Sunday, December 14

Author: Houston Stringer

44-year-old Houston man reported missing after fishing trip
10Jan By Houston StringerNo Comments
Breaking News

44-year-old Houston man reported missing after fishing trip

HOUSTON, TX – A search is underway for 44-year-old Douglas Payne Swearingen, who was last seen on January 4, 2025, near his residence in the 10700 block of Dunvegan Way. According to Texas EquuSearch, Swearingen left home to go fishing at a nearby creek but has not returned. His clothing at the time of his disappearance is unknown. If you have seen Douglas or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the Houston Police Department's Missing Persons Unit at (832) 394-1840 or Texas EquuSearch at (281) 309-9500.
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Houston rehire program credited with saving lives of firefighters
9Jan By Houston StringerNo Comments
Breaking News

Houston rehire program credited with saving lives of firefighters

HOUSTON, TX – Houston’s firefighter rehire program is being credited with saving lives following a critical fire incident. Chief Munoz highlighted the program, which he described as vital to the department’s efforts to restore staffing and operational capacity. “Just a little history. There’s what we call the rehire programs the mayor supported of getting firefighters had been in with us before,” Munoz said. “That person had been with us for three weeks now, and he was able to rip the door out.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADD7pUKVp3k&ab_channel=houstonstringer The rehire program, supported by Mayor Whitmire and facilitated by union negotiations, has allowed firefighters who previously left the department to return. “These were firefighters that worked for Houston,” Munoz s...
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Grapevine Police Department urges residents to avoid 9-1-1 calls for trackside flames
9Jan By Houston StringerNo Comments
Texas

Grapevine Police Department urges residents to avoid 9-1-1 calls for trackside flames

GRAPEVINE, TX – The Grapevine Police Department has issued a statement to inform residents about the presence of flames along local railroad tracks starting tonight. These flames come from pot stoves set up to prevent switch points from freezing during temperatures below 32 degrees. Officials are urging the public not to call 9-1-1 regarding these flames, emphasizing the need to keep emergency lines available for critical situations. The department is asking residents to spread the word to reduce unnecessary calls to dispatch.
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Texas woman arrested for shoplifting and attempting to bribe constable deputy with cash and sexual acts
9Jan By Houston StringerNo Comments
Texas

Texas woman arrested for shoplifting and attempting to bribe constable deputy with cash and sexual acts

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – A woman was arrested for theft and bribery after attempting to avoid jail by offering sexual acts and cash to a constable deputy. On January 8, 2025, deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Office responded to an Ulta Beauty Store in the 19500 block of the North Freeway for a reported shoplifting incident. Store employees reported that a female suspect concealed merchandise valued at over $186 and attempted to leave without paying. Deputies identified the suspect as Cheheiry Villalobos Santoyo. The stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the store. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office accepted theft charges against Santoyo. While being transported to jail, Santoyo allegedly attempted to bribe the deputy by offering sexual acts and cash in exc...
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One dies after pickup truck crashes into tree
8Jan By Houston StringerNo Comments
Houston

One dies after pickup truck crashes into tree

HOUSTON, TX – Houston Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a truck that struck a tree in the 5000 block of S Wayside Drive near Long Drive. https://youtu.be/ee3M1N6p9HA According to police, the crash occurred around 9:15 a.m. One individual was transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Police have urged the public to avoid the area as vehicular crimes investigators are currently on the scene. If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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Three Houston firefighters injured in apartment fire during flashover
7Jan By Houston StringerNo Comments
Houston

Three Houston firefighters injured in apartment fire during flashover

HOUSTON, TX – Three Houston firefighters suffered severe burns while responding to an early morning fire at a small apartment complex on Jarmese Street. The incident, which occurred at approximately 5:28 a.m., left the firefighters trapped behind a heavy door, prompting a mayday call. https://youtu.be/zkZgntHNm6A "I'm here this morning to thank our firefighters, the leadership, and the rank and file", Mayor Whitmire said during a press conference. "Once again, we witness our first responders, our Houston firefighters, coming to the rescue of residents of a small apartment project. Using their training and their motivation and their commitment to placing their lives on the line. For Houstonians. Doing that this morning, three of them suffered injuries, severe burns." Houston Fire...
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Pedestrian killed in crash on North Freeway near Cavalcade
5Jan By Houston StringerNo Comments
Houston

Pedestrian killed in crash on North Freeway near Cavalcade

HOUSTON, TX – A fatal auto-pedestrian crash occurred Saturday night in the southbound lanes of the North Freeway near Cavalcade Street. https://youtu.be/FRCFNc_2CPE The incident happened around 8:34 p.m. when a pedestrian attempted to cross the main lanes from east to west, coming from the HOV lanes. A vehicle traveling southbound in lane three struck the pedestrian, who was pronounced deceased at the scene upon the arrival of Houston Fire Department personnel. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, provided information, and stated they were unable to avoid the pedestrian. No other injuries were reported, and the crash involved only one vehicle and the pedestrian. If you have any information about this crash, you are urged to contact the Houston Police Department or...
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Man critically injured in shooting on Washington Avenue after argument
5Jan By Houston StringerNo Comments
Houston

Man critically injured in shooting on Washington Avenue after argument

HOUSTON, TX – A man was critically injured in a shooting early Sunday morning following an argument in the 5300 block of Washington Avenue. https://youtu.be/GdGPOp1-xvc The incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. According to police, the argument escalated when the victim repeatedly told the suspect to leave him alone. The suspect then produced a firearm and shot the victim once in the chest before fleeing the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Police set up a perimeter and searched the surrounding area, near the 5100 block of Lillian Street, but the suspect was not located. If you have any information about this incident, you are urged to contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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Suspect sought after fatal shooting at Houston nightclub
4Jan By Houston StringerNo Comments
Houston

Suspect sought after fatal shooting at Houston nightclub

HOUSTON, TX – Houston Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred late Friday night at Club Waikiki, located at 3115 Bay. https://youtu.be/WDSaGJgarLY Around 10:40 p.m., an adult male inside the bar was pronounced deceased after being shot once in the chest. Witnesses reported that a large adult male forced his way into the club, went straight to the victim, and fired a single shot before fleeing the scene. Investigators are working to confirm the suspect’s identity. If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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HCSO SWAT called after father threatened to harm toddler if law enforcement was called
4Jan By Houston StringerNo Comments
Harris County

HCSO SWAT called after father threatened to harm toddler if law enforcement was called

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a domestic violence incident in the 12000 block of Magnolia Leaf in the Wortham Park neighborhood Friday night. https://youtu.be/QDY_oz-xDk0 Around 9:30 p.m., deputies found an adult female in distress with her mother, who reported that her 14-month-old toddler was inside the residence with the child's father. The father had allegedly made threats to harm the child if law enforcement was contacted. SWAT was called to the scene while deputies awaited an arrest warrant for felony assault related to family violence. Around 2:20 a.m., the child was safely removed from the residence, assessed by EMS, and found unharmed. The suspect was also apprehended without incident, assessed by EMS, and transported to the Jo...
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