CONTACT:  Officer Carol Riley  |  409-880-4832,  409-284-2563

The City of Beaumont’s Emergency Management Office Offers Tips for Cold Weather.

Beaumont, Texas – Colder winter weather is heading our way with temperatures expected to drop below freezing during the nighttime and early morning hours on Friday and Saturday.   In preparation for the upcoming cold weather, the City of Beaumont Emergency Management Office recommends the following steps to ensure your safety and comfort:

•  Remain indoors if possible. If you must go out, dress to fit the weather, with layered, wind-resistant clothing, a hat, and gloves or mittens to protect yourself against frostbite.
•  If you must perform work outside, take frequent breaks to warm up and avoid overexertion.
•  Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that could catch fire. Have emergency heating equipment approved for indoor use and appropriate fuel for it. Emergency heating equipment includes kerosene or propane heaters and wood stoves.  
•  Have emergency lighting in case the power goes out: flashlights or lanterns with a supply of batteries or  fuel. 
•   Keep an emergency supply of ready-to-eat non-perishable food and an emergency supply of water on hand. 
• Listen to your radio or TV to obtain weather and emergency information.  Have a battery-powered radio with spare batteries in case your electricity goes off.
• Travel only if absolutely necessary.  If you must travel, do so in day light.  Slow down.  In some cases ice on the roadways is not visible.  Carry a charged cell phone with you so you can call for help if needed.   Have emergency supplies in your vehicle.
• Bring pets/companion animals inside or provide a sheltered area for them to go to. 
• Insulate outside water faucets or pipes.   Allow faucets to drip a little to avoid freezing.  If residents experience a broken water pipe that is located on the resident’s side of the meter, the water should be turned off at the meter and arrangements for repairs should be made.  If you need assistance with turning off your meter, you are asked to call the Fire Department at 409-880-3901.

Remember, proper planning can make winter weather events more manageable and comfortable for everyone.   

 On February 1, 2012, at approximately 6:05AM, 911 dispatchers received a report of a structure fire at 3875 Eloise St. Fire suppression units of the Beaumont Fire/Rescue were dispatched to this location. They arrived to find the front of the dwelling involved by fire. A male on the scene advised firefighters a female was still inside the structure. A primary search was conducted of the dwelling along with firefighting activities to control the fire. During the search of the dwelling firefighters were quickly able to locate a 54 year old female on the floor in the front part of the dwelling. She was removed, Beaumont EMS attended to her and determined she was deceased. Judge N. Beaulieu responded and ordered a autopsy. The male was transported to St. Elizabeth for treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. Cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Capt. E. White

The house at 4740 Park is vacant and has been for several years according to neighbors. The garage was open and unsecured and the fire appears to be deliberate. The garage was a total loss.

Witnesses report seeing four black male juveniles run from the garage when the fire was discovered. The juveniles have not been identified and the investigation is continuing.

Officer Carol Riley  284-2563

      Lt. Derrick Fowler, BPD Traffic Unit Commander, who holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence / Juris Doctor (J.D.) from South Texas College of Law, instructs the course.  The Terrorism course details the history of and a general overview of terrorism then specifically focuses on current domestic and international terrorism. 

     The media is invited to attend the class on Monday, February 6, 2012 from 5:45 pm – 6:30 pm.  Present at that time will be Chief James Singletary, Dr. Jimmy Simmons, President of Lamar University, Dr. Eric Bronson, Director of Criminal Justice for Lamar University, and Dr. Raymond Shearer, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice for Lamar University.  Dr. Shearer is also a retired Sergeant from the Beaumont Police Department.

     BPD made their Training Room available to Lamar to further Chief Singletary’s goal of encouraging his officer’s pursuit of higher education.  Six Beaumont Police Officers are registered for this Terrorism course and we hope to continue to enroll officers in future courses which will elevate the level of training and professionalism at our agency.  BPD Officers who have subject matter expertise in the field of Terrorism are also serving as guest lecturers during this course.  Lamar University hopes to use the practical expertise of those street level officers to enhance the learning experience of its students.    

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.

782-6738

     We specifically need the media’s assistance in informing the public about a two-week grace period being offered to citizens with outstanding warrants prior to the Enforcement Phase of the roundup. 

     At the conference, officers are making available their patrol vehicles equipped with special License Plate Readers which will they will use during the Warrant Roundup. 

    Your presence at the News Conference guarantees you a seat in one of those specially equipped vehicles during the Enforcement Sweep. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr. 

782-6738

The victim is a 27 year old black male from Beaumont.

The actor was identified as 45 year old Willie Lee Edwards of Beaumont. Edwards was transported to Jefferson County Jail and booked in for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  

Officer Carol Riley  284-2563

       On Tuesday, January 31, 2012, Beaumont Animal Services Officers along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Dept.’s Livestock Division seized two neglected horses. The horses were seized in Beaumont’s North End of town on the dead end of Jeanette St.  The two horses were being kept in deplorable conditions with limited water, no shelter and very little to eat.  One of the horses, a sorrel colored quarter horse was severely malnourished and was living on a rope without any shelter. The horse also had an abscessed left front hoof that had begun to founder.  The other horse, a palomino stud, was also living on a rope without shelter and constantly tangled amongst bushes and trees with as little as two feet to move around.  The seizure warrant actually listed a third paint colt, which was gone upon the officers arrival.  A civil hearing is scheduled for Feb. 8^th at 11:00 a.m. in the Honorable Judge Beaulieu’s Court, to determine the disposition of the horses.  Criminal charges could be pending.

Contact:   Matthew Fortenberry, Beaumont Animal Services Supervisor

Email:  Jfortenberry@ci.beaumont.tx.us  or phone: (409) 838-3304

     As Patrol Officers were arriving at the scene, they were informed by Communications Personnel that a subject had just arrived at Baptist ER with a gunshot wound to his elbow.  Officers also went to Baptist ER and spoke with the person who had been shot.  Investigation at the hospital determined that the subject who had the gunshot wound to his elbow is a probable suspect in the burglary from Seale.  The subject was identified as Mikael McGee, a 20-year-old Beaumont resident.  McGee was taken into surgery for his wound and is expected to make a full recovery. 

    Detectives from Criminal Investigation Division also responded to assist and they were able to determine that other suspects were involved.  The investigation is ongoing and we expect to file multiple charges of Burglary of a building at its conclusion.

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr. 

782-6738

Details will follow, but the above pictures represent the Bank of America robbery suspect on 1/30/2012, at 2625 Calder St. in Beaumont.

Suspect is a white male, approximately 6'0", 190 pounds,  30 to 40 years old, short dark hair, light skin, acne scars on cheeks, wearing a dark blue long sleave shirt with "54" in white letters ocross the front.  At a little after 11:am on 1/30/2012, the above desribed w/m came into the Bank of America lobby located at 2625 Calder in Beaumont, Tx.  The subject went to the sevice island and pretended to be looking for something, such as a deposit slip.  When the teller asked him if he needed help, he approached the teller and handed her a handwritten note telling her that he was robbing the bank.  The actual wording of the note is witheld for the investigation. 

The suspect got an undetermined amount of cash from the teller and left the bank.

More details may follow as they become available.

     Following the brief Press Conference, Kelly’s mother, Kathy Conner will be available to answer questions from the media.  A room will be set aside to offer each media outlet the opportunity for one-on-one interviews with Mrs. Conner and investigators familiar with the case. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.

782-6738

The complainant was transported to Baptist Hospital for treatment.

D. Kibodeaux

Officers at the scene advised they saw no obvious signs of trauma.

Judge R. Jones was contacted.  He ordered an autopsy to determine cause and actual time of death.  

Next of kin has been notified.  The victim's real name is Adrienne Lynette Fontenot 33 years old.

D. Kibodeaux 

The victims did not recognize any of the suspects, but requested that charges be filed if the actors are identified.

D.Kibodeaux

 Officers then found four subjects matching the descriptions at Washington and SP Road.  As they approached the subjects the four fled toward Euclid.  A few minutes later the subjects were again seen in the 1600 block of Euclid.  Officers again gave chase and were able to capture one of the subjects.  K-9 was called to the scene, and during a track, the dog was able to locate a .357 magnum revolver hidden under some leaves at the rear of a house the four subjects had previously ran through.  

It was later found that the handgun had been reported stolen from the 1300 block of Threadneedle on January 23, 2012.  

The subject who had been caught was a juvenile and was taken to the Mimi Rogers juvenile facility for evading detention.

D. Kibodeaux

     The investigation into these two points of narcotics distribution in our city is still ongoing and the proactive work of the Officers involved resulted in the removal of narcotics, narcotics dealers, and weapons from the streets of our community. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.

782-6738

Officers located a suspect matching the description at the car wash on Lucas at Arthur. He was positively identified, by the victim, as the man that robbed him at gunpoint.
 He was identified as a 32 year old black male from Beaumont,  Larry Darnell Jackson. Jackson was arrested and transported to Jefferson County Jail. He was booked in for Aggravated Robbery and currently has a $50,000 bond.

Officers were unable to locate the gun and money.

Officer Carol Riley 409-284-2563
    

     There had been numerous burglaries in this neighborhood in the past and Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division went to the neighborhood last week to speak with some residents.  Our Detectives received information about burglaries that had not been reported to our agency in the past.  The Detectives took all the available information and asked the residents to always phone our Department in the future when they witness suspicious activity and especially when they suffer burglaries.  The residents at that time all agreed to remain vigilant.  Their follow-through on their vow to remain vigilant resulted in the apprehension of the burglary suspect in this incident. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr. 

782-6738

The store manager/victim advised that the black female suspect entered the store and filled several small baskets full of items. The manager advised that the suspect was acting strange and sensed that the suspect was going to steal the items. The suspect exited the store and returned as she placed the items in the small baskets into one large shopping cart. The manager decided to wait by the front door for the suspect in case she did not pay for the items. At this time, the manager noticed the suspect exit the store without paying for the items and grabbed the shopping cart. The suspect then punched the manager in the face and walked off. As the manager brought the shopping cart of items back inside the store, she noticed the suspect enter the store once again. The suspect then attacked the manager by hitting her. The manager then fought back and was able to fight the suspect off her. The suspect then threw several bottles at the manager, before finally exiting and fleeing on foot.

The suspect was located a short distance away and was arrested. The suspect was transported to the Jefferson County Jail where she was booked for Robbery.  The suspect was identified as Ashley Nichole Sias B/F, 27 of Beaumont.

Ashley Nichole Sias, 27 of Beaumont

Reginald James McBride-38 of Beaumont

On Tuesday 01/24/2012, at approximately 11:11 am, Patrol Division Officers responded to the 4600 block of Ironton to a reported burglary that had just occurred.   When Officers arrived, they spoke with a 90-year-old witness who was in her kitchen when she saw a black male who appeared to have been casing houses.  She continued to watch him as he went into the garage of a neighbor’s house then closed the overhead door.  She went outside to try to keep an eye on him.  The male exited the garage holding a blower and a weed eater.  He closed the door and she yelled at him to put the items down.  He yelled back that he lived there but then dropped the weed eater and ran away with the blower.  A second neighbor then followed the subject until Officers were able to detain him near the area of Steelton @ Tyler.  Officers took the suspects into custody without further incident.  He was identified as Reginald James McBride, a 38-year-old resident of Beaumont. 

     There had been numerous burglaries in this neighborhood in the past and Detectives from our Criminal Investigations Division went to the neighborhood last week to speak with some residents.  Our Detectives received information about burglaries that had not been reported to our agency in the past.  The Detectives took all the available information and asked the residents to always phone our Department in the future when they witness suspicious activity and especially when they suffer burglaries.  The residents at that time all agreed to remain vigilant.  Their follow-through on their vow to remain vigilant resulted in the apprehension of the burglary suspect in this incident. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr. 

782-6738

     Alarm monitors in our communications center are also indicating that the underpasses at Park @ Virginia, M.L.K. @ Virginia, M.L.K. @ Lavaca, M.L.K. @ College, as well as the Irving Street underpass are flooded and impassable. 

     Motorist are reminded to use extreme caution on the roadways.  THEY SHOULD NOT drive their vehicles into low lying areas or underpasses as they may become trapped due to the high water. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr. 

782-6738

D. Kibodeaux

Classes will be given by police officers on police related topics such as use of force, family violence, traffic code, narcotics and more.  There will be pursuit driving on a closed course, firearms range instruction, and practical problems and scenarios.  It's fun and entertaining, and you will learn and experience things few civilians get to be a part of. 

The purpose of the program is to educate and expose community members to the operations of the participating law enforcement agencies. The program is held two times each year and participants must apply during enrollment periods to be registered to participate. 

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, but there is no maximum age.  Students only participate in those activities they are comfortable with. 

Classes go for 13 weeks every Thursday evening, and there are two Saturday sessions for driving and the pistol range. 

There is no cost for the classes, but you must apply.  Applications are on line at http://citybmtp2c.cityofbeaumont.com/PDSurvey//TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=72KI7m7  or call (409) 880-3825 for details.  

Officers arrived and spoke with the store owner who advised that he was seatted behind the counter when a single black male actor grabbed him from behind and forced him to give him some money from the cash register. 

The owner did not recognize the subject, and described him as 5'6" to 5'8", 190 pounds, 30-35 years old wearing all black with a black jacket.  The actor did not display a weapon, and left the store with a small amount of cash.

The store owner received a small laceration to his elbow during the scuffle. 

Doug Kibodeaux 

On Tuesday January 24, 2012 the Beaumont Police Department is welcoming fifteen new officers to their ranks.  The Oath of Office Ceremony is scheduled for that day at 9:30 am in the Meeting Rooms of the Beaumont Civic Center.  The following young men and women will be sworn in as Police Officers for the Beaumont Police Department:

 -Tray Armstrong is a 27-year-old resident of Port Arthur.  Tray has previously worked as a correctional officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and is the father of three children.

-Robert Betar is a 29-year-old resident of Beaumont.  He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy from Stephan F. Austin University and served as a Captain in the United States Army.  Robert is the father of one child. 

-Dannie Davis is a 23-year-old resident of Beaumont who attended Lamar University.

-Ryan Flanigan is a 24-year-old resident of Beaumont.  He attended Lamar University and previously worked for the Lamar University Police Department.  Ryan is the father of one child.

-Yutonia Kelly is a 27-year-old resident of Beaumont.  She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from McNeese State University.  Yutonia previously worked as a correctional officer for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. 

-Jonathan McCauley is a 24-year-old resident of Beaumont.  Jonathan previously worked for the Lamar University Police Department. 

-Robert Riley is a 24-year-old resident of Beaumont.  Robert is a veteran of the United States Army. 

-Saeed Serrant is a 23-year-old resident of Groves.  He attended the University of Texas – Pan American.  Saeed is the father of three children. 

-Domingo Sanchez is a 23-year-old resident of Lumberton.  He attended the University of Houston and Lamar University.  Domingo is the father of one child.

-Casandra Scott is a 30-year-old resident of Port Arthur.  She earned an Associate Degree in Medical Office Administration from Lamar State College-Port Arthur.  Casandra was previously employed as a Dispatcher with the Beaumont 911 Communications Center.

-Jeremy Shoemaker is a 23-year-old resident of Beaumont.  Jeremy earned a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Marketing from Lamar University. 

-Erin Smith is a 31-year-old resident of Lumberton.  He attended Lamar University and was previously employed with the Lumberton Police Department.  Erin is the father of two children. 

-Christopher Spears is a 23-year-old resident of San Augustine.  He previously worked for the San Augustine County Sheriff’s Department and the Center Police Department.   Christopher is the father of two children.

-Chase Welch is a 21-year-old resident of Hamshire.  Chase is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

-Michael Wirfs is a 28-year-old resident of Lumberton.  Michael is a veteran of the United States Army and previously worked for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.

782-6738

     SWAT and Negotiators arrived and took control of the scene as the standoff continued for about forty more minutes.  The standoff was resolved peacefully when the female exited the back door of the residence unarmed and began to speak with Negotiators.  While speaking with the Negotiators the women was taken into custody by SWAT without further incident. 

     The male did not wish to file charges against his wife but Officers did complete an Offense Report for Aggravated Assault – Family Violence.  The female was transported to Fannin Pavilion on an Emergency Peace Officer Committal.  She will undergo psychiatric evaluation for a period of up to seventy-two hours. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.

782-6738

     There was a language barrier so information at this time is limited.  Officers were able to determine the victim was at home at the time of the assault.  He heard a knock on his door and when he opened it, he was confronted by possibly two suspects.   The victim quickly closed the door and as he did, a shot was fired from outside the door.  The bullet entered and exited the door and struck the victim.  The only description of the suspects given by the victim was two black males, one wearing something over his face. 

      Detectives have scheduled follow-up interviews with witnesses.  When these suspects are identified, they will be charged with Aggravated Assault, a First Degree Felony. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.

782-6738

      I apologize for the error. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.

782-6738

The suspect was described as follows:

Suspect #1- Black Male, approx. 6’0’’, 160-170 lbs, wearing a gray long sleeve shirt, gray jeans with red and gray stitch design on the pockets. The suspect had a small amount of facial hair on the jaw line.

If you have any information about this crime or any other felony crime, please call Beaumont Crime Stoppers at 409-833-TIPS, your call is anonymous and you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

The suspect was identified as Derrick Wayne Jones, 33 year old black male from Beaumont.   He was arrested,  transported to Jefferson County Jail and booked in for Burglary with Intent to Commit a Felony.

Officer Carol Riley 284-2563

Officers arrived in the area and observed two black males fleeing from the area on foot. The males were discovered hiding in dumpsters in the alley behind the Village Shopping Center along with a .22 cal handgun. K-9 officers ran a back track and discovered the ski masks worn by the suspects near the cell tower behind What-a-burger, 4286 E. Lucas.

The suspects were identified as:

Jeremy Joubert  19 year old black male from Beaumont 

Trivon Joubert  19 year old black male from Beaumont 

Both were arrested and transported to Jefferson County Jail and booked in for Aggravated Robbery.

Officer Carol Riley  284-2563

There have been numerous burglaries in the area. Patrol Officers and Investigators have identified the suspects, but have had little to no cooperation from witnesses on the cases. Some witnesses have been intimidated and others just afraid to get involved.  Patrol Officers have made numerous field contacts and have worked hard to locate and identify a ring of burglars in the south end.

Officer Randy Stevens was familiar with the M.O. of the suspects and knew from field contacts and witness information, where the suspects were possibly hiding.  Officers Stevens located the  two suspects in a stolen vehicle, a 2000 silver Toyota, at the Colonial South Apartments. The 27 year old witness was cooperative and helped identify the suspects as the burglars that entered his home.

So, I am pleased to report that due to diligence on the part of a Citizen, a Patrol Officer and the Detective Division,  two suspects are in custody for Burglary of a Habitation and other charges are pending.

Aaron Owens, black male, 17 years of age, from Beaumont

Jordan Williams, black male, 18 years of age, from Beaumont

 There isn't a picture available for Owens at this time.

Both males were taken to the station to speak with detectives and then transported to Jefferson County Jail where they were booked in for Burglary of a Habitation.

Officer Carol Riley  284-2563

     The man was identified as Jerry Patrick Wagner, a forty one year old resident of the south end of Beaumont.  Upon Wagner’s arrest, officers also located several additional items in his vehicle that had been stolen in previous auto burglaries from Jerry Allen Motors.  

     This was an outstanding example of proactive policing that resulted in the apprehension of a suspect possibly linked to numerous auto burglaries in our city. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.  782-6738

       As Officers followed, the man pulled a revolver from his pocket.  Officers attempted to contain the subject who continued to walk away as he was heard saying, “I’m going to die today!”  Officers followed the subject who continued to walk away with the gun now back in his pocket.  The man walked two blocks west and north of his original location and ended up in front of a residence located in the 1700 block of Harriot St.  Officers were able to contain the man at that location and Crisis Negotiators were on scene to attempt to persuade him to surrender peacefully.

       Negotiators attempted to talk with the man via police car P.A. but he refused to talk or comply with any instructions.  He could be heard mumbling unintelligibly and kept his right hand in his pocket on the gun.  At one point, the man knelt and began to walk back and forth on his knees in the yard.  He then quickly pulled the revolver out of his pocket, aimed it at and shot multiple rounds at the officers.  The officers, fearing for their lives as well as the lives of innocent neighbors in adjoining houses, had no alternative but to return fire.  The man was struck multiple times and fell to the ground.  Officers immediately summoned Beaumont EMS to approach from their staging area about a block away.  Paramedics treated the subject at the scene and he was then transported to Christus Saint Elizabeth ER.  The subject was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.  No officers were injured in spite of the man’s attempt to kill them. 

     The subject was a 37-year-old resident of the south end of Beaumont.  His name is not being released pending formal notification of his next of kin. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.  782-6738

The Beaumont Police Department is identifying the suspect, who fired at Officers and was subsequently shot afterwards. The suspect is B/M Lee Adam Dixon 37, from Beaumont.

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.  782-6738

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.  782-6738

   The officers were all participating in the Department of Transportation Impaired Driving Grant that provides Federal funding for additional officers to patrol specifically for intoxicated drivers. 

     The next enforcement “wave” will take place during the Spring Break Week in March.

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr. 782-6738 

      Patrol Division officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspect or vehicle.  Detectives from our Criminal Investigation Division also responded to interview witnesses and take statements. 

     When the suspect is identified, he will be charged with aggravated robbery, a first-degree felony. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.  782-6738

     The clerk described the suspect as a black male, 6’00”, 280-300 pounds, wearing a black jacket and black sunglasses.  Officers conducted an exhaustive search for the suspect but were unable to locate him at that time.  When we do identify and locate this suspect, he will be charged with Aggravated Robbery, a first-degree felony punishable by incarceration for 5-99 years in the state penitentiary. 

Sgt. Rob Flores, Jr.  782-6738

 The suspects were described as follows:

Suspect #1: Black male, 5’6- 5’10, slim build, blue hooded sweat shirt, dark pants, black air force tennis shoes, and a black ski mask.

Suspect #2: Black male, 5’6-5’10, slim build, black hooded sweat shirt, dark pants, black converse tennis shoes, and a black ski mask.

Beaumont Police urge the public to notify them if they have any information about this crime. Please call the Beaumont Police Department at 409-880-3865 or Beaumont Crime Stoppers at 409-833-TIPS, your call is anonymous and you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

Ofc. Guedry

Officer Payton 409-553-2659

The suspect was described as follows:

 Black Male, 6’0, 230 lbs, wearing a blue hoodie, blue bandana over the bottom portion of his face, blue jeans and black gloves. The suspect is armed with a black semi automatic handgun and possibly was driving a Black Toyota Tundra pick-up truck with a lift kit.

Beaumont Police urge the public to notify them if they have any information about this crime. Please call 409-880-3865 or Beaumont Crime Stoppers at 409-833-TIPS, your call is anonymous and you could be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.

Ofc. Guedry

409-880-3825

Calvin Davis Cook- 26 of Beaumont

        Calvin Davis Cook is the suspect who fired a shot from a handgun at a Beaumont Police Officer on 12-14-11. Cook was booked into the Jefferson County Jail and charged with Attempted Capital Murder.