in Brooklyn, New York, in February 1988 and graduated from St. Joseph High School in Brooklyn in 2006. Shortly after graduation, she desired to serve her country and join the United States Army as a Unit Supply Specialist (92Y). Lisa served 4 ½ years stationed mainly in Ansbach, Germany, and completed a 12-month tour in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2009-2010 and received medals and certificates. In 2013, Lisa became a Texas resident after she received an Honorable Discharge for her active-duty service. In 2018, Lisa pursued the path as a Correctional Officer for The Texas Department of Criminal Justice before beginning her career with the Pasadena Police Department as a PSO. She is a mother of four children and a full-time student at Devry University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management.
We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Oxy for their recent generous donation. We utilized the donated funds to purchase additional breaching tools to outfit our fleet of patrol cars and provide additional breaching tools for our S.W.A.T. team. These tools will be ready to deploy, in the hands of our officers, when seconds matter. Partnerships like these help to build strong community relations and safeguard our community.
Aracely has been a PSO for the Pasadena Police Department since February 2016. She has always been passionate about working in law enforcement and thought being a PSO would be a great way to serve her community. In her free time, Aracely enjoys spending time with her family, playing basketball, and is an avid animal lover.
MULTIPLE WANTED SUSPECTS ARRESTED
On Monday, October 30, 2023 at approximately 2:44 PM, Precinct 8 Deputy Lozano with Constable Phil Sandlin’s Office was actively patrolling the 4500 block of the E Sam Houston Pkwy when he observed a black Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling at a high rate of speed through a parking lot. The vehicle failed to yield right of way as it entered the service road and nearly struck Deputy Lozano’s patrol vehicle.
Deputy Lozano initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and made contact with the driver who was identified as Marie Thompson. Deputy Lozano further observed two female adult passengers and three small children in the vehicle. As Deputy Lozano was detaining the driver, the two passengers exited the vehicle and fled on foot taking two child passengers with them. Pasadena Police Department arrived on scene after they were dispatched to a shoplifting call at Academy Sports and Outdoors and confirmed they were the same suspects involved in the theft. Pasadena officers assisted with the search and located the two suspects.
While conducting their investigation, it was revealed the driver provided false identifying information and was positively identified as 21 year old Mary Unique Guess. A check of Guess’s information revealed an open warrant for Theft through Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office. The passengers were identified as 19 year old Enjelicah Fatimah Demarie Daniel and 32 year old Tronnieceia Lashea Eaton. Daniel was found to have an open warrant for Robbery with Bodily Injury through Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Eaton was found to have an open warrant for Prostitution through Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office was contacted and accepted charges for Fail to ID to Peace Officer/Fugitive on Guess with a bond set at $500. Daniel was charged with Evading Arrest Detention with a bond set at $1,000 and Eaton was charged with Evading Arrest Detention with a bond set at $100. Pasadena Police Department filed additional charges on all three subjects.
Tamara Fransaw is what many recognize as a ‘behind-the-scenes hero.’ She has enjoyed working at the Pasadena Police Department for the past three years because it allows her to serve the community while having the pleasure of working with outstanding individuals. She looks forward to coming to work every day because she is needed and presented with challenges. Tamara feels blessed that she has been able to work in two different divisions with the Police Department, and the experience has allowed her to acquire knowledge and skills that would not have been attainable elsewhere. She is thankful to be a part of the Pasadena Police Department and desires to be part of the Union one day so that the voices of employees and civilians like herself will be heard while great things continue to happen. Tamara loves spending time with her family and having a good laugh; laughter is her medicine! She is a people person, and nothing brings her more joy than the ability to help others and spread love. Love conquers all!
Kelly Sue Morgan was born in St. George, Utah. Kelly was an Air Force brat and is one of five children. Kelly’s father wanted his family to be settled so they moved to Holbrook, Arizona and lived there for most of her early childhood. In the late 70’s, after the Steel Boom, her father moved the family to Houston. Kelly graduated from E.L Furr High School in 1983 and married just after graduation. She was married for 20 years, and divorced, but happy to say they are back together and going strong! They have three children, fourteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Over the years, she has worked several jobs, but the ones she is most proud of are working for a C.P.A., driving a school bus, and becoming a Telecommunicator. She returned to school and completed several years of college, university, and a lifetime of knowledge through various courses. She has worked for the City of Pasadena for almost 18 years, working with the Police, Fire and Arson departments. She has also worked in the jail and dispatch center. Her life is full, and she loves it!
Amanda Shafer, a native of Kingwood, Texas, transitioned from a decade-long role in billing at an Optometrist’s office to the challenging world of first responders in April 2022. She is a dedicated mother to four children, ages five to fifteen, and has been
married to her husband Kenneth for ten years. When Amanda is not at work, she’ll cheer at her kids’ sports events and school activities. She is also a passionate supporter of the Houston Astros and Green Bay Packers and enjoys watching their games to unwind and relax.
YuSheka Smith is a Senior Office Assistant III for the City of Pasadena. She is responsible for employee training and development, coordinating and monitoring the towing enforcement program, and reviewing vehicle impound reports and documentation. In addition, she serves as a backup for open records that include subpoenas and expungements. YuSheka is also a member of the American Association of Notaries and the Texas Municipal Clerks Association.
On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, Officer Jillian Basilone was recognized as November Officer of the Month by Deer Park Rotary 5890.
On 10/03/23, Officer Basilone was dispatched to assist officers with an armed robbery that had just occurred at a local gas station. Officer Basilone arrived in the area and observed a male matching the description of the suspect walking nearby. Officer Basilone radioed her location and attempted to contact the male, but he fled on foot. Without hesitation, Basilone chased the male on foot and while running, she observed a handgun fall from his waistband to the ground. Basilone continued to give updated locations over the radio and responding officers arrived to assist. The male was subsequently located and placed into custody. Charges were ultimately accepted for Aggravated Robbery and this arrest also led to a Theft of Firearm investigation after it was determined the gun the suspect possessed was stolen.
We commend Officer Basilone for her bravery during this incident and personal sacrifice to protect the citizens of Deer Park.
Pictured from left: Lieutenant J.R. Hill, Officer J.C. Basilone, and Sergeant R.A. Coats.
The Deer Park Police Department is hiring. We are looking for qualified Dispatchers and Jailers to join our team.
Go to WWW.DEERPARKTX.GOV for more information.
Susan Pena was born in Houston, Texas, and has a beautiful family with her husband. They have three children and one baby on the way! Susan joined the Pasadena Police Department in 2018 and has experience in the records division and administrative duties at the police department’s lobby. She is currently an office assistant in the records division, and you are guaranteed to see her friendly, smiling face when you come through the front doors of the police station. Susan is a diligent employee who comes to work daily with a positive attitude. She is always ready and willing to go above and beyond to help another, whether a citizen or a co-worker.
Austin Nevarez grew up in Pasadena and graduated from Deer Park High School in 2017. He has been a PSO with the Pasadena Police Department for eight months and has an endless passion for law enforcement. He hopes to become a Police Officer and continue to explore his bright future within the organization. Austin enjoys playing video games, exercising, and spending time with his girlfriend Victoria.
Amelia Coronado is from Weslaco, Texas, and worked at the Weslaco Police Department as a Records Supervisor for eight years. After she and her husband David married, they moved to Houston, and Amelia joined the Pasadena Police Department as a Records Clerk in October of 2000. After seventeen years, she was promoted to Records Supervisor and is responsible for assisting the Records Manager with various administrative duties.
Beverly Licona’s career began at the Pasadena Police Department approximately six and a half years ago, where she has worked the night shift in the records division. Before her Pasadena career, she worked at the Harris County Tax Assessor’s office for ten and a half years. She has been married to her husband, a Harris County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, for thirty-two years and has four children and five grandchildren. In Beverly’s free time, she volunteers at local schools and enjoys traveling, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Happy 248th Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps. Special recognition goes out to Deer Park PD’s very own Marines, Officer Del Wilcoxson, Lieutenant W.B. Keeney, and Officer W.P. Chaffin. Thank you for your service to our country.
Preston Moody attended Deer Park High School and graduated in 2012. He has lived in the Pasadena area, and while he was in school, he participated in the Junior Citizen Police Academy for the Pasadena Police Department and volunteered his time to serve as a mentor for several D.A.R.E. summer camps. Preston is a PSO Supervisor and has worked for the Pasadena Police Department for ten years. When Preston isn’t working or spending time with his wife and dogs, he enjoys video games and playing golf with his friends. He also enjoys giving educational presentations about dispatch to local high schools and involved citizens within the Pasadena community.
Thank you Deer Park! With the help of our community we were able to deliver over 90 jackets and coats to Clothed by Faith. What a great feeling it is to partner with such an amazing organization who does so much for those who need it. Thank you Clothed by Faith and thank you Deer Park.
🗣 SHOUT OUT TO THE DEER PARK POLICE DEPT!!!
Thank you for partnering with our CBF Deer Park Branch for the 2023 Coat Giveaway. Your contribution and service to our community is a blessing. Thank you for your dedication & support!
Julia Garza was born and raised in Houston and attended North Shore High School. After she graduated, she worked in customer service for eight years. Julia decided to take a leap of faith into a career in law enforcement and has been with the Pasadena Police Department for three years and looks forward to moving up within the department. She has made many friendships here that are very special to her and that she knows will last. Being a mom of two girls keeps Julia busy, and in her spare time, she loves to be surrounded by her family and friends, blasting Taylor Swift with her kiddos in the car, and just being out and about.
Charly Yzaguirre was born and raised in Pasadena and attended Sam Rayburn High School, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Ernest. Charly and her husband have a beautiful daughter, Aaliyah, and Aaliyah says she wants to grow up and be just like Charly. Charly enjoys baking sweet treats and spending time with her family. She has been a PSO with the Pasadena Police Department for two years and loves serving the citizens of the community she grew up in.
Thank you to Rain-Out Industrial Wear for this fantastic drone footage of our 2023 Back the Blue event. We are still amazed at how much community support we have for this Family Festival / BBQ Cook Off / 5k Fun Run. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Deer Park and La Porte Police Departments.
La Porte Police Department Employee Spotlight
We are thrilled to recognize Detective Kelly Green as the American Legion Department of Texas Cortez/Norris Post 319 Officer of the Year. Detective Green is a 32-year veteran of the Department and he consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and dedication. This well-deserved award is a testament to his outstanding contributions, and we are proud to have him as a role model within our force. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement, Detective Green, and thank you for your exemplary service.
Isabel Flores was initially hired for a temporary assignment as an administrative assistant at the Pasadena Crime Lab but is now a Certified Evidence Technician for the Pasadena Police Department! Her role is vital to the Property Room and includes receiving, storing, releasing, and maintaining the security of property and evidence. She is also responsible for adhering to laws about the disposition of evidence. Her favorite part about her job is the interactions with the Police Officers and working alongside her talented and knowledgeable co-workers, whom she describes as her “family.” Isabel has been married for 36 years and enjoys traveling and binge-watching shows during her downtime.
Throwback Thursday (or #TBT) is a social media trend where users share old photos or memories from the past. It is often used to reminisce about past experiences or show appreciation for the THROW BACK THURSDAY!
Our own Constable Phil Sandlin and Chief Deputy Jason Finnen ca. 2004 in the Pine Brook subdivision of Clear Lake.
Ana Lidia Mata is an office assistant in the Records Division, and one thing she loves the most is that she is named after both of her grandmothers. Ana has lived in Pasadena her whole life and attended the same high school that her mother attended. Her mother also used to work for the records division at Pasadena Police Department! Ana wishes to continue her career by serving the citizens in her hometown for many more years!
Steven Suarez has proudly served as a PSO for the Pasadena Police Department for the past two years and has prior experience as a Marketing Manager for U-Haul. He loves spending time with friends, family, his girlfriend, and their puppy, Obi-Juan.
Samantha Gonzalez began her career serving Pasadena when she joined the Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department after graduating from Sam Rayburn High School. She immediately fell in love with helping others (animals included) and worked at the Pasadena Animal Shelter for five years before joining the Pasadena Police Department in 2022. She enjoys her position, and her duties require assisting citizens on the phone and in the Pasadena Jail. She enjoys hanging out with her three dogs and going to the gym to maintain a healthy lifestyle in her free time.
P. Rocha is a lifelong resident of Pasadena and shows her passion for being involved and knowledgeable about safety in her community in multiple ways. In her 21+ year tenure at the Pasadena Police Department, some of her roles have included Criminal Records, PSO-Dispatch/Jail, and Police Academy Secretary. She is an Evidence Technician who specializes in firearms and is the Secretary for the Pasadena Police Officers Union. She is also a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy and Citizens Fire Academy. P. Rocha is a FBI-trained Forensic Sketch Artist and certified Facial Re-constructionist. She enjoys researching everything related to True Crime and Paranormal in her free time.
Savannah Vida was born in Troy, Ohio, and graduated from Dickinson High School in 2020. After graduating high school, she continued her education at Sam Houston State University and is working toward obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security. Savannah began her career at the Pasadena Police Department in January of 2023 as a PSO and hopes to one day be a Detective and help victims. In her free time, she goes dancing and spends time with her friends, family, and her dog, Luna.
For the first time since 2009, the Department is sponsoring police recruits and sending them to a local police academy. Upon successful completion of the academy at the University of Houston-Downtown and passing the state licensing exam, the cadets will become probationary Police Officers and enter the field training program. Please join us in welcoming the newest employees of the Police Department, and we extend them a hearty Godspeed.
