Press Releases
Saturday, September 23, 2017 — a 21-year-old Tom Green County man was killed in a single vehicle crash late Saturday evening near Howard College on U.S. Highway 67.
At approximately 11:20 p.m., San Angelo Police and Fire Department personnel were dispatched to a major motor vehicle crash with entrapment in the 3000 block of North U.S. Highway 67.
Responding Officers located a white 2004 Dodge Ram pickup truck towing a horse trailer that collided with a utility pole near the median. The driver and single occupant, later identified as Koly R. Spears, died at the scene along with one horse. A second horse that had escaped the trailer after the crash was located a short time later, just north of the crash scene. Animal Services responded and took possession of the horse.
A preliminary crash investigation revealed Spears was traveling northbound on 67 when he lost control of the truck and left the roadway, striking a utility pole and several traffic signs. Justice of the Peace J.P. McGuire responded and formally pronounced Spears deceased.
Investigators with the Department’s Traffic Section responded to investigate the crash. Southbound lanes of traffic were closed for several hours during the investigation and traffic was diverted to the frontage road.
This is an ongoing investigation.
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Friday, September 22, 2017 — at approximately 6:30 a.m. San Angelo Police were dispatched to Shannon Medical Center’s Emergency Room for the report of a 52-year-old male gunshot victim.
Officers arrived and spoke with the victim and a family member who indicated the victim was shot in the hand from an unintentional discharge of a firearm at a residence in the 3700 block of Honeysuckle Lane.
Investigators with the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Unit responded to the hospital as well as the residence on Honeysuckle.
The incident is being investigated as an unintentional discharge of a firearm; however, the investigation is ongoing.
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Just after 11:30 a.m. Friday, September 22, 2017, San Angelo Police were dispatched to the 100 block of E. 11th Street to assist AEP with residents that were misappropriating electricity from a nearby power line.
A short time after, San Angelo Police were dispatched to the area of 10th and Volney for the report of a hit and run crash involving a gold Cadillac that collided with a mailbox and utility pole. After colliding with the pole, which was sheared in half, the Cadillac’s driver fled the scene at a high rate of speed towards 11th and Magdalen.
While responding to these separate calls, Officers received updated information that the suspect vehicle pulled into the driveway of a residence in the 100 block of E. 11th Street where subjects then concealed the vehicle underneath tarps.
Officers responded to the residence, which, coincidentally, was the residence stealing electricity and subsequently located a gold-colored 2006 Cadillac Deville in the driveway, covered with tarps.
Further investigation revealed the Cadillac had damage consistent with the hit and run crash. The vehicle was seized and towed away.
Fire Marshals were called to the scene to assist with the investigation and assess the danger posed to neighboring residents and utility employees as a result of the tapped power line.
Investigators attempted to make contact with the residents; however, no one came to the door.
Charges are pending the outcome of this ongoing investigation.
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As a part of the Buckle Down & Stay Strapped In campaign, approximately 662 seat belt observations were conducted in San Angelo during the month of June.
Results indicate that the overall seat belt use rate is 97%. This is 6.3% higher than the state average of 90.7%, 10% higher than the national average of 87%, and 3.1% higher than San Angelo’s October 2016 baseline of 93.1%.
June’s surveys took place in five locations in the area. In addition to the general use rate data, findings showed the following:
Women – 98.2%
Men – 95.7%
Highest Age Group for Belt Use: 60 +
Lowest Age Group for Belt Use: <24
Highest Vehicle for Belt Use: SUV
Lowest Vehicle for Belt Use: Van
The San Angelo Police Department would like to thank San Angelo’s vehicle occupants who have contributed to this measurable increase. Although we hit 97%, we are urging vehicle occupants not to become complacent. If we work together, we can remind one another to buckle up every trip, every time. Reaching 100% would be wonderful, but our ultimate goal is to save lives and reduce serious injury in San Angelo vehicle crashes.
Take the seat belt challenge and encourage your family and friends to do the same. You might just safe a life!
Buckle Down & Stay Strapped In is made up of the San Angelo Police Department and a network of community partners, including SAISD and Live Design and Print Shop.
This public safety initiative was created to increase belt use, save lives, and reduce injuries in San Angelo. For more information about Buckle Down & Stay Strapped In or to become a partner, please visit contact Officer Tracy Gonzalez at tracy.gonzalez@sanangelopolice.org.
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Around noon yesterday, September 21, 2017, San Angelo Police responded to the area of North Main and Koberlin Streets for the report of a two-vehicle, officer involved crash with possible injuries.
The police vehicle, a 2012 Dodge Charger, was conducting traffic enforcement on southbound traffic in the 200 block of N. Main Street just prior to the collision with a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The 32-year-old San Angelo Police Officer received non-incapacitating injuries as a result of the collision. He was treated for his injuries at a nearby clinic. The driver of the Traverse, a 42-year-old San Angelo woman, reported minor injuries but refused medical treatment and transport.
San Angelo Police Motor’s Officer Brian Bylsma responded to the scene to investigate the crash. A review of the police cruiser’s in-car-video showed The SAPD Officer was parked on the west side of Main Street, facing south, when he pulled into the roadway to conduct a traffic stop on a speeding motorist. After the Officer established himself on the roadway he was struck by the Traverse, which entered the intersection traveling westbound on Koberlin from the stop sign, colliding with the Cruiser’s driver side door panel.
The driver of the Traverse will be issued a citation for Fail to Yield Right of Way at Stop Sign.
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