Police search for LBJ shooter
By GARY REAVES / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Police are still searching for a person who shot at a woman's car during rush hour traffic Wednesday on Interstate 635.
The woman's white Toyota had its front and side window blown out during the incident that police said they believe was a random shooting.
"We spoke to the complainant and asked her was there a possibility it was a road rage incident," said Lt. Rick Watson, Dallas Police Department. "Did someone cut her off or whatever? She said no."
Police did find a bullet they said they will test and attempt to match to other crime scenes.
Authorities also said they hope they receive a tip on the incident. Until then, DART police said they will be on the lookout as well.
"My guys have been made aware of it, so what we will do is we'll try to keep an eye out," said Sgt. Richard Tear, DART police.
While police said the public shouldn't be worried, Jerry Yensan, a Denton resident, said he too had a close call in a public place. Yensan was almost hit by random highway gunfire while sitting in a Lewisville restaurant.
"You come to realize you could be sitting alongside the highway at any given evening having dinner and get your brains blown out," he said.
Wednesday's victim managed to pull over near the Marsh Lane exit and was uninjured.
Friends of the driver came to the scene to help her drive the damaged car home and police said they will continue to investigate the shooting.
The crime is a felony and would most likely be a charge of attempted murder or assault with a deadly weapon.
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Live Dallas/Ft. Worth Traffic Reports from Traffic Pulse
News from the Lone Star State
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TexasStooge
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64 arrested in Dallas warrant roundup
By HOLLY YAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Authorities arrested 64 people Thursday during a joint warrant roundup by the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas County Sheriff's Department.
The warrants included both felony and misdemeanor crimes, said Sgt. Don Peritz, Dallas County Sheriff's Department spokesman.
Among those arrested were five juveniles and Alfonso Lorenzo Randall, 38. Mr. Randall was arrested in the 1900 block of Dudley Avenue in Dallas warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felony possession of a controlled substance.
On Thursday, Mr. Randall was also found with more than 50 grams of crack cocaine. He has had prior convictions of murder, 2 counts of aggravated robbery, felony possession of a controlled substance and terroristic threats.
By HOLLY YAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Authorities arrested 64 people Thursday during a joint warrant roundup by the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas County Sheriff's Department.
The warrants included both felony and misdemeanor crimes, said Sgt. Don Peritz, Dallas County Sheriff's Department spokesman.
Among those arrested were five juveniles and Alfonso Lorenzo Randall, 38. Mr. Randall was arrested in the 1900 block of Dudley Avenue in Dallas warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felony possession of a controlled substance.
On Thursday, Mr. Randall was also found with more than 50 grams of crack cocaine. He has had prior convictions of murder, 2 counts of aggravated robbery, felony possession of a controlled substance and terroristic threats.
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TexasStooge
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TexasStooge
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Ballot name spurs questions
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - What's in a name?
Well, that's not only a question penned by Shakespeare. It is also a question a man who lost a squeaker of a primary race is asking.
Scott Chase ran for Dallas County commissioner against Rose Renfroe, who listed her name as Rose "Rosita" Renfroe on the heavily Hispanic Precinct 4 ballot.
Chase lost by 30 votes in the primary election to Renfroe, who was vying to unseat Republican County Commissioner Ken Mayfield.
But Chase wonders if it was the slight name change that edged him out of the race.
Renfroe said she doesn't understand the fuss.
"Ha, It's my nickname," she said. "I've had it. My husband has called me that since I was 18, 19-years-old."
But that may be curious to some residents of Precinct 4 since in no other official state document was Renfroe known by any other name, which included a previous commissioner race and a change of address form she filled out.
"And even on her January 18 campaign finance report she is only Rose Renfroe, but finally on her March 1 campaign finance report, seven days before the election, she is suddenly Rosita," Chase said.
Yet again, Renfroe sees no problem.
"What would be dirty about it?" she asked.
However, Rosalinda Steach who lives in Precinct 4 feels differently.
"Well, I feel like that more or less that would be misrepresentation on her part," she said.
Another resident disagrees.
"This is a free country and she can change it to whatever she wants to," the resident said.
Renfroe said she was merely following her heart and the words of her now deceased husband who 30 years ago convinced her to run for city council.
"I could hear him say, 'Rosita, you can win,'" she said.
And win she did, but some might say she didn't come out smelling like a rose.
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - What's in a name?
Well, that's not only a question penned by Shakespeare. It is also a question a man who lost a squeaker of a primary race is asking.
Scott Chase ran for Dallas County commissioner against Rose Renfroe, who listed her name as Rose "Rosita" Renfroe on the heavily Hispanic Precinct 4 ballot.
Chase lost by 30 votes in the primary election to Renfroe, who was vying to unseat Republican County Commissioner Ken Mayfield.
But Chase wonders if it was the slight name change that edged him out of the race.
Renfroe said she doesn't understand the fuss.
"Ha, It's my nickname," she said. "I've had it. My husband has called me that since I was 18, 19-years-old."
But that may be curious to some residents of Precinct 4 since in no other official state document was Renfroe known by any other name, which included a previous commissioner race and a change of address form she filled out.
"And even on her January 18 campaign finance report she is only Rose Renfroe, but finally on her March 1 campaign finance report, seven days before the election, she is suddenly Rosita," Chase said.
Yet again, Renfroe sees no problem.
"What would be dirty about it?" she asked.
However, Rosalinda Steach who lives in Precinct 4 feels differently.
"Well, I feel like that more or less that would be misrepresentation on her part," she said.
Another resident disagrees.
"This is a free country and she can change it to whatever she wants to," the resident said.
Renfroe said she was merely following her heart and the words of her now deceased husband who 30 years ago convinced her to run for city council.
"I could hear him say, 'Rosita, you can win,'" she said.
And win she did, but some might say she didn't come out smelling like a rose.
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TexasStooge
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Horse meat plant ordered to close
Kaufman facility has until Sept. 30 to close; lawyer seeking options
By JIM GETZ / The Dallas Morning News
KAUFMAN, Texas – The Dallas Crown Horse Slaughter Plant has remained open – despite years of complaints, a federal lawsuit now on appeal and an effort by lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
But on Thursday night, city officials set the date for the plant's closure.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 5-0 to order Dallas Crown to close by Sept. 30.
The board's decision came after an hour of arguments by attorneys on both sides of the issue and a half-hour closed session. In late November, the board declared the business a nuisance because of concerns about public health and safety – setting the stage for Thursday's ruling.
Board chairman John Elzner said the board settled on the Sept. 30 date because it provides a reasonable amount of time for Dallas Crown to comply with the order.
"Obviously, a company of that size has to have some room," Mr. Elzner said after the meeting. "It was a timeline we all felt comfortable with."
Dallas Crown attorney Mark Calabria said he would determine what options are available. One option, he said, would be to proceed immediately with a lawsuit the company filed against the city in December.
That suit alleges that the board's November decision was illegal and asks a judge to prevent the city from interfering with the slaughterhouse.
A resident who spearheaded the move to shut down the plant said he was keeping his fingers crossed that the plant would close in September.
"We'll see [on] Sept. 30," said Robert Eldridge. "You never know."
Mr. Calabria and another attorney, Bruce Monning of Waldo Inc. – which owns the slaughter plant and its equipment – both said they tried earlier Thursday to get two Kaufman County judges to stop the hearing Thursday night. Both judges rejected that request.
The zoning board could not issue its final ruling until members had information to determine a closure date.
To do so, the city hired Tyler auditor and financial investigator David Carter to find the rate of depreciation of Dallas Crowns' assets. That information would provide how much time Dallas Crown would need to recoup its investment in the Kaufman plant.
Mr. Monning provided documents saying it would cost Dallas Crown and Waldo about $6 million to demolish, relocate and rebuild. At the rate the two companies have been earning money, he said, it would take between 45 to 49 years to recoup their investments.
But Arlington attorney Don Feare, who represents Mr. Eldridge and about 14 other neighbors, constantly reminded the board members that they were dealing with complaints against Dallas Crown, which owns few assets, not Waldo.
In August, Dallas Crown and Beltex Corp. in Fort Worth scored a legal victory with a federal judge's ruling that district attorneys cannot try to shut down the horse-slaughtering plants under a 1949 state law. The federal lawsuit is now on appeal in New Orleans.
Congress has also been under pressure from lawmakers and animal rights groups to adopt an outright ban on the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Roughly 88,000 horses are slaughtered each year, with the meat sold in France, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and a handful of other countries.
During Thursday's meeting, Mr. Monning argued that at least one board member, Steve Hulme, had a conflict of interest and should have recused himself from voting.
Mr. Hulme's late wife, Mary Nash, avidly fought against the slaughterhouse. But in the end, it was Mr. Hulme who made Thursday's motion – and, to be clear, he first repeated the nuisance motion made in November.
Both motions passed unanimously.
Kaufman facility has until Sept. 30 to close; lawyer seeking options
By JIM GETZ / The Dallas Morning News
KAUFMAN, Texas – The Dallas Crown Horse Slaughter Plant has remained open – despite years of complaints, a federal lawsuit now on appeal and an effort by lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
But on Thursday night, city officials set the date for the plant's closure.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 5-0 to order Dallas Crown to close by Sept. 30.
The board's decision came after an hour of arguments by attorneys on both sides of the issue and a half-hour closed session. In late November, the board declared the business a nuisance because of concerns about public health and safety – setting the stage for Thursday's ruling.
Board chairman John Elzner said the board settled on the Sept. 30 date because it provides a reasonable amount of time for Dallas Crown to comply with the order.
"Obviously, a company of that size has to have some room," Mr. Elzner said after the meeting. "It was a timeline we all felt comfortable with."
Dallas Crown attorney Mark Calabria said he would determine what options are available. One option, he said, would be to proceed immediately with a lawsuit the company filed against the city in December.
That suit alleges that the board's November decision was illegal and asks a judge to prevent the city from interfering with the slaughterhouse.
A resident who spearheaded the move to shut down the plant said he was keeping his fingers crossed that the plant would close in September.
"We'll see [on] Sept. 30," said Robert Eldridge. "You never know."
Mr. Calabria and another attorney, Bruce Monning of Waldo Inc. – which owns the slaughter plant and its equipment – both said they tried earlier Thursday to get two Kaufman County judges to stop the hearing Thursday night. Both judges rejected that request.
The zoning board could not issue its final ruling until members had information to determine a closure date.
To do so, the city hired Tyler auditor and financial investigator David Carter to find the rate of depreciation of Dallas Crowns' assets. That information would provide how much time Dallas Crown would need to recoup its investment in the Kaufman plant.
Mr. Monning provided documents saying it would cost Dallas Crown and Waldo about $6 million to demolish, relocate and rebuild. At the rate the two companies have been earning money, he said, it would take between 45 to 49 years to recoup their investments.
But Arlington attorney Don Feare, who represents Mr. Eldridge and about 14 other neighbors, constantly reminded the board members that they were dealing with complaints against Dallas Crown, which owns few assets, not Waldo.
In August, Dallas Crown and Beltex Corp. in Fort Worth scored a legal victory with a federal judge's ruling that district attorneys cannot try to shut down the horse-slaughtering plants under a 1949 state law. The federal lawsuit is now on appeal in New Orleans.
Congress has also been under pressure from lawmakers and animal rights groups to adopt an outright ban on the slaughter of horses for human consumption. Roughly 88,000 horses are slaughtered each year, with the meat sold in France, Belgium, Japan, Mexico and a handful of other countries.
During Thursday's meeting, Mr. Monning argued that at least one board member, Steve Hulme, had a conflict of interest and should have recused himself from voting.
Mr. Hulme's late wife, Mary Nash, avidly fought against the slaughterhouse. But in the end, it was Mr. Hulme who made Thursday's motion – and, to be clear, he first repeated the nuisance motion made in November.
Both motions passed unanimously.
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TexasStooge
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Flower tower looms over Dallas Blooms
Fans to get an Eiffel this year
By ELIZABETH LANGTON / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Svend Muller has regularly visited the Dallas Arboretum for more than 20 years, but he never grows accustomed to the view during Dallas Blooms.
"They surprise me," he said of the trees and 400,000 flowers that blossom during the annual spring festival. "During the winter, there's nothing. And then all of the sudden, color is everywhere."
Mr. Muller and his wife, Neva, volunteer twice a week during the five-week Dallas Blooms event, which opens today. Over the past two decades, the couple has donated more than 10,000 hours to the arboretum.
"This has been one of the most wonderful experiences we've ever had," Mrs. Muller said. "We call it our home away from home."
Mr. Muller, 94, has always worked as a tram driver. Mrs. Muller, 83, has held many posts but for years has served primarily as a docent, greeting visitors and giving tours of the historic DeGolyer House.
Kay Armstrong, the arboretum's director of volunteer services, said the Mullers radiate vitality and spirit.
"They are an absolute delight," she said. "It's just a little cheerier around when they are here. They are people who enjoy life, and they bring that out here and they are very eager to share it with our visitors."
Volunteers vital
Officials expect more than 120,000 visitors during Dallas Blooms, the arboretum's busiest time. The regular volunteer force of 300 swells past 1,000, Ms. Armstrong said.
"It's impossible for us to operate without our volunteer program," she said. "There's no way we could afford to hire people to do all that work."
Volunteers man the ticket counter, information booth and gift shop. They give tours, plan weddings and care for the plants. More than 1,400 people worked 47,000 hours last year. Those numbers included the Mullers, but they keep active even when they're not at the arboretum.
Mr. Muller belongs to the Kiwanis Club and Elks Lodge No. 71. He mentors the Bryan Adams High School Key Club and exercises three times a week at the White Rock Athletic Club.
Mrs. Muller volunteers with the White Rock Center of Hope, which she helped found, and belongs to a book club and three garden clubs .
The couple , who met on the dance floor at a USO social, also go dancing once a week.
"Our kids say we have more fun than they do," Mrs. Muller said.
The Mullers, who moved to their Casa Linda neighborhood in 1952, first visited the arboretum shortly after it opened to the public in 1984. Mr. Muller had retired as a Safeway market manager in 1978. Mrs. Muller had retired in 1983 from the Dallas school district, where she had interviewed job candidates.
"They had just opened, and we were looking for something to do," Mr. Muller said. "They didn't charge anything back then. That's probably why we came in."
After a few visits with their grandchildren, the Mullers started volunteering at the arboretum. They grew to love the gardens.
"One of the smartest things the city of Dallas ever did was buy this land," Mrs. Muller said.
While driving visitors through the gardens, Mr. Muller talks about the arboretum's history and points out blooming tulips, pansies, hyacinths and Mexican plum trees.
Eiffel Flower theme
This week, the arboretum's grass looked lush and green. Though many of the trees remained bare, flowers of every color already dotted the landscape. Dave Forehand, the arboretum's vice president of gardens, expects the scenery to blossom within the next week to 10 days.
Dallas Blooms is the southwest's largest outdoor floral festival. During this year's Eiffel Flower-themed event, the arboretum will open three new gardens.
The Boswell Family Garden was a Christmas gift from George Boswell to his wife, Veta, and three daughters. The garden is named El Inesperado , Spanish for "the unexpected," and borders the McCasland Family Sunken Garden.
The McCasland garden, funded by Tom and Phyllis McCasland, is a renovation and upgrade of the original Sunken Garden.
The final phase of A Woman's Garden, donated by the arboretum's Women's Council, will complete the 2.5-acre project that honors the nurturing nature of women. It is the nation's only public garden dedicated to women.
Fans to get an Eiffel this year
By ELIZABETH LANGTON / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Svend Muller has regularly visited the Dallas Arboretum for more than 20 years, but he never grows accustomed to the view during Dallas Blooms.
"They surprise me," he said of the trees and 400,000 flowers that blossom during the annual spring festival. "During the winter, there's nothing. And then all of the sudden, color is everywhere."
Mr. Muller and his wife, Neva, volunteer twice a week during the five-week Dallas Blooms event, which opens today. Over the past two decades, the couple has donated more than 10,000 hours to the arboretum.
"This has been one of the most wonderful experiences we've ever had," Mrs. Muller said. "We call it our home away from home."
Mr. Muller, 94, has always worked as a tram driver. Mrs. Muller, 83, has held many posts but for years has served primarily as a docent, greeting visitors and giving tours of the historic DeGolyer House.
Kay Armstrong, the arboretum's director of volunteer services, said the Mullers radiate vitality and spirit.
"They are an absolute delight," she said. "It's just a little cheerier around when they are here. They are people who enjoy life, and they bring that out here and they are very eager to share it with our visitors."
Volunteers vital
Officials expect more than 120,000 visitors during Dallas Blooms, the arboretum's busiest time. The regular volunteer force of 300 swells past 1,000, Ms. Armstrong said.
"It's impossible for us to operate without our volunteer program," she said. "There's no way we could afford to hire people to do all that work."
Volunteers man the ticket counter, information booth and gift shop. They give tours, plan weddings and care for the plants. More than 1,400 people worked 47,000 hours last year. Those numbers included the Mullers, but they keep active even when they're not at the arboretum.
Mr. Muller belongs to the Kiwanis Club and Elks Lodge No. 71. He mentors the Bryan Adams High School Key Club and exercises three times a week at the White Rock Athletic Club.
Mrs. Muller volunteers with the White Rock Center of Hope, which she helped found, and belongs to a book club and three garden clubs .
The couple , who met on the dance floor at a USO social, also go dancing once a week.
"Our kids say we have more fun than they do," Mrs. Muller said.
The Mullers, who moved to their Casa Linda neighborhood in 1952, first visited the arboretum shortly after it opened to the public in 1984. Mr. Muller had retired as a Safeway market manager in 1978. Mrs. Muller had retired in 1983 from the Dallas school district, where she had interviewed job candidates.
"They had just opened, and we were looking for something to do," Mr. Muller said. "They didn't charge anything back then. That's probably why we came in."
After a few visits with their grandchildren, the Mullers started volunteering at the arboretum. They grew to love the gardens.
"One of the smartest things the city of Dallas ever did was buy this land," Mrs. Muller said.
While driving visitors through the gardens, Mr. Muller talks about the arboretum's history and points out blooming tulips, pansies, hyacinths and Mexican plum trees.
Eiffel Flower theme
This week, the arboretum's grass looked lush and green. Though many of the trees remained bare, flowers of every color already dotted the landscape. Dave Forehand, the arboretum's vice president of gardens, expects the scenery to blossom within the next week to 10 days.
Dallas Blooms is the southwest's largest outdoor floral festival. During this year's Eiffel Flower-themed event, the arboretum will open three new gardens.
The Boswell Family Garden was a Christmas gift from George Boswell to his wife, Veta, and three daughters. The garden is named El Inesperado , Spanish for "the unexpected," and borders the McCasland Family Sunken Garden.
The McCasland garden, funded by Tom and Phyllis McCasland, is a renovation and upgrade of the original Sunken Garden.
The final phase of A Woman's Garden, donated by the arboretum's Women's Council, will complete the 2.5-acre project that honors the nurturing nature of women. It is the nation's only public garden dedicated to women.
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TexasStooge
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Carrollton will tow uninsured vehicles
Policy applies to cars involved in accidents, will start within 60 days
By STEPHANIE SANDOVAL / The Dallas Morning News
CARROLLTON, Texas – Uninsured motorists who get into an accident in Carrollton soon will have to find another way home, even if the car is still drivable.
Police Chief David James said a policy to tow any uninsured vehicle involved in an accident could be in effect within about 60 days.
He agreed to enact the policy at the request of City Council members on Tuesday.
"Driving in Carrollton is a privilege, not a right," said City Council member Matthew Marchant. "I believe we have a responsibility to uphold the law."
Council members and the chief talked about towing uninsured vehicles found during traffic stops and other incidents as well, but decided that would take too much time away from more important duties for officers.
Officers, however, will have some discretion if towing the vehicle would put the occupants in jeopardy: a teen driver, for example, who cannot find a parent or someone else to drive him home.
Carrollton officials had discussed the idea several months ago but decided not to take any action at that time.
"I don't like to be the first out of the gate," council member Tim O'Hare said.
Other cities have since implemented similar policies. Dallas enacted a policy in January to tow uninsured vehicles involved in accidents. Last summer, Irving started towing not only those in accidents but also those pulled over on traffic stops. In Irving, more than 1,100 vehicles were towed from June 2005 to January.
In Carrollton, of 1,772 accidents last year, 302 vehicles involved were uninsured.
The chief said it would take about 60 days to write the policy and train officers before implementation. About 90 days after implementation, he plans to report to the council on the number of accidents and uninsured vehicles involved, how much time officers spent having vehicles towed, and the amount of time spent helping people arrange for alternate transportation.
The towing policy is expected to add about 30 minutes to the time officers spend on the average accident.
The policy is not likely to change drivers' habits, Chief James said.
"We're not going to stop any accidents. We're not going to make people buy insurance," he said. "All they'll do is abandon the cars and go get another piece of paper and get another car."
But council members said it may ease the minds of insured drivers who worry about accidents with uninsured motorists.
"In my opinion, we're protecting the law-abiding citizens," Mr. Marchant said.
Policy applies to cars involved in accidents, will start within 60 days
By STEPHANIE SANDOVAL / The Dallas Morning News
CARROLLTON, Texas – Uninsured motorists who get into an accident in Carrollton soon will have to find another way home, even if the car is still drivable.
Police Chief David James said a policy to tow any uninsured vehicle involved in an accident could be in effect within about 60 days.
He agreed to enact the policy at the request of City Council members on Tuesday.
"Driving in Carrollton is a privilege, not a right," said City Council member Matthew Marchant. "I believe we have a responsibility to uphold the law."
Council members and the chief talked about towing uninsured vehicles found during traffic stops and other incidents as well, but decided that would take too much time away from more important duties for officers.
Officers, however, will have some discretion if towing the vehicle would put the occupants in jeopardy: a teen driver, for example, who cannot find a parent or someone else to drive him home.
Carrollton officials had discussed the idea several months ago but decided not to take any action at that time.
"I don't like to be the first out of the gate," council member Tim O'Hare said.
Other cities have since implemented similar policies. Dallas enacted a policy in January to tow uninsured vehicles involved in accidents. Last summer, Irving started towing not only those in accidents but also those pulled over on traffic stops. In Irving, more than 1,100 vehicles were towed from June 2005 to January.
In Carrollton, of 1,772 accidents last year, 302 vehicles involved were uninsured.
The chief said it would take about 60 days to write the policy and train officers before implementation. About 90 days after implementation, he plans to report to the council on the number of accidents and uninsured vehicles involved, how much time officers spent having vehicles towed, and the amount of time spent helping people arrange for alternate transportation.
The towing policy is expected to add about 30 minutes to the time officers spend on the average accident.
The policy is not likely to change drivers' habits, Chief James said.
"We're not going to stop any accidents. We're not going to make people buy insurance," he said. "All they'll do is abandon the cars and go get another piece of paper and get another car."
But council members said it may ease the minds of insured drivers who worry about accidents with uninsured motorists.
"In my opinion, we're protecting the law-abiding citizens," Mr. Marchant said.
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Primary draws lowest turnout in decades
Only 9% of registered voters turned out; no consensus on reason
By CHRISTY HOPPE / The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN, Texas – If this week's primary were a movie, it would be Gigli –an expensive production and a box office flop.
Nine percent of registered voters encountered short lines or no waits to cast their ballots Tuesday. The primaries attracted the lowest turnout in at least 35 years. It could be the worst turnout ever, but the statistics on voter registration only go back so far.
Even Republican Secretary of State Roger Williams, who predicted a paltry 13 percent turnout, was caught being overly optimistic.
"We don't know why the turnout was low, and certainly this office is disappointed," spokesman Scott Haywood said.
He said he should make it clear that TV commercials running statewide and starring Mr. Williams were not part of a failed get-out-the-vote effort. They were designed to inform voters about where to vote and that they would be casting ballots on new electronic equipment – part of a $5 million voter education drive.
"We're pretty pleased with the results. Things went really well with the new equipment," he said.
Mr. Haywood said that if any one factor was significant, it was that Democrats failed to show up. "I couldn't find a Democratic primary that was lower," he said.
The Democratic primary drew 4 percent of registered voters, the GOP primary 5 percent.
Longtime political consultant Bill Miller had a different take.
"The real reason is that people are unhappy," he said. "There's a lot of disillusionment presently."
Mr. Miller acknowledged that the election was thin on competitive races, but when voter discontent is pervasive, "they're going to withhold their vote," he said. "Being an incumbent is a risky business in this environment."
Two independent candidates, Carole Keeton Strayhorn and Kinky Friedman, would like to think that all those voters stayed away from the polls so they could sign their ballot petitions. Voting in the primary disqualifies someone from signing a petition.
Friedman spokeswoman Laura Stromberg said she thinks it's one of the main reasons people didn't vote: They were "saving themselves for Kinky."
"People around the state are literally standing in line to sign our petition. They want to get their hands on one. We're completely overwhelmed," Ms. Stromberg said.
But even she noted that other reason Texans might have stayed away from the polls.
"There weren't that many options, and some of the races were no-brainers," she said.
Only 9% of registered voters turned out; no consensus on reason
By CHRISTY HOPPE / The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN, Texas – If this week's primary were a movie, it would be Gigli –an expensive production and a box office flop.
Nine percent of registered voters encountered short lines or no waits to cast their ballots Tuesday. The primaries attracted the lowest turnout in at least 35 years. It could be the worst turnout ever, but the statistics on voter registration only go back so far.
Even Republican Secretary of State Roger Williams, who predicted a paltry 13 percent turnout, was caught being overly optimistic.
"We don't know why the turnout was low, and certainly this office is disappointed," spokesman Scott Haywood said.
He said he should make it clear that TV commercials running statewide and starring Mr. Williams were not part of a failed get-out-the-vote effort. They were designed to inform voters about where to vote and that they would be casting ballots on new electronic equipment – part of a $5 million voter education drive.
"We're pretty pleased with the results. Things went really well with the new equipment," he said.
Mr. Haywood said that if any one factor was significant, it was that Democrats failed to show up. "I couldn't find a Democratic primary that was lower," he said.
The Democratic primary drew 4 percent of registered voters, the GOP primary 5 percent.
Longtime political consultant Bill Miller had a different take.
"The real reason is that people are unhappy," he said. "There's a lot of disillusionment presently."
Mr. Miller acknowledged that the election was thin on competitive races, but when voter discontent is pervasive, "they're going to withhold their vote," he said. "Being an incumbent is a risky business in this environment."
Two independent candidates, Carole Keeton Strayhorn and Kinky Friedman, would like to think that all those voters stayed away from the polls so they could sign their ballot petitions. Voting in the primary disqualifies someone from signing a petition.
Friedman spokeswoman Laura Stromberg said she thinks it's one of the main reasons people didn't vote: They were "saving themselves for Kinky."
"People around the state are literally standing in line to sign our petition. They want to get their hands on one. We're completely overwhelmed," Ms. Stromberg said.
But even she noted that other reason Texans might have stayed away from the polls.
"There weren't that many options, and some of the races were no-brainers," she said.
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TexasStooge
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Historic Maple Terrace offers Uptown condos
Developers hope they're got right formula for Uptown condos
By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
How do you become a standout in Uptown's crowded high-rise market?
The developers of the historic Maple Terrace are hoping the landmark's appeal and lower prices will attract condo buyers.
High Street Residential – a subsidiary of Trammell Crow Co. – next week will begin selling condos in the 81-year-old Maple Terrace building and in a 16-story tower going up behind it.
Most of the condos will cost between about $220,000 and $500,000 – moderate prices compared to other condo high-rises going up north of downtown.
"We wanted to be different," said High Street managing director Art Lomenick. "We wanted to be able to offer a lot of space in a great neighborhood."
Units in the project will range from 700 to 2,000 square feet. The plan is for 68 condos in the historic apartment building and 170 condos and townhouses in the new tower.
WDG Architecture is heading the design team. Garrison Partners Consulting has been hired to handle sales and marketing.
"We hope to break ground in September or October," said development director Harry Lake.
The first renovated units in the old building will be ready in fall 2007. The tower will take longer.
Dallas housing analyst Mike Puls said the Maple Terrace project may have the right pricing plan to compete well. "That price point has sold readily," Mr. Puls said. "And that is a really good location."
Designed by British architect Alfred Blossom, the Maple Terrace has about 80 units and was operated as an apartment complex. The building was connected by tunnel to the historic Stoneleigh Hotel across the street.
The building was a favorite of celebrities who were in town for a long visit. Former visitors include Greer Garson, Shirley MacLaine and Judy Garland.
Developers hope they're got right formula for Uptown condos
By STEVE BROWN / The Dallas Morning News
How do you become a standout in Uptown's crowded high-rise market?
The developers of the historic Maple Terrace are hoping the landmark's appeal and lower prices will attract condo buyers.
High Street Residential – a subsidiary of Trammell Crow Co. – next week will begin selling condos in the 81-year-old Maple Terrace building and in a 16-story tower going up behind it.
Most of the condos will cost between about $220,000 and $500,000 – moderate prices compared to other condo high-rises going up north of downtown.
"We wanted to be different," said High Street managing director Art Lomenick. "We wanted to be able to offer a lot of space in a great neighborhood."
Units in the project will range from 700 to 2,000 square feet. The plan is for 68 condos in the historic apartment building and 170 condos and townhouses in the new tower.
WDG Architecture is heading the design team. Garrison Partners Consulting has been hired to handle sales and marketing.
"We hope to break ground in September or October," said development director Harry Lake.
The first renovated units in the old building will be ready in fall 2007. The tower will take longer.
Dallas housing analyst Mike Puls said the Maple Terrace project may have the right pricing plan to compete well. "That price point has sold readily," Mr. Puls said. "And that is a really good location."
Designed by British architect Alfred Blossom, the Maple Terrace has about 80 units and was operated as an apartment complex. The building was connected by tunnel to the historic Stoneleigh Hotel across the street.
The building was a favorite of celebrities who were in town for a long visit. Former visitors include Greer Garson, Shirley MacLaine and Judy Garland.
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TexasStooge
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Late funds altered House races
Group gave huge sums at the last minute to assist Craddick allies
By ROBERT T. GARRETT / The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN, Texas – A committee run by two political operatives credited with Tom Craddick's rise to House speaker gave huge sums at the last minute to help at least six Craddick lieutenants win their GOP primaries against educator-backed challengers this week.
The committee – steered by lobbyist Mike Toomey, a former chief of staff to Gov. Rick Perry, and John Colyandro, an Austin Republican insider indicted along with U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay– helped several House members keep their seats, including West Texas Rep. David Swinford, a major target of education advocates.
One member it could not save was Arlington's Kent Grusendorf, chairman of the House Public Education Committee, despite giving several times as much to his campaign as any other.
Education advocates say they think the committee also helped a seventh House member, Sherman Republican Larry Phillips, though that assistance had not been reported on the Texas Ethics Commission's Web site by Thursday afternoon. Mr. Phillips won his primary.
The long-dormant Texas Opportunity Political Action Committee came to life in the campaign's last two weeks, pouring nearly $300,000 into the races of six GOP House incumbents. It made "in kind" contributions of ads, mailers, polls and automated calls.
The committee was created in 1999 but never received or spent money until this year. By taking it over rather than forming a new body, the operatives did not have to disclose their involvement before Election Day. They were also able to escape legal requirements that a political committee be chartered at least 60 days before participating in an election.
Alexis DeLee, Mr. Craddick's press secretary, said the speaker gave money to the committee at Mr. Toomey's urging as a way to "support incumbents." Ms. DeLee said she did not know how much money the speaker gave or which of his various political accounts it came from.
"You'll have to look that up in July," she said, referring to the next time political committees must report on their finances to the state.
Rep. Phil King, a director of the speaker's Stars Over Texas PAC, a committee run by Mr. Craddick's daughter, had said before the primary that the committee wouldn't get involved in primaries. The committee was set up to help Republicans in general elections against Democrats.
At least two of the incumbents helped by the Texas Opportunity PAC, Republicans Betty Brown of Terrell and Leo Berman of Tyler, won narrow victories Tuesday, prompting complaints that the committee's late hits against challengers made the difference.
"Just a flood of money turned the tide for some people who probably were close to being beat," said Carolyn Boyle of the Texas Parent PAC, which sought to unseat lawmakers who it said had not supported the public schools.
"Clearly, they knew what we knew from doing polling – that all of those people were in danger," she said.
The involvement of Mr. Toomey, who helped write some of the PAC's mailers and gave it money, and funding by top GOP donor Bob Perry suggest that the governor also supported the PAC's efforts, said Republican consultant Brian Mayes of Dallas.
"You never would have seen this type of effort under Governor Bush," said Mr. Mayes, an adviser to former state school board member Diane Patrick, who beat Mr. Grusendorf on Tuesday. "It's unfortunate. It's very unusual for a governor to get involved in primary races."
Robert Black, spokesman for the governor's re-election campaign, said Mr. Perry neither knew of nor condoned the PAC's efforts.
"Governor Perry and the Perry campaign have no role in the Texas Opportunity PAC," Mr. Black said. "I didn't even hear about it until today."
The governor campaigned for five of the six beneficiaries of the PAC – and Mr. Phillips – in the final days before the primary.
Mr. Black said, though, that Mr. Perry's visits weren't coordinated with the PAC's effort. The governor stumped for 10 House GOP incumbents who share his philosophy and asked for help, he said.
In 2002, Mr. Toomey and Mr. Colyandro collaborated to coordinate mailers and other efforts to help Republican House candidates who indicated they would support Mr. Craddick for speaker. The drive succeeded in making Mr. Craddick the first Republican speaker in 130 years.
An assistant said Mr. Toomey would not comment about the Texas Opportunity PAC.
Mr. Colyandro did not return calls. He has been charged in connection with a separate PAC affiliated with Mr. DeLay, the former U.S. House majority leader. That committee is accused of illegally using corporate money to help Republicans win state House races in 2002, victories that ultimately helped Mr. Craddick become speaker.
In the Texas Opportunity PAC's three mailers urging Mr. Grusendorf's re-election, which lambasted Ms. Patrick as a Hillary Rodham Clinton-style liberal, Houston oilman George Strake was listed as the PAC's chairman.
Mr. Strake, a former chairman of the state Republican Party, said Mr. Colyandro asked him to be the PAC's ceremonial head. Its treasurer is an employee of former Railroad Commissioner Barry Williamson, a lobbyist who created it in 1999.
Both Mr. Williamson and Mr. Strake referred a reporter to Mr. Toomey, saying they did not want to comment about the committee's recent operations. Mr. Strake said he knew little about them.
Mr. Strake said he'd had second thoughts about participating and had called Mr. Toomey for reassurances that the PAC would follow all laws and that any incumbents it helped are staunch opponents of abortion rights.
"He said that they had done everything legally correct with it, and he called me back and said they all had pro-life voting records, which was pretty important to me," Mr. Strake said.
The source of more than 70 percent of the committee's money remains unclear. In the nine days before an election, state law requires swift disclosure of large contributions made to candidates and large expenditures made by committees, but not the sources of the committees' money.
On Feb. 17, the Texas Opportunity PAC received contributions of $25,000 each from Houston homebuilder Bob Perry and Houston developer Michael Stevens. Bob Perry, no relation to the governor, and his wife give about $4 million per election cycle to GOP causes, according to the watchdog group Texans for Public Justice.
A spokesman said Bob Perry gave an additional $25,000 after his first donation.
Like Bob Perry, Mr. Stevens has given heavily to conservative Republican politicians and a group trying to limit lawsuit awards in Texas. Mr. Stevens also helped lead a charge against a light-rail system proposed for Houston.
Mr. Toomey and a colleague in his lobbying firm gave the committee small amounts, and Mr. Toomey contributed $3,500 worth of "research, drafting of mail pieces, [and] other administrative work," according to a report the committee filed with the state Feb. 27
Mr. Black, the governor's campaign spokesman, said, "Last time I checked, Mike Toomey was a public citizen free to support and do whatever he wanted."
Group gave huge sums at the last minute to assist Craddick allies
By ROBERT T. GARRETT / The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN, Texas – A committee run by two political operatives credited with Tom Craddick's rise to House speaker gave huge sums at the last minute to help at least six Craddick lieutenants win their GOP primaries against educator-backed challengers this week.
The committee – steered by lobbyist Mike Toomey, a former chief of staff to Gov. Rick Perry, and John Colyandro, an Austin Republican insider indicted along with U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay– helped several House members keep their seats, including West Texas Rep. David Swinford, a major target of education advocates.
One member it could not save was Arlington's Kent Grusendorf, chairman of the House Public Education Committee, despite giving several times as much to his campaign as any other.
Education advocates say they think the committee also helped a seventh House member, Sherman Republican Larry Phillips, though that assistance had not been reported on the Texas Ethics Commission's Web site by Thursday afternoon. Mr. Phillips won his primary.
The long-dormant Texas Opportunity Political Action Committee came to life in the campaign's last two weeks, pouring nearly $300,000 into the races of six GOP House incumbents. It made "in kind" contributions of ads, mailers, polls and automated calls.
The committee was created in 1999 but never received or spent money until this year. By taking it over rather than forming a new body, the operatives did not have to disclose their involvement before Election Day. They were also able to escape legal requirements that a political committee be chartered at least 60 days before participating in an election.
Alexis DeLee, Mr. Craddick's press secretary, said the speaker gave money to the committee at Mr. Toomey's urging as a way to "support incumbents." Ms. DeLee said she did not know how much money the speaker gave or which of his various political accounts it came from.
"You'll have to look that up in July," she said, referring to the next time political committees must report on their finances to the state.
Rep. Phil King, a director of the speaker's Stars Over Texas PAC, a committee run by Mr. Craddick's daughter, had said before the primary that the committee wouldn't get involved in primaries. The committee was set up to help Republicans in general elections against Democrats.
At least two of the incumbents helped by the Texas Opportunity PAC, Republicans Betty Brown of Terrell and Leo Berman of Tyler, won narrow victories Tuesday, prompting complaints that the committee's late hits against challengers made the difference.
"Just a flood of money turned the tide for some people who probably were close to being beat," said Carolyn Boyle of the Texas Parent PAC, which sought to unseat lawmakers who it said had not supported the public schools.
"Clearly, they knew what we knew from doing polling – that all of those people were in danger," she said.
The involvement of Mr. Toomey, who helped write some of the PAC's mailers and gave it money, and funding by top GOP donor Bob Perry suggest that the governor also supported the PAC's efforts, said Republican consultant Brian Mayes of Dallas.
"You never would have seen this type of effort under Governor Bush," said Mr. Mayes, an adviser to former state school board member Diane Patrick, who beat Mr. Grusendorf on Tuesday. "It's unfortunate. It's very unusual for a governor to get involved in primary races."
Robert Black, spokesman for the governor's re-election campaign, said Mr. Perry neither knew of nor condoned the PAC's efforts.
"Governor Perry and the Perry campaign have no role in the Texas Opportunity PAC," Mr. Black said. "I didn't even hear about it until today."
The governor campaigned for five of the six beneficiaries of the PAC – and Mr. Phillips – in the final days before the primary.
Mr. Black said, though, that Mr. Perry's visits weren't coordinated with the PAC's effort. The governor stumped for 10 House GOP incumbents who share his philosophy and asked for help, he said.
In 2002, Mr. Toomey and Mr. Colyandro collaborated to coordinate mailers and other efforts to help Republican House candidates who indicated they would support Mr. Craddick for speaker. The drive succeeded in making Mr. Craddick the first Republican speaker in 130 years.
An assistant said Mr. Toomey would not comment about the Texas Opportunity PAC.
Mr. Colyandro did not return calls. He has been charged in connection with a separate PAC affiliated with Mr. DeLay, the former U.S. House majority leader. That committee is accused of illegally using corporate money to help Republicans win state House races in 2002, victories that ultimately helped Mr. Craddick become speaker.
In the Texas Opportunity PAC's three mailers urging Mr. Grusendorf's re-election, which lambasted Ms. Patrick as a Hillary Rodham Clinton-style liberal, Houston oilman George Strake was listed as the PAC's chairman.
Mr. Strake, a former chairman of the state Republican Party, said Mr. Colyandro asked him to be the PAC's ceremonial head. Its treasurer is an employee of former Railroad Commissioner Barry Williamson, a lobbyist who created it in 1999.
Both Mr. Williamson and Mr. Strake referred a reporter to Mr. Toomey, saying they did not want to comment about the committee's recent operations. Mr. Strake said he knew little about them.
Mr. Strake said he'd had second thoughts about participating and had called Mr. Toomey for reassurances that the PAC would follow all laws and that any incumbents it helped are staunch opponents of abortion rights.
"He said that they had done everything legally correct with it, and he called me back and said they all had pro-life voting records, which was pretty important to me," Mr. Strake said.
The source of more than 70 percent of the committee's money remains unclear. In the nine days before an election, state law requires swift disclosure of large contributions made to candidates and large expenditures made by committees, but not the sources of the committees' money.
On Feb. 17, the Texas Opportunity PAC received contributions of $25,000 each from Houston homebuilder Bob Perry and Houston developer Michael Stevens. Bob Perry, no relation to the governor, and his wife give about $4 million per election cycle to GOP causes, according to the watchdog group Texans for Public Justice.
A spokesman said Bob Perry gave an additional $25,000 after his first donation.
Like Bob Perry, Mr. Stevens has given heavily to conservative Republican politicians and a group trying to limit lawsuit awards in Texas. Mr. Stevens also helped lead a charge against a light-rail system proposed for Houston.
Mr. Toomey and a colleague in his lobbying firm gave the committee small amounts, and Mr. Toomey contributed $3,500 worth of "research, drafting of mail pieces, [and] other administrative work," according to a report the committee filed with the state Feb. 27
Mr. Black, the governor's campaign spokesman, said, "Last time I checked, Mike Toomey was a public citizen free to support and do whatever he wanted."
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TexasStooge
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BREAKING NEWS: Dallas police in standoff with murder suspect
By KIMBERLY DURNAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Police officers were surrounding a home east of White Rock Lake on Friday morning after an armed murder suspect barricaded himself inside.
Dallas police officers were called to a 7-Eleven on Garland Road about 5 a.m. by a woman who said she had been assaulted by her common-law husband and that he was wanted on a murder warrant, Dallas police Lt. Rick Watson said.
Police secured the area and attempted to take the suspect into custody at his home in the 10600 block of Hermosa Drive. When he resisted, tactical officers were called to the residence, Lt. Watson said.
"We are trying to contact him as we speak," Lt. Watson said.
It was unclear whether the suspect was holding hostages. Another man emerged from the home, but Lt. Watson said he was not being held in custody.
Lt. Watson said he had heard an unconfirmed report that neighbors in a nearby residence were evacuated.
"So far, there's no injuries at this time," he said.
On the morning of Feb. 16, the police SWAT team surrounded a home in the Red Bird area to serve federal drug warrants aimed at breaking up a methamphetamine ring. Someone inside the home began shooting and four officers eventually suffered gunshot wounds, although police now are investigating whether one or more may have been hit by friendly fire.
"Nothing is routine," Lt. Watson said, "when you have an arrest warrant or a person barricaded inside."
By KIMBERLY DURNAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Police officers were surrounding a home east of White Rock Lake on Friday morning after an armed murder suspect barricaded himself inside.
Dallas police officers were called to a 7-Eleven on Garland Road about 5 a.m. by a woman who said she had been assaulted by her common-law husband and that he was wanted on a murder warrant, Dallas police Lt. Rick Watson said.
Police secured the area and attempted to take the suspect into custody at his home in the 10600 block of Hermosa Drive. When he resisted, tactical officers were called to the residence, Lt. Watson said.
"We are trying to contact him as we speak," Lt. Watson said.
It was unclear whether the suspect was holding hostages. Another man emerged from the home, but Lt. Watson said he was not being held in custody.
Lt. Watson said he had heard an unconfirmed report that neighbors in a nearby residence were evacuated.
"So far, there's no injuries at this time," he said.
On the morning of Feb. 16, the police SWAT team surrounded a home in the Red Bird area to serve federal drug warrants aimed at breaking up a methamphetamine ring. Someone inside the home began shooting and four officers eventually suffered gunshot wounds, although police now are investigating whether one or more may have been hit by friendly fire.
"Nothing is routine," Lt. Watson said, "when you have an arrest warrant or a person barricaded inside."
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TexasStooge
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Man gets 11-year sentence for counterfeiting
By TIM WYATT / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A 30-year-old North Dallas man received 11 years in federal prison Wednesday for organizing a counterfeiting ring that printed bogus travelers', bank cashier's and U.S. Treasury checks across the globe.
A jury convicted Kodjovi "Marshall" Haden in December on all 12 criminal counts of a federal indictment.
According to court records, Mr. Haden printed the fake checks on his personal computers, and then split his profits with those he recruited to cash the checks with fake IDs or stolen identities.
A federal judge also ordered Mr. Haden to pay more than $292,000 in restitution once he serves his full sentence.
By TIM WYATT / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A 30-year-old North Dallas man received 11 years in federal prison Wednesday for organizing a counterfeiting ring that printed bogus travelers', bank cashier's and U.S. Treasury checks across the globe.
A jury convicted Kodjovi "Marshall" Haden in December on all 12 criminal counts of a federal indictment.
According to court records, Mr. Haden printed the fake checks on his personal computers, and then split his profits with those he recruited to cash the checks with fake IDs or stolen identities.
A federal judge also ordered Mr. Haden to pay more than $292,000 in restitution once he serves his full sentence.
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TexasStooge
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Murder suspect eludes Dallas police
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A murder suspect was at large Friday afternoon after eluding a cordon of heavily-armed Dallas police.
Officers surrounded the home of Rolando Cerna for five hours Friday morning after it was thought the armed suspect had barricaded himself inside.
Dallas police officers took action after getting a 911 call about 5 a.m. "The compainant told the officers that she'd been assulated by her common-law husband who had a warrant for his arrest for murder," said police spokesman Lt. Rick Watson.
Police secured the 10600 block of Hermosa Drive east of White Rock Lake and attempted to take Cerna into custody. Tactical officers were called to the residence, Lt. Watson said.
Eventually, SWAT team officers fired tear gas through a window of the home; they found no one inside.
Three people—a 20-year-old man, a teenage girl and a baby—emerged from the house during the siege, but police did not find Cena.
There were no injuries.
On the morning of Feb. 16, the police SWAT team surrounded a home in the Red Bird area to serve federal drug warrants aimed at breaking up a methamphetamine ring. Someone inside the home began shooting and four officers eventually suffered gunshot wounds, although police now are investigating whether one or more may have been hit by friendly fire.
"Nothing is routine," Lt. Watson said, "when you have an arrest warrant or a person barricaded inside."
WFAA-TV reporter Carol Cavazos on Hermosa Drive and DallasNews.com writer Kimberly Durnan contributed to this report.
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A murder suspect was at large Friday afternoon after eluding a cordon of heavily-armed Dallas police.
Officers surrounded the home of Rolando Cerna for five hours Friday morning after it was thought the armed suspect had barricaded himself inside.
Dallas police officers took action after getting a 911 call about 5 a.m. "The compainant told the officers that she'd been assulated by her common-law husband who had a warrant for his arrest for murder," said police spokesman Lt. Rick Watson.
Police secured the 10600 block of Hermosa Drive east of White Rock Lake and attempted to take Cerna into custody. Tactical officers were called to the residence, Lt. Watson said.
Eventually, SWAT team officers fired tear gas through a window of the home; they found no one inside.
Three people—a 20-year-old man, a teenage girl and a baby—emerged from the house during the siege, but police did not find Cena.
There were no injuries.
On the morning of Feb. 16, the police SWAT team surrounded a home in the Red Bird area to serve federal drug warrants aimed at breaking up a methamphetamine ring. Someone inside the home began shooting and four officers eventually suffered gunshot wounds, although police now are investigating whether one or more may have been hit by friendly fire.
"Nothing is routine," Lt. Watson said, "when you have an arrest warrant or a person barricaded inside."
WFAA-TV reporter Carol Cavazos on Hermosa Drive and DallasNews.com writer Kimberly Durnan contributed to this report.
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TexasStooge
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3 Dallas men charged in robbery spree
DALLAS, Texas (The Dallas Morning News) - Three Dallas men now face federal charges in connection with a January armed robbery spree.
Felipe “Pepe” Acosta, 18, Guillermo “Willy” Flores, 19, and Gonzalo “G.G.” Gandara, 19, allegedly robbed several individuals at gunpoint on the morning of Jan. 18, taking purses, cell phones and keys to the victims’ vehicles.
In one incident, the victim was a Hurricane Katrina evacuee living in a Dallas apartment, and in another the suspects stole a victim’s van, federal officials said.
Several hours later, the suspects attempted to rob three men who were working at a rent house in Dallas. After Gandara allegedly displayed a sawed-off shotgun and threatened to kill one of the victims if he didn't hand over his wallet, the victims were able to repel the defendants and called police.
Dallas officers arrested the three defendants at about 2:40 p.m. Jan. 18 at Gandara's home. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the investigation.
Acosta, Flores and Gandara each face one count of carjacking, one count of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
If convicted, each suspect faces a maximum statutory sentence of life imprisonment and a $750,000 fine.
DALLAS, Texas (The Dallas Morning News) - Three Dallas men now face federal charges in connection with a January armed robbery spree.
Felipe “Pepe” Acosta, 18, Guillermo “Willy” Flores, 19, and Gonzalo “G.G.” Gandara, 19, allegedly robbed several individuals at gunpoint on the morning of Jan. 18, taking purses, cell phones and keys to the victims’ vehicles.
In one incident, the victim was a Hurricane Katrina evacuee living in a Dallas apartment, and in another the suspects stole a victim’s van, federal officials said.
Several hours later, the suspects attempted to rob three men who were working at a rent house in Dallas. After Gandara allegedly displayed a sawed-off shotgun and threatened to kill one of the victims if he didn't hand over his wallet, the victims were able to repel the defendants and called police.
Dallas officers arrested the three defendants at about 2:40 p.m. Jan. 18 at Gandara's home. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the investigation.
Acosta, Flores and Gandara each face one count of carjacking, one count of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
If convicted, each suspect faces a maximum statutory sentence of life imprisonment and a $750,000 fine.
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TexasStooge
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Body found floating in Lake Lavon
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
COLLIN COUNTY, Texas - The body of a man in his 30s was found floating in Lake Lavon early Friday morning.
Lt. John Norton, a Collin County Sheriff's spokesman, said the unidentified victim was wearing a life jacket when his body was discovered by a man fishing on the lake about 7 a.m.
“At this point, there is no indication of foul play,” Lt. Norton said.
A 10-foot flat-bottom fishing boat, often called a Jon boat, was discovered capsized in the lake. A truck with a trailer attached to it was also parked in the East Fork Park area and is believed to be connected to the dead man.
The body was transported to the Collin County Medical Examiner’s office, where officials expect to determine a cause of death.
"Surprisingly, a lot of victims are found with a life jacket," Lt. Norton said. "If someone hits their head and becomes unconscious, a lot of life jackets are not designed to keep their head out of water."
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
COLLIN COUNTY, Texas - The body of a man in his 30s was found floating in Lake Lavon early Friday morning.
Lt. John Norton, a Collin County Sheriff's spokesman, said the unidentified victim was wearing a life jacket when his body was discovered by a man fishing on the lake about 7 a.m.
“At this point, there is no indication of foul play,” Lt. Norton said.
A 10-foot flat-bottom fishing boat, often called a Jon boat, was discovered capsized in the lake. A truck with a trailer attached to it was also parked in the East Fork Park area and is believed to be connected to the dead man.
The body was transported to the Collin County Medical Examiner’s office, where officials expect to determine a cause of death.
"Surprisingly, a lot of victims are found with a life jacket," Lt. Norton said. "If someone hits their head and becomes unconscious, a lot of life jackets are not designed to keep their head out of water."
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TexasStooge
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Inspectors fail jail again
By JAMES M O'NEILL / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas County's troubled jail, already under federal investigation, earned failing grades Friday from state inspectors for the third year in a row.
Despite more than $5 million invested in improvements over the past year, and numerous vows from county officials to fix things, the state cited some of the same deficiencies it had a year ago - and added some new ones.
Inspectors with the State Commission on Jail Standards found that the jail continues to have overcrowded cells and insufficient staff, and noted that inmates continue to wait far too long for medical care.
They said that, despite the recent addition of staff to address the matter, inmates are still not being tested for tuberculosis on or before their seventh day of incarceration, as required, and that some inmates who remain in jail for more than a year do not get retested.
In addition, a $2 million system to detect and eliminate smoke from cells that the county installed in the past year to address a prior violation fails to work properly, the state said.
Among the new violations was the fact that state inspectors saw bailiffs at the Crowley Court House enter holding cells off the courtrooms without having first removed their weapons, as required.
State inspectors also launched a warning shot across the county's bow, noting that the continued violations could jeopardize the variances the county has enjoyed over the years which have enabled it to slide on some other state jail requirements.
Commissioner John Wiley Price said he expected some of the items because they require longer term fixes that are already in the works. "We're trying to correct years of benign neglect" at the jail facility, he said. But he expressed particular frustration with some of the sanitation violations and the behavior of bailiffs.
"There's no excuse for that sort of thing," he said. "We talk about these issues every month in our sheriff liaison meetings. They already have people assigned to deal with every one of these issues."
Sheriff Lupe Valdez viewed the state's legal toungue-lashing with mixed emotions.
"It's frustrating because I wish we were a lot further along on some of these issue," she said. "But we have done a lot already, even though some of it might not be visible to the public. Even the inspectors commented on the improved attitude among our staff."
Earlier this month Parkland Memorial Hospital took on oversight of health care at the jail and has extensive improvements planned.
By JAMES M O'NEILL / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas County's troubled jail, already under federal investigation, earned failing grades Friday from state inspectors for the third year in a row.
Despite more than $5 million invested in improvements over the past year, and numerous vows from county officials to fix things, the state cited some of the same deficiencies it had a year ago - and added some new ones.
Inspectors with the State Commission on Jail Standards found that the jail continues to have overcrowded cells and insufficient staff, and noted that inmates continue to wait far too long for medical care.
They said that, despite the recent addition of staff to address the matter, inmates are still not being tested for tuberculosis on or before their seventh day of incarceration, as required, and that some inmates who remain in jail for more than a year do not get retested.
In addition, a $2 million system to detect and eliminate smoke from cells that the county installed in the past year to address a prior violation fails to work properly, the state said.
Among the new violations was the fact that state inspectors saw bailiffs at the Crowley Court House enter holding cells off the courtrooms without having first removed their weapons, as required.
State inspectors also launched a warning shot across the county's bow, noting that the continued violations could jeopardize the variances the county has enjoyed over the years which have enabled it to slide on some other state jail requirements.
Commissioner John Wiley Price said he expected some of the items because they require longer term fixes that are already in the works. "We're trying to correct years of benign neglect" at the jail facility, he said. But he expressed particular frustration with some of the sanitation violations and the behavior of bailiffs.
"There's no excuse for that sort of thing," he said. "We talk about these issues every month in our sheriff liaison meetings. They already have people assigned to deal with every one of these issues."
Sheriff Lupe Valdez viewed the state's legal toungue-lashing with mixed emotions.
"It's frustrating because I wish we were a lot further along on some of these issue," she said. "But we have done a lot already, even though some of it might not be visible to the public. Even the inspectors commented on the improved attitude among our staff."
Earlier this month Parkland Memorial Hospital took on oversight of health care at the jail and has extensive improvements planned.
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TexasStooge
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Teen murder suspect at large
By KIMBERLY DURNAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A teenage murder suspect whom police believed they had surrounded in his East Dallas home apparently was at large Friday.
Rolando Serna, 19, was being sought on an outstanding murder warrant in Dallas, although police did not have details about the case. He was believed to be armed and dangerous, Dallas police Lt. Rick Watson said.
“It’s frustrating that the suspect got away, but we feel confident that we will catch him,” Lt. Watson said.
According to public records, Serna was being sought in connection with the fatal shooting of Jose Piedad Arredondo, who was found Oct. 3 inside a bullet-riddled pickup. The man was slumped over in the driver's seat in the 1300 block of Templecliff Drive in Pleasant Grove. At the time, Dallas police said it appeared that the victim was backing out of the driveway when the shooting took place, but they didn’t have a motive for the slaying.
Dallas police officers were called to a 7-Eleven on Garland Road about 5 a.m. by a woman who said she had been assaulted by her common-law husband and that he was wanted on a murder warrant, Lt. Watson said.
Police secured the area near the home in the 10600 block of Hermosa Drive and then surrounded it. One man exited, then tactical officers went to the door and announced via loudspeaker that the occupants should come out. A 14-year-old girl emerged with a 10-month-old baby, Lt. Watson said.
Officers were questioning the other residents of the home, but they were not in custody.
Police evacuated several neighboring homes. They thought the suspect might have been hiding at a nearby residence, but he was not located there.
It was unclear whether Serna left the one-story house before or during the several hours in which it was surrounded.
“He’s probably still around here,” Lt. Watson said. “We made contact for a brief time.”
Eventually, officers flooded the home with chemical agents to flush him out. When no one emerged, then entered and found the residence empty.
Barbara Kardas, a neighbor who has lived on the block for 13 years, said she was asked to remain inside her home until the situation had concluded. She heard the commotion in English and Spanish, including the police’s promise not to harm the home’s occupants.
“It was a house for rent for a long time. People move in and out every six months. I have no idea how long they’ve lived there,” she said.
Serna was arrested in February 2004 on a felony count of evading arrest or detention. He eventually pleaded guilty and was given two years’ of probated state jail time, but his bond was revoked early this year and a probation violation warrant was issued for his arrest, according to Dallas County Sheriff’s Department records.
Serna, who also goes by the name Rolando Gonzalez, last listed his home address in the 1300 block of Templecliff. Deputies twice tried to serve the murder warrant at that location and found the residence vacant, sheriff’s Sgt. Don Peritz said.
Serna is described as a 5-foot-5, 150-pound Hispanic male. He was last seen wearing a light-blue, long-sleeve shirt, black pants and boots.
Dallas Morning News staff writer Linda Leavell contributed to this report.
By KIMBERLY DURNAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A teenage murder suspect whom police believed they had surrounded in his East Dallas home apparently was at large Friday.
Rolando Serna, 19, was being sought on an outstanding murder warrant in Dallas, although police did not have details about the case. He was believed to be armed and dangerous, Dallas police Lt. Rick Watson said.
“It’s frustrating that the suspect got away, but we feel confident that we will catch him,” Lt. Watson said.
According to public records, Serna was being sought in connection with the fatal shooting of Jose Piedad Arredondo, who was found Oct. 3 inside a bullet-riddled pickup. The man was slumped over in the driver's seat in the 1300 block of Templecliff Drive in Pleasant Grove. At the time, Dallas police said it appeared that the victim was backing out of the driveway when the shooting took place, but they didn’t have a motive for the slaying.
Dallas police officers were called to a 7-Eleven on Garland Road about 5 a.m. by a woman who said she had been assaulted by her common-law husband and that he was wanted on a murder warrant, Lt. Watson said.
Police secured the area near the home in the 10600 block of Hermosa Drive and then surrounded it. One man exited, then tactical officers went to the door and announced via loudspeaker that the occupants should come out. A 14-year-old girl emerged with a 10-month-old baby, Lt. Watson said.
Officers were questioning the other residents of the home, but they were not in custody.
Police evacuated several neighboring homes. They thought the suspect might have been hiding at a nearby residence, but he was not located there.
It was unclear whether Serna left the one-story house before or during the several hours in which it was surrounded.
“He’s probably still around here,” Lt. Watson said. “We made contact for a brief time.”
Eventually, officers flooded the home with chemical agents to flush him out. When no one emerged, then entered and found the residence empty.
Barbara Kardas, a neighbor who has lived on the block for 13 years, said she was asked to remain inside her home until the situation had concluded. She heard the commotion in English and Spanish, including the police’s promise not to harm the home’s occupants.
“It was a house for rent for a long time. People move in and out every six months. I have no idea how long they’ve lived there,” she said.
Serna was arrested in February 2004 on a felony count of evading arrest or detention. He eventually pleaded guilty and was given two years’ of probated state jail time, but his bond was revoked early this year and a probation violation warrant was issued for his arrest, according to Dallas County Sheriff’s Department records.
Serna, who also goes by the name Rolando Gonzalez, last listed his home address in the 1300 block of Templecliff. Deputies twice tried to serve the murder warrant at that location and found the residence vacant, sheriff’s Sgt. Don Peritz said.
Serna is described as a 5-foot-5, 150-pound Hispanic male. He was last seen wearing a light-blue, long-sleeve shirt, black pants and boots.
Dallas Morning News staff writer Linda Leavell contributed to this report.
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TexasStooge
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3 Dallas men charged in robbery spree
DALLAS, Texas (The Dallas Morning News) - Three Dallas men now face federal charges in connection with a January armed robbery spree.
Felipe “Pepe” Acosta, 18, Guillermo “Willy” Flores, 19, and Gonzalo “G.G.” Gandara, 19, allegedly robbed several individuals at gunpoint on the morning of Jan. 18, taking purses, cell phones and keys to the victims’ vehicles.
In one incident, the victim was a Hurricane Katrina evacuee living in a Dallas apartment, and in another the suspects stole a victim’s van, federal officials said.
Several hours later, the suspects attempted to rob three men who were working at a rent house in Dallas. After Gandara allegedly displayed a sawed-off shotgun and threatened to kill one of the victims if he didn't hand over his wallet, the victims were able to repel the defendants and called police.
Dallas officers arrested the three defendants at about 2:40 p.m. Jan. 18 at Gandara's home. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the investigation.
Acosta, Flores and Gandara each face one count of carjacking, one count of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
If convicted, each suspect faces a maximum statutory sentence of life imprisonment and a $750,000 fine.
DALLAS, Texas (The Dallas Morning News) - Three Dallas men now face federal charges in connection with a January armed robbery spree.
Felipe “Pepe” Acosta, 18, Guillermo “Willy” Flores, 19, and Gonzalo “G.G.” Gandara, 19, allegedly robbed several individuals at gunpoint on the morning of Jan. 18, taking purses, cell phones and keys to the victims’ vehicles.
In one incident, the victim was a Hurricane Katrina evacuee living in a Dallas apartment, and in another the suspects stole a victim’s van, federal officials said.
Several hours later, the suspects attempted to rob three men who were working at a rent house in Dallas. After Gandara allegedly displayed a sawed-off shotgun and threatened to kill one of the victims if he didn't hand over his wallet, the victims were able to repel the defendants and called police.
Dallas officers arrested the three defendants at about 2:40 p.m. Jan. 18 at Gandara's home. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the investigation.
Acosta, Flores and Gandara each face one count of carjacking, one count of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
If convicted, each suspect faces a maximum statutory sentence of life imprisonment and a $750,000 fine.
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TexasStooge
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Second body found in Lake Lavon
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
COLLIN COUNTY, Texas - The body of a man in his 20s was found around midday Friday in Lake Lavon, hours after another body was found floating in the lake.
Lt. John Norton, a Collin County Sheriff's spokesman, said the unidentified victims were found in the same general area, and were both wearing life jackets. The first victim, a man in his 30s, was discovered by a man fishing on the lake about 7 a.m.
“At this point, there is no indication of foul play,” Lt. Norton said.
A 10-foot flat-bottom fishing boat, often called a Jon boat, was discovered capsized in the lake. A truck with a trailer attached to it was also parked in the East Fork Park area and is believed to be connected to at least one of the victims.
The bodies were transported to the Collin County Medical Examiner’s office, where officials expect to determine a cause of death.
"Surprisingly, a lot of victims are found with a life jacket," Lt. Norton said. "If someone hits their head and becomes unconscious, a lot of life jackets are not designed to keep their head out of water."
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
COLLIN COUNTY, Texas - The body of a man in his 20s was found around midday Friday in Lake Lavon, hours after another body was found floating in the lake.
Lt. John Norton, a Collin County Sheriff's spokesman, said the unidentified victims were found in the same general area, and were both wearing life jackets. The first victim, a man in his 30s, was discovered by a man fishing on the lake about 7 a.m.
“At this point, there is no indication of foul play,” Lt. Norton said.
A 10-foot flat-bottom fishing boat, often called a Jon boat, was discovered capsized in the lake. A truck with a trailer attached to it was also parked in the East Fork Park area and is believed to be connected to at least one of the victims.
The bodies were transported to the Collin County Medical Examiner’s office, where officials expect to determine a cause of death.
"Surprisingly, a lot of victims are found with a life jacket," Lt. Norton said. "If someone hits their head and becomes unconscious, a lot of life jackets are not designed to keep their head out of water."
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TexasStooge
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Two bodies found in Lavon Lake
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
COLLIN COUNTY, Texas - The body of a man in his 20s was found around midday Friday in Lavon Lake, hours after another body was found floating in the lake.
Lt. John Norton, a Collin County Sheriff's spokesman, said the unidentified victims were found in the same general area, and both were wearing life jackets.
The first victim, a man in his 30s, was discovered by a man fishing on the lake about 7 a.m. "At this point, there is no indication of foul play," Lt. Norton said.
A 10-foot flat-bottom fishing boat, often called a Jon boat, was discovered capsized in the lake. A truck with a trailer attached to it was also parked in the East Fork Park area and is believed to be connected to at least one of the victims.
The bodies were transported to the Collin County Medical Examiner's office, where officials expect to determine a cause of death.
"Surprisingly, a lot of victims are found with a life jacket," Lt. Norton said. "If someone hits their head and becomes unconscious, a lot of life jackets are not designed to keep their head out of water."
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which maintains the lake, says it attracts 1.6 million people a year for camping, fishing, swimming and boating activities.
Lavon Lake is located six miles east of Allen.
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
COLLIN COUNTY, Texas - The body of a man in his 20s was found around midday Friday in Lavon Lake, hours after another body was found floating in the lake.
Lt. John Norton, a Collin County Sheriff's spokesman, said the unidentified victims were found in the same general area, and both were wearing life jackets.
The first victim, a man in his 30s, was discovered by a man fishing on the lake about 7 a.m. "At this point, there is no indication of foul play," Lt. Norton said.
A 10-foot flat-bottom fishing boat, often called a Jon boat, was discovered capsized in the lake. A truck with a trailer attached to it was also parked in the East Fork Park area and is believed to be connected to at least one of the victims.
The bodies were transported to the Collin County Medical Examiner's office, where officials expect to determine a cause of death.
"Surprisingly, a lot of victims are found with a life jacket," Lt. Norton said. "If someone hits their head and becomes unconscious, a lot of life jackets are not designed to keep their head out of water."
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which maintains the lake, says it attracts 1.6 million people a year for camping, fishing, swimming and boating activities.
Lavon Lake is located six miles east of Allen.
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