Press Releases

Yesterday, January 11, 2016 at approximately 11:00 pm, Officer K Green initiated a traffic stop on a red 1996 Jeep Cherokee for a defective License Plate light in the 1000 block of Martin Luther King Dr.

The driver ignored Officer Green's lights and sirens and actively tried to get away at a high rate of speed. The driver of the red Jeep went north on N Bryant Blvd from 14th Street driving at approximately 70 mph. The driver eventually pulled into a parking lot in the 2400 block of N Bryant where the driver, a 15 year old juvenile male, was taken into custody without incident.

A passenger in the vehicle, 17 year old Ivan Alvarez, had outstanding warrants and was transported to the Tom Green County Jail for booking. The juvenile driver was transported to the Juvenile Justice Center where he was booked for Evading in a Motor Vehicle.

This morning at 7:19 a.m., San Angelo Police were dispatched to the area of W Avenue Q and S Bryant Blvd for a hit and run accident involving a pedestrian.

Officer E Hunger and Officer T Gibson with the traffic unit investigated the crash. Through the investigation it was learned a faded red 1980s model SUV was traveling west on Avenue Q as 75 year old Frederick Alley was crossing the street at the intersection of Gunter and W Avenue Q. The vehicle collided with Alley and continued west on Knickerbocker. Alley was transported to Shannon Medical Center with incapacitating injuries and is in stable condition.

Any damage on the SUV will likely be on the front left side of the vehicle. If anyone has any information about this crash please contact the Traffic Division at 325-657-4307. To remain anonymous, tip online at http://bit.ly/SAPDTips247 , via text: text TIP SAPD to 888777 and follow the prompts, or by phone at 1-855-TIPS-247.

On Saturday, January 9, 2016, San Angelo Police Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1800 block of Dena Drive for the report of a burglary in progress. While enroute to the location, responding Officers received information that a male and female suspect fled the area in a red Ford pickup truck. A witness to the burglary also provided police dispatch with the truck's license plate number.

While enroute to the call, Officer B. Stewart observed the suspect vehicle traveling in the area. Officer Stewart stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Michael Trammell (DOB 06-26-72) and his female passenger as Heather Cochran (DOB 02-16-83), both from San Angelo. During a record's search, Trammell was found to have two outstanding Arrest Warrants and was placed under arrest. Officers also located the suspected stolen items from the burglary inside the truck's bed.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and determined Trammell and Cochran entered the property on Dena Drive and stole the items from a shed.

Trammell and Cochran were both charged with Burglary of a Building. Additionally, Trammell was charged with his Parole Violation Warrant (Blue Warrant) and another outstanding County Warrant. Both were transported to the Tom Green County Jail without incident.

***SAPD***

The San Angelo Police Department is accepting application for this year's Citizens? Police Academy, slated for March 1 through April 7, 2016.

The academy is designed to familiarize those attending with the divisions, sections and units within the agency and to discuss the functions of the San Angelo Police Department. Students will also participate in practical exercises, including how to handle traffic contacts and use the firing range.

The Citizen's Police Academy meets for five weeks on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. There will be no classes the week of spring break.

The cutoff date to register is January 29.

Those interested in attending the academy can call the Community Services Division at 325-657-4331. Applications are available online or in person at 505 S. Chadbourne St.

***SAPD***

New Ordinance to Prohibit Texting while Driving Begins Saturday

Recently, the San Angelo City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits texting while driving. The ordinance takes effect on Saturday January 9, 2016, and states if you are operating a motor vehicle on a public street, you cannot text or use software applications. There are a few exceptions when texting or using applications would be allowed and they are as follows:

? While legally parked or stopped out of traffic

? While dialing or talking on the cell phone or other device

? To read directions when using the device as a navigation system (travel map)

? To call for police, fire or ambulance assistance to report an emergency such as a traffic accident, crime in progress or medical emergency

? In conjunction with voice operated, hands-free (blue-tooth) or push to talk technology

A violation of this ordinance will be filed through the San Angelo Municipal Court and will carry a fine not to exceed $500.00.

Beginning Saturday January 9, 2016, San Angelo Police officers will be stopping motorist who are observed violating the ordinance. Except in extreme circumstances, written warning citations will be issued through February 29, 2016 in an effort to educate drivers about the ordinance and give them the opportunity to adjust to the new restrictions. Beginning March 1, 2016, officers will begin taking full enforcement measures and will utilize their discretion on whether or not a citation is issued.

There have been some questions as to how the ordinance will be enforced. If a Police Officer sees a driver using a wireless communication device in a manner that reasonably infers the driver is texting or using an application in violation of the ordinance, the Officer will have probable cause to stop the driver. Whether a citation will be issued is at the discretion of the Officer. An Officer cannot inspect, seize, or take possession of the driver's phone unless authorized by State or Federal Law. However, the driver can give consent for the Officer to inspect the phone if the driver believes one of the exceptions to the ordinance applies.

The San Angelo Police Department encourages drivers to be aware of the provisions of the ordinance and make a conscious effort to comply. The ordinance can be found online at www.cosatx.us/government/city-attor..., and more information on frequently asked questions can be found on the SAPD web page, www.sanangelopolice.org.