Texas

WASHINGTON (Aug. 28, 2025) – A steering control system component failure on a multi-purpose carrier caused a collision with a bulk carrier in the Houston Ship Channel, according to a report released Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Photo Courtesy of NTSB The incident occurred on Aug. 25, 2023, when the multi-purpose carrier BBC Africa lost steering as it was departing the channel and struck the moored bulk carrier Common Faith. No injuries or pollution were reported, but vessel damages were estimated at $1.1 million. Investigators found that the BBC Africa’s steering was operating properly during pre-departure tests and while under port bridge wing control. Problems occurred when control was transferred to the bridge’s center helm, causing the rudder to...

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Two men reportedly took turns shooting at each other with a rifle while wearing a Kevlar helmet inside a residential home, an act that left one man dead and the other facing a murder charge. Deputies with Precinct 4 Constable’s Office responded on August 17 to the 23700 block of Pennington Hills Drive. They found 34-year-old Aaron Prout, originally from the United Kingdom and residing in Harris County, with a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. Investigators identified the homeowner as Sean Odonnell, born October 22, 1987. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, what was initially reported as a possible suicide did not add up. A follow-up investigation revealed the circumstances leading ...

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Two deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Office are in surgery after being struck by a suspected impaired driver on the North Sam Houston Tollway. Photo Courtesy of Pct. 4 According to officials, the deputies are being treated for serious leg, hip, and head injuries. The injured male Corporal has served Precinct 4 for more than four years, and the injured female Deputy has served the community for more than two years. Both deputies were performing their duties to protect and serve when the crash occurred. Constable Mark Herman also asked the community to keep the deputies and their families in their thoughts and prayers during this time.

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – A suspect was arrested after fleeing the scene of a crash in the 27100 block of the Northwest Freeway late Monday night. Photo Courtesy of Pct. 4 According to Constable Mark Herman’s Office, Deputy Stubblefield located the suspect, who was transported to a hospital for medical clearance before being booked into the Harris County Jail. The individual is charged with Felony DWI – 3rd Offense. Officials noted that this arrest is not related to the crash involving injured deputies from the Constable’s Office.

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – As families prepare to celebrate the Labor Day holiday weekend, Constable Mark Herman’s Office announced that patrols will be increased across Precinct 4 as part of a multi-agency initiative with Precinct 1 and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Photo Courtesy of Pct. 4 The goal of the operation is to identify and remove intoxicated and reckless drivers from the roadways and prevent serious accidents caused by impaired driving and excessive speed. This zero-tolerance enforcement period will be in effect from Friday, August 29, through Monday, September 1, 2025. “Labor Day weekend is always one of the busiest travel times of the year,” said Constable Herman. “Our deputies will be out in full force to keep our citizens and their families safe. We ask every...

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Office responded to a major crash in the 20800 block of Cumberland Ridge Drive at Ochre Park Lane. Photo Courtesy of Pct. 4 A white Nissan Pathfinder struck a light pole and a tree before rolling over. The female driver was pinned inside but was conscious and breathing when emergency crews arrived. Cy-Fair EMS rescued the driver and transported her to a local hospital. The westbound lanes in the area remain shut down at this time. More information will follow if it becomes available.

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – A woman with multiple open warrants was arrested after a traffic stop in the 19800 block of Kenswick Drive. According to Constable Mark Herman, deputies identified the driver as 39-year-old Lindsey Jordan during the stop just before 1 a.m. on August 24, 2025. Further investigation revealed she was in possession of methamphetamine and Xanax. Jordan was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail on the outstanding warrants. Her bond was set at $3,000 out of the 248th District Court. If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

STAFFORD, TX – A repeat offender has been taken into custody after Stafford Police executed a search warrant in connection with child pornography. On Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Stafford Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division executed the warrant in the 4900 block of Sugar Grove Boulevard. Investigators arrested 33-year-old Taylor Boilek on two counts of Possession or Promotion of Child Pornography. According to investigators, Boilek had been engaging in the offense since 2024. Records also show that Boilek was previously arrested in Alabama in 2018 for similar crimes. “Crimes that exploit and endanger children are among the most serious offenses we investigate, and we will continue to pursue offenders who engage in such activity. Our priority is the safety of...

HOUSTON, TX – This Labor Day, passengers traveling through George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will be among the first to see a new soccer-themed marketing campaign by Houston Airports. More than 36 dozen bright graphics now line Terminals A and D, declaring: “Wherever fútbol happens, it’s nonstop from Houston.” https://youtu.be/pM_jc82E2gw Alongside the campaign, Houston Airport Director Jim Szczesniak provided an update on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Szczesniak said the new international terminal at IAH will be fully operational before the tournament begins, while the former Terminal D will be repurposed as a ground transportation hub to support shuttle services with METRO and private operators. Houston Airports has also expanded Uber and Lyft capacity wit...