Sunday, December 28

Author: Houston Stringer

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo criticizes removal of iconic Montrose rainbow crosswalks
Texas

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo criticizes removal of iconic Montrose rainbow crosswalks

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a statement Monday condemning the overnight removal of the rainbow crosswalk in Montrose, calling it a crackdown on “beloved community art” and questioning the decision-making process behind its removal. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkWM-tkzjRG_oUyg1gfwSX2JHBzk1ACxQ “The state’s crackdown on beloved community art shows that they are willing to go further and further in limiting free speech and free expression,” Judge Hidalgo said. She emphasized that the rainbow crosswalk was originally painted as a memorial and did not symbolize harm or discrimination toward any group. Hidalgo also criticized METRO’s swift compliance with the state directive, noting the agency was given 30 days to act and could have pursued o...
Several detained overnight during protests against removal of iconic Montrose rainbow crosswalks
Houston, Texas

Several detained overnight during protests against removal of iconic Montrose rainbow crosswalks

HOUSTON, TX – Crews removed the iconic rainbow crosswalks in Montrose overnight under orders tied to a directive from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, prompting protests and several detentions. https://youtu.be/kU09U0uzs2o Protesters began gathering before 2 a.m. in anticipation of the removal. As construction crews arrived, the group marched around the crosswalk and eventually positioned themselves within it. Several individuals were detained after HPD provided verbal warnings, and crews were then allowed to begin their work. https://youtu.be/VD_SqE3DyDA Some residents at the scene voiced deep frustration over the removal, describing the crosswalk as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, visibility, and inclusion. They also said the crosswalk served as a critical pedestrian safety measure,...
Driver not wearing seatbelt ejected and killed in rollover crash on Airport Boulevard
Houston

Driver not wearing seatbelt ejected and killed in rollover crash on Airport Boulevard

HOUSTON, TX – A man was ejected and killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash early Sunday morning in the 4000 block of Airport Boulevard, just west of Cullen in southeast Houston. https://youtu.be/QNagG4JJI6E According to the Houston Police Department's Vehicular Crimes Division, a red Ford pickup truck was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control. The vehicle spun sideways across the median, struck a concrete manhole, and flipped side-over-side two times before coming to rest against a guardrail on the opposite side of the road. The driver, described only as an adult Hispanic male, was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected during the rollover. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding Houston Fire Department personnel. “I do beli...
18-year-old fatally struck on Tollway
Houston

18-year-old fatally struck on Tollway

HOUSTON, TX – An 18-year-old male was fatally struck by a vehicle while reportedly walking on the West Sam Houston Tollway Sunday night. https://youtu.be/NVqV_grBuN0 The incident occurred on the northbound lanes near the Sam Houston Toll Plaza. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Precinct 5 Constable’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Fire damages building at La Serena Apartments on Wirt Road
Houston

Fire damages building at La Serena Apartments on Wirt Road

HOUSTON, TX – A fire broke out Sunday night at the La Serena Apartments located at 1855 Wirt Road in Houston, causing significant damage to at least one building. https://youtu.be/hjfliBjKh5k Emergency crews responded to the fire, and while full details have not yet been released, the damage appears to have been contained to a single structure within the complex. One family reached out to us saying they lost everything in the fire and are pleading for help. No injuries have been reported at this time. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. More information will follow as it becomes available.
Student from Michigan charged and released on bond following a deadly fiery Tesla crash early Friday morning in Houston
Michigan, Texas

Student from Michigan charged and released on bond following a deadly fiery Tesla crash early Friday morning in Houston

HOUSTON, TX – Two people were killed early Friday morning after a Tesla, allegedly driven by 21-year-old Ariel Perry Stewart, a student from Michigan, rear-ended a Nissan at high speed on the Katy Freeway inbound near the Taylor Street Bridge. https://youtu.be/U6UNplin79c The crash occurred around 1:14 a.m. The impact caused the Nissan to catch fire, trapping both the driver and a passenger inside. They were pronounced deceased at the scene. Family members identified the victims as 22-year-old Bianca Romero and her boyfriend, Christian Rangel, according to local news sources, which matches the information listed in court documents. (Officials have not yet publicly released the victims’ or suspects' identities.) Following the collision, the Tesla struck barriers on both sides of ...
Suspect arrested after shooting dog three times
Houston

Suspect arrested after shooting dog three times

HOUSTON, TX - Officers with the Houston Police Department responded to the 1700 block of Telephone Road for a reported shooting and discovered that a dog had been shot three times. https://youtu.be/NMk0k3IBS2I It is believed that the original scene occurred on Rosamond near the North Freeway. According to the Houston Police Department, no persons were injured in the incident. The dog was initially taken to a veterinary urgent care facility on Telephone Road, then transported to another facility for treatment by police. A suspect was taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing.
Oakland police investigating in-custody death following reported break-in
California

Oakland police investigating in-custody death following reported break-in

OAKLAND, CA – The Oakland Police Department is investigating an in-custody death that occurred early October 18, 2025, in the 11000 block of Ettrick Street. According to the department, officers responded shortly after 4:15 a.m. to a report of an individual who had broken into a nearby residence. At the same time, police received information about a person experiencing a medical emergency, believed to be the same individual involved in the reported break-in. When officers arrived, they found the individual inside the residence. A brief struggle occurred while officers attempted to detain the person. After being taken into custody, the individual became unresponsive. Paramedics arrived, provided medical aid, and transported the individual to a nearby hospital, where they later ...
Anchorage police investigating fatal stabbing on Fiddlehead Place
Alaska

Anchorage police investigating fatal stabbing on Fiddlehead Place

ANCHORAGE, AK – The Anchorage Police Department is investigating a homicide following a fatal stabbing that occurred Friday evening in the 2000 block of Fiddlehead Place. According to police, officers responded around 6:51 p.m. on October 17, 2025, and found an adult female with trauma to the upper body. Medics transported the victim to a hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. The Crime Scene Team responded to process the scene, and there will be continued officer presence in the area. Police advised residents to follow officers’ instructions if they need to be nearby. Detectives have contacted all individuals believed to be involved in the incident and are not searching for additional suspects. Anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators is asked t...
Two found dead in Anchorage homicide near 8th Avenue and Cordova Street
Alaska

Two found dead in Anchorage homicide near 8th Avenue and Cordova Street

ANCHORAGE, AK – The Anchorage Police Department is investigating a double homicide after two people were found deceased Friday night near 8th Avenue and Cordova Street. According to police, officers responded around 8:21 p.m. on October 17, 2025, and located an adult male and an adult female with trauma to the upper body. Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their identities will be released once next-of-kin notifications are complete. The Crime Scene Team responded to process the area, and detectives are actively following up on leads. Police stated there is currently no suspect information available. The motive and any relationship between the parties involved remain under investigation. Anyone with information or surveillance footage from the area is urged to...