Press Releases
The San Angelo Police Department is investigating multiple incidents related to several viral social media posts concerning two white males who are allegedly attempting to lure children into a red older-model Ford Ranger pickup truck as well as several posts inciting physical retaliation against the men.
Yesterday, the Department received several reported sightings of the men and truck from the viral social media posts in and around various locations in San Angelo. Our officers responded to each reported sighting. Both men, who appear to be suffering from an unknown cognitive impairment, were located and identified and investigations into the reported incidents ensued.
In a possible act of so-called vigilante justice, one of the accused men, age 41, was assaulted late last night at a local gas station during an altercation with three men who recognized him from the viral posts. The man was later treated for a broken jaw. The suspects have not been located. The incident is under investigation.
To date, officers have spoken with several complainants who alleged the two men have been acting suspiciously and following children and women; however, no incidents of attempted abduction have been reported.
Although none of the reported local incidents have risen to a violation of Texas law thus far, we can assure you that the safety and welfare of our citizens is paramount and our officers are exploring every possible avenue within legal guidelines to halt the activity.
We cannot stress enough the importance of reporting suspicious behavior when it is occurring. Sometimes, people are reluctant to call 911 about behavior that they feel is suspicious or they choose to post on social media before calling authorities. The San Angelo Police Department wants to remind our citizens that reporting suspicious activity immediately can help police prevent or interrupt crime.
The Department is also cautioning members of the public to refrain from approaching the men and taking matters into their own hands.
If you or someone you know has had a recent encounter with the men, please contact the San Angelo Police Department as soon as possible at (325) 657-4315 to file an incident report.
These are ongoing investigations and more information will be released when it becomes available.
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On Saturday, August 29, 2020, Detectives with the San Angelo Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division were called to the 300 block of South Oakes Street to investigate a drowning incident involving a 40-year-old San Angelo transient man. The incident was reported around 2:30 p.m.
San Angelo Police and Fire Department personnel located the unresponsive man near Celebration Bridge. Justice of the Peace Susan Werner officially pronounced the man deceased.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim, later identified as 40-year-old Thomas Pike, had been drinking with a group of transients on the north side of the river before he went swimming and reportedly drowned.
Foul play is not suspected. This is an ongoing investigation and no other information is available for release at this time.
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Over the last two days, Officers with the San Angelo Police Department’s Anti-Crime Unit and Gang Unit have arrested the following suspects pursuant to an ongoing investigation into criminal activity associated with a residence located in the 2000 block of Colorado Street in San Angelo, Texas.
Alfredo Chavez, age 17: Possession of Marijuana
Vanessa Gonzales, age 22: Possession of Marijuana
Mykah Saldivar, age 19: Possession of Marijuana, Possession Controlled Substance PG3
Jonathan Tucker, age 17: Burglary of Habitation, Unauthorized Use of Vehicle, Seatbelt-Passenger 17 and Older
Subsequent to the arrests, a search warrant operation was executed at the residence where officers located and seized a quantity of stolen property — including firearms.
Additional charges are pending the outcome of this ongoing investigation.
Members of the Department’s K9 Unit, Criminal Investigations Division, and Crime Scene Investigations assisted with the operation.
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August 26, 2020 — Just after 1:30 a.m., San Angelo Public Safety Communications received multiple calls concerning reports of “shots fired” near the 2400 block of North Lillie Street.
Shortly after, San Angelo Police were dispatched to Shannon Medical Center for the report of a 20-year-old male shooting victim.
Subsequent to the preliminary field investigation, detectives learned that the victim had been shot during an altercation between two unknown male suspects while in the parking lot of the Nueva Vista Apartments located at 2401 North Lillie Street and that the incident was not a random act of violence.
If anyone has information about the suspect(s) identity or whereabouts, please contact the Criminal Investigations Division at (325) 657-4264. To remain anonymous, tip online at http://bit.ly/SAPDTips247 or by text: text TIP SAPD to 888777 and follow the prompts.
This is an ongoing investigation and no additional information is available for release at this time.
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This morning, the San Angelo Police Department’s Traffic Section conducted LIDAR Traffic Enforcement in eleven (11) school zones. A total of thirty-five (35) citations and seven (7) warnings were issued.
Following the school zone enforcement, LIDAR Traffic Enforcement was conducted in the 2200 block of West Houston Harte’s eastbound traffic. A total of sixty (60) citations and twenty-five (25) warnings were issued.
Citation Breakdown:
School Zones
Cell phone in School Zone: 2
Other/Misc. Violations: 5
No Insurance: 2
Speeding: 26
Warnings: 7
Houston Harte
Speeding: 52 (Highest speed: 94 mph.)
Other/Misc. Violations: 3
No Driver’s License: 2
No Insurance: 3
Warnings: 18
The life of a child is priceless and not worth the risk by speeding through a school zone. Children are more vulnerable than adults to being hit by a car — they tend to be less cautious than adults, are less visible due to their size, and they are less likely to survive a hit by a vehicle.
When approaching a school zone, slow down. The few seconds you may save speeding through a school zone is not worth the fine, but more importantly, it’s not worth the life of a child.
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