No change in pursuit policy, police chief says
The Pearsall Police Department has announced that it has no plans to change its vehicle pursuit policy. The announcement came at a time when cases of human smuggling remain frequent. Law enforcement officers at agencies across South Texas continue reporting a high number of incidents in which smugglers transporting undocumented immigrants as well as narcotics…
Read MoreMock disaster drill tests responders’ readiness
The GEO Group South Texas ICE Processing Center on the west side of Pearsall hosted a simulated disaster scenario last week to provide a unique and critical training opportunity to Frio County emergency first responders. The exercise, involving representatives from the Pearsall Police Department, Frio County EMS, Pearsall Volunteer Fire Department, Pearsall City Hall, ICE…
Read MoreDilley drug raid reveals meth traffic, female suspect
A Dilley woman landed behind bars last week after Frio County sheriff’s deputies discovered methamphetamine packaged for sale in her home. Deputies have reported that an investigation was launched into possible drug sales following several complaints regarding high-volume traffic at the home, which they describe as a sign of criminal activity. According to a report…
Read MoreCouncil has doubts about contract for ambulance service
“Bottom line is, we need more data…” Hours after Frio County commissioners approved hiring a private ambulance company, Pearsall city councilors directed city administration to collect more data before considering joining an interlocal agreement with the county. City Manager Federico Reyes told councilors that county officials requested assistance from the cities of Pearsall and Dilley…
Read MorePearsall PD awarded staffing grant, considers retiring canines
The city of Pearsall will receive a three-year $187,000 federal grant to fund two additional police officers. The grant, funded through the Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), is aimed at reducing crime and advancing public safety through community policing. “We are really excited to help supplement personnel,” Pearsall Police Chief…
Read MorePolice use taser in arrest after Pearsall gunfire
SUV riddled with bullets from downtown shooting A Cotulla man is facing two felony charges after he struck a police officer and shot a firearm at a man in late October, Pearsall police say. According to a report on the case, emergency dispatchers received several calls from local residents at around 8 p.m. Sunday, October…
Read MoreNew ordinance prohibits placing manufactured homes in Pearsall
Pearsall city councilors have unanimously passed an ordinance that will no longer allow conditional-use permits for mobile homes in undesignated areas of the city. The amendment to the ordinance followed extensive talks by councilors, together with residents’ concerns voiced during town hall meetings. “We have our city manager and city attorney here,” Mayor Ben Briscoe…
Read MoreSuspect jailed 10 months after knife assault
Woman was stabbed repeatedly in neck, torso Nearly 10 months after allegedly stabbing his estranged wife, Pearsall native Charlie Martinez is behind bars on felony aggravated assault charges. The district clerk’s office reports the 37-year-old man was indicted by a Frio County grand jury on Friday, November 3, for aggravated assault in family violence with…
Read MoreChief discusses city officer shortage
Low pay, travel costs make recruiting challenge, Flores says As police departments across the country are struggling to hire and retain new officers, Pearsall Police Chief Daniel Flores said his is no exception to the ongoing crisis. Flores said the department currently has six vacancies and has 14 law enforcement officers, including himself. City councilors…
Read MoreConstable charged with abuse of office
Fund use investigation continues Frio County Precinct 4 Constable Rene Lozano was arrested last week on a misdemeanor charge for abuse of official capacity. The elected officer is close to completing 18 years as constable in his precinct. A report was made to the Texas Rangers after suspicious spending was discovered by the county auditor,…
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