Press Releases
On March 14, 2015 at approximately 9:37 pm, Police responded to East 42nd Street and Armstrong for a Motor Vehicle Accident. Upon arrival, Police learned one of the drivers involved in the accident was deceased. Sgt Korby Kennedy and Officer Steven Quade with the Traffic Unit and Detective Jeremy Cannady with the Criminal Investigation Division responded to conduct an investigation.
The Investigation revealed a silver 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, operated by Gary Lewis Findley DOB 8-29-58, was traveling south on Armstrong at a high rate of speed. A 2014 Blue Chevrolet Cruise, operated by Jerry Howard Lohse DOB 11-16-43, was traveling north on Armstrong and began to turn west onto East 42nd Street. The vehicles collided in the intersection.
Lohse was pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Kay Longest. Findley was transported to Shannon Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. Findley succumbed to his injuries at the hospital and was pronounced deceased. No autopsies were ordered for either victim.
There is no other information available to be released at this time as the crash is still under investigation.
On March 12, 2015 at approximately 10:52 am, Police responded to the 2400 block of W Avenue N for a domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, Police learned Anthony Munoz DOB 05/26/83 had forced entry into a residence where his ex-girlfriend was staying. After entering the apartment, Munoz threatened to assault her with a baseball bat.
The victim, a 24 year old Hispanic female, was able to call the Police. The victim did not receive any injuries. Munoz left prior to Police arrival.
Munoz was located at approximately 3:25 pm in the area near Paint Rock and Bell Street after agreeing to meet with Police to speak about the incident. Munoz was taken into custody without incident.
Munoz was transported to the Tom Green County Jail where he was charged with Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Commit Aggravated Assault. The Detective working this case is Detective Jeremy Cannady.
On March 16, 2015 at 3:00 pm, the San Angelo Police Department will conduct a promotion ceremony for Officer Matthew Vaughn, Officer Mark Medley, Officer Timothy Coffman, and Officer Travis Griffith to the rank of Sergeant. The promotion ceremony will be held at the McNease Convention Center, located at 500 Rio Concho Drive, in the City Council Chambers.
Officer Matthew Vaughn joined the San Angelo Police Department on September 23, 2007. Officer Vaughn transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division as a Detective in July of 2011. On September 28, 2014, Officer Vaughn transferred back to the Patrol Division as an Acting Sergeant. Officer Vaughn has approximately 2,086 hours of training and an Advanced Peace Officer License.
Officer Mark Medley joined the San Angelo Police Department on April 1, 2006. Officer Medley transferred to the Narcotics Division as Detective in September 2009. On September 28, 2014, Officer Medley transferred back to the Patrol Division as an Acting Sergeant. Officer Medley has approximately 1,944 hours of training, a Bachelor's Degree, and an Advanced Peace Officer License.
Officer Timothy Coffman joined the San Angelo Police Department on March 16, 1995. During his career Officer Coffman has been assigned to Patrol and the Community Services Division. While in Community Services, Officer Coffman worked as the Recruiter, Crime Prevention Officer, and a D.R.E.A.M. instructor. Officer Coffman is also a member of the department's Honor Guard. Officer Coffman has been assigned to the Patrol Division since 2011. Officer Coffman was made an Acting Sergeant for the Patrol Division on February 1, 2015. Officer Coffman has approximately 2,298 hours of training and a Master Peace Officer License.
Officer Travis Griffith joined the San Angelo Police Department on December 31, 2008. Officer Griffith worked previously as a Police Officer for the Snyder Police Department for five years. In May of 2010, Officer Griffith transferred to the Special Operations unit as a Detective. Officer Griffith is also a member of the SWAT team. On March 1, 2015, Officer Griffith transferred back to the Patrol Division as an Acting Sergeant. Officer Griffith has approximately 2,068 hours of training and an Advanced Peace Officer License.
Two Dallas teens are facing drug possession and weapons charges after San Angelo Police Officers located a handgun and marijuana during a late-night traffic stop.
On March 8, 2015, just after 11:00 p.m., San Angelo Police Officers D. Welch and C. Martin conducted a traffic stop on a gray 2004 Chevrolet Malibu in the area of West Avenue M and South Bryant Blvd.
When the officers made contact with the driver and passenger, they detected the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle.
During a probable cause search of the vehicle, officers located a small amount of marijuana and a loaded semi-automatic handgun underneath the front passenger seat. Officers also located burnt marijuana cigarettes in the vehicle's center console and alcoholic beverages in the back seat.
The driver was identified as nineteen-year-old Maribeth R. Burrell of Dallas, Texas. During a records check, police learned Burrell had two outstanding Arrest Warrants out of Dallas County for 3rd Degree Felony Prostitution Solicit Person 14-17YOA and Class B Misdemeanor Prostitution. Burrell was arrested and charged with Class B Possession of Marijuana and her outstanding Arrest Warrants. Burrell was issued citations for Defective License Plate Light, No Driver's License, and Minor in Possession of Alcoholic Beverage.
The passenger was identified as eighteen-year-old Dana Ortiz of Dallas, Texas. Ortiz was arrested and charged with Class B Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Carrying of Weapon.
Burrell and Ortiz were transported to the Tom Green County Jail without incident.
***SAPD***
At approximately 5:56 am this morning, Police responded to the 200 block of Westwood for an unknown problem. Upon arrival, Officer Matthew Faz observed a crowd of people standing around a beige 2007 Nissan Altima. The vehicle started to move forward, so Officer Faz put his hands up and told the driver to stop. The driver accelerated. Officer Faz attempted to jump out of the way. The vehicle struck Officer Faz as it sped away. Officer Faz was transported to Community Hospital for treatment for his injuries.
Officer Josh Loudermilk with the Traffic Division and Detective Kelly Lajoie with the Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene to conduct an investigation.
During the Investigation, the vehicle was located by Tom Green County SO Deputies at the Stripes convenience store at 1616 Howard. Synda Manning was located with the vehicle. Manning had been in the vehicle when Officer Faz was hit. Manning was arrested for Public Intoxication.
Through investigation it was learned the driver of the vehicle had been Jeremy Richard Zapata DOB 7-29-87.
Detectives with the Special Operations Unit responded to assist in locating Zapata. Information led to Zapta being located at approximately 8:20 am in the 900 block of Shiloh. Zapta was taken into custody without incident.
Following the investigation, Zapata was transported to the Tom Green County Jail where he was charged with Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant with a Deadly Weapon.
Officer Faz's injuries were non-incapacitating and he has been released from Community Hospital.
