Press Releases
On Wednesday, August 2, 2017, Detectives with the San Angelo Police Department’s Street Crimes Division (SCD) developed intelligence about a local San Angelo man who was said to be trafficking narcotics.
The subject in question, 37-year-old Kevin O. Townsend, was located driving a 2010 Dodge Charger near 17th and Irving Streets. Townsend does not have a valid driver’s license.
At the direction of SCD, Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Townsend in the 100 block of W. 16th Street but Townsend failed to stop and continued traveling to a residence in the 100 block of W. 15th Street where he exited the vehicle and began walking towards the residence holding his car keys and a red object.
Townsend ignored the Officer’s verbal commands but was detained as he was entering the residence.
Officers located the red object that Townsend discarded as he was entering the residence and discovered that it contained approximately eight grams of suspected crack cocaine.
Townsend was arrested for First Degree Felony Manufacture Delivery Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 and Fleeing Police Officer. He was transported to the Tom Green County Jail.
The Department’s K-9 Unit assisted with the field investigation.
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A 47-year-old San Angelo man was arrested last night after he stole an exterior security camera from the old Action Pawn building, 432 N. Bell Street.
Police were initially dispatched to the 1500 block of Pulliam Street in reference to a welfare check on a male subject who was seen walking in the street carrying a ladder.
A responding Officer located the man on the north side of the old Action Pawn building, climbing down the ladder with a security camera in hand. The man was identified as Joe P. Ramirez.
Ramirez was arrested for Class C Theft and a warrant for Grand Jury Indictment Sex Offender Duty to Register. Ramirez was transported to the Tom Green County Jail without incident.
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On July 27, 2017, the San Angelo Police Department was recognized by the Texas Crime Prevention Association as the 2017 Outstanding Crime Prevention Agency — Medium Agency. (Population 100,000 – 249,999)
Awards are presented to departments with crime prevention sections that are active in community events as well as providing citizens with crime prevention programs, presentations, and literature to help citizens assist their police department in reducing crime in their community.
The Department’s Community Services Section was nominated for conducting over 300 crime prevention program presentations as well as over 15,000 citizen contacts during the reporting period. In addition to the crime prevention presentations, the Community Services Section organized the annual National Night Out event for 2016, which expanded from five locations in 2015 to 9 locations in 2016. The award was announced by the Texas Crime Prevention Association Executive Board during a luncheon at their summer training conference held in Rockwall, Texas.
In addition to the agency award, three employees from the Department were recognized in other categories for which they were nominated; Lt. Tim Pucci was nominated for Outstanding Crime Prevention Manager, Sgt. Timothy Coffman was nominated for Outstanding Crime Prevention Specialist – Overall and Outstanding Crime Prevention Specialist – Medium Agency, and Officer Tracy Gonzalez was nominated for the Outstanding Media Award – Electronic Media.
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The San Angelo Police Department has received multiple messages from citizens asking about recent social media posts concerning reports of women with children being followed by suspicious men at HEB and Target — the posts have since gone viral.
Officials from both retailers, who were aware of the reported incidents, have been cooperating with our Department in a shared concern for the safety and wellbeing of their customers.
After preliminary investigation and review of surveillance footage, it appears both incidents were not cases of attempted human trafficking or kidnapping as suggested by social media commentary. In both cases, women perceived behavior they felt inappropriate and acted on instinct. The San Angelo Police Department applauds these women for speaking up about the concerning behavior as it has sparked conversation about personal safety and concern for their fellow citizens.
While these preliminary investigations showed there was no criminal activity involved, the San Angelo Police Department wants to reiterate that everyone should remain vigilant and these reports serve as a reminder to be aware of your surroundings and to report suspicious activity to store staff and local law enforcement.
Investigations concerning both claims are ongoing.
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On Monday, July 31, 2017, Investigators with the Department’s Street Crimes Division executed a Search and Arrest warrant at a residence in the 1400 block of Austin Street.
The warrant, issued by Justice of the Peace Susan Werner, named 48-year-old Monica Lopez to be in possession of a quantity of methamphetamine.
Lopez and six adults were detained during the search, which yielded the seizure of a quantity of suspected methamphetamine, suspected heroin, and drug packaging materials.
Following the operation, Lopez was charged with State Jail Felony Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1. Manuel Zapata, 25, was charged with State Jail Felony Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 (X2), Possession Delivery Drug Paraphernalia, and three warrants.
The Department’s Patrol Division and Center for Tactical Medicine assisted with the operation.
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