Sheriff: Teen dead after game of chicken
By REBECCA LOPEZ / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas sheriff deputies said a 17-year-old girl's death Wednesday night may have been the result of a game of chicken.
The crash occurred at Malloy Bridge Road near Gravel Slough in an unincorporated section of Dallas county.
The lead investigator in the case said he had a lengthy interview with 19-year-old Jacob Greer, who at first denied a game of chicken was involved. However, the investigator said Greer later changed his story and admitted to intentionally driving on the wrong side of the road to scare drivers.
"I don't know why they would be doing that with her in the car," said Lisa Stonewall, the victim's mother. "Right now I am in a cloud. I just want my baby back."
Amanda Beazle's parents said they are angry that a game might have taken their daughter's life.
"At first I wasn't because we didn't know the whole fact," said Mike Stonewall, Beazle's father. "But now it is turning the other way. I am getting angry about it if this is what really happened."
Greer was behind the wheel with Beazle, his girlfriend, next to him in the passenger seat when police said Greer began taunting other drivers while on a rural road.
"There was a car coming at him," said Sr. Sgt. Kevin Feinglas. "The skid mark, or scuff mark, in the opposing lane of traffic indicates more that he intentionally swerved at the car coming at him."
In fact, investigators said Beazle may have tried to save them both at the last minute.
"She pulled the steering wheel hard to the right to try to save either her own life or the lives of the person's that were coming at them both," Sgt. Feinglas said.
Beazle's parents said she had just passed her driving test and was about to get her license and had worried about her being on the road. However, they said they were shocked it was her boyfriend that may have played the game that led to her death.
"I never thought he would do something like this," Stonewall said. "He always seemed so responsible."
Deputies said they are hoping the driver of the car Greer was playing chicken with will come forward and give them more information.
Meanwhile, they said they do plan to file charges against him for negligent homicide or manslaughter.
Beazle's family said they will hold a memorial for her tomorrow night at First Baptist Church in Palmer.
News from the Lone Star State
Moderator: S2k Moderators
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Cotton Bowl and downtown parks make bond list
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The Cotton Bowl expansion and the proposed deck park over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway made the first cut in the list of projects that will go before voters in November.
Friday evening, Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm will release her list of projects to take to voters in the bond election – the cost could total a record $1.2 billion or higher.
But Thursday, Park Board members got a look at the list of Park Department projects, and learned the system scored big: $305 million-worth of projects – a quarter of the estimated total.
“I think that’s an indication of how important parks are to economic vitality and quality of life,” said Paul Dyer, director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.
Fair Park ranked high with at least $65 million. That includes $30 million to complete the $50 million expansion and overhaul of the aging Cotton Bowl. This money is considered critical to keep the Texas-OU game at facility during the State Fair.
Last week, school officials agreed to keep the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl through 2010, and would consider a further extension depending on what voters decided about funding improvements. Other Fair Park improvements include restoration of many Art Deco structures including the Esplanade Fountain, murals and Court of Honor.
Downtown parks also scored big: $43 million.
The proposed deck park would get $20 million in bond funds. This would be the city’s portion of the park’s $60 million cost. The private sector yesterday produced $10 million in pledges and is set to raise another $10 million. State and federal funding has already been pledged.
The proposal also includes $6.5 million for Belo Garden which would go at Griffin and Main Streets downtown. This matches a $6.5 million donation by parties affiliated with Belo Corporation, which owns Channel 8 and the Dallas Morning News.
Some critics have complained that too much funding is going to just one part of town. But Dyer says, downtown is one of the fastest growing residential districts. He says it’s important to obtain the land now, while prices are still affordable.
He also says the parks will spur economic development and change the face of neighborhood.
“Dallas will finally be known for its downtown beauty instead of its parking lots,” said Dyer.
Other downtown funding includes money to complete Main Street Garden, which will replace the city block between the Mercantile Complex and Old City Hall. The city would also buy land in a parking lot at St Paul St.and Live Oak near the Republic Center complex. This will become Pacific Plaza, a park designed for large gatherings and concerts. It won’t be developed for several years, but the parking lot will generate income in the meantime.
“We’ll just keep it for revenue,” said Dyer. “It’s generating several hundred thousand dollars a year.”
The park projects within the Trinity River Project continued to get priority in this year’s proposal: $28.6 million. It includes $1 million for a kayak course, $3 million for the Elm Fork Soccer Complex, $14 million for the Trinity Equestrian Center.
Gail Thomas of the Trinity Trust was pleased at funding for the center, which will give horse trail access to the Great Trinity Forest.
“You can come into Dallas for a convention, rent a horse and ride through an urban forest,” she says. “How fun is that in Dallas, Texas?”
The Trinity funding would also include $2 million in design cost to transform Continental Bridge into a party deck. It will be closed to auto traffic once the first of the Calatrava bridges is complete.
Thomas says as these projects are built, the visible and usable portions of the Trinity River Project will begin to come on line.
“I think people will realize we are going to use our river. And it’s about people, and fun and recreation,” said Thomas.
(The total in the Trinity River Project will likely grow once flood control and storm drainage are figured in.)
Other highlights of the Parks Bond proposal:
- $8.1 million for replacement of 40 playgrounds and renovation of 13 others.
-$1.4 million for security lights at approximately 56 parks.
- $600,000 for security cameras at 20 recreation centers.
- $1.6 million to create a Master Plan and design for a signature park in the Southern Sector at Crawford Memorial Park.
While the City Manager will produce her list on Friday, it still could change. Council members will hear from citizens in a series of town hall meetings, and could tinker with the plan. They have until August to finalize it for the election, though the City Manager would like it complete sooner, because the council will be turning its attention to the annual budget.
By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The Cotton Bowl expansion and the proposed deck park over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway made the first cut in the list of projects that will go before voters in November.
Friday evening, Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm will release her list of projects to take to voters in the bond election – the cost could total a record $1.2 billion or higher.
But Thursday, Park Board members got a look at the list of Park Department projects, and learned the system scored big: $305 million-worth of projects – a quarter of the estimated total.
“I think that’s an indication of how important parks are to economic vitality and quality of life,” said Paul Dyer, director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.
Fair Park ranked high with at least $65 million. That includes $30 million to complete the $50 million expansion and overhaul of the aging Cotton Bowl. This money is considered critical to keep the Texas-OU game at facility during the State Fair.
Last week, school officials agreed to keep the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl through 2010, and would consider a further extension depending on what voters decided about funding improvements. Other Fair Park improvements include restoration of many Art Deco structures including the Esplanade Fountain, murals and Court of Honor.
Downtown parks also scored big: $43 million.
The proposed deck park would get $20 million in bond funds. This would be the city’s portion of the park’s $60 million cost. The private sector yesterday produced $10 million in pledges and is set to raise another $10 million. State and federal funding has already been pledged.
The proposal also includes $6.5 million for Belo Garden which would go at Griffin and Main Streets downtown. This matches a $6.5 million donation by parties affiliated with Belo Corporation, which owns Channel 8 and the Dallas Morning News.
Some critics have complained that too much funding is going to just one part of town. But Dyer says, downtown is one of the fastest growing residential districts. He says it’s important to obtain the land now, while prices are still affordable.
He also says the parks will spur economic development and change the face of neighborhood.
“Dallas will finally be known for its downtown beauty instead of its parking lots,” said Dyer.
Other downtown funding includes money to complete Main Street Garden, which will replace the city block between the Mercantile Complex and Old City Hall. The city would also buy land in a parking lot at St Paul St.and Live Oak near the Republic Center complex. This will become Pacific Plaza, a park designed for large gatherings and concerts. It won’t be developed for several years, but the parking lot will generate income in the meantime.
“We’ll just keep it for revenue,” said Dyer. “It’s generating several hundred thousand dollars a year.”
The park projects within the Trinity River Project continued to get priority in this year’s proposal: $28.6 million. It includes $1 million for a kayak course, $3 million for the Elm Fork Soccer Complex, $14 million for the Trinity Equestrian Center.
Gail Thomas of the Trinity Trust was pleased at funding for the center, which will give horse trail access to the Great Trinity Forest.
“You can come into Dallas for a convention, rent a horse and ride through an urban forest,” she says. “How fun is that in Dallas, Texas?”
The Trinity funding would also include $2 million in design cost to transform Continental Bridge into a party deck. It will be closed to auto traffic once the first of the Calatrava bridges is complete.
Thomas says as these projects are built, the visible and usable portions of the Trinity River Project will begin to come on line.
“I think people will realize we are going to use our river. And it’s about people, and fun and recreation,” said Thomas.
(The total in the Trinity River Project will likely grow once flood control and storm drainage are figured in.)
Other highlights of the Parks Bond proposal:
- $8.1 million for replacement of 40 playgrounds and renovation of 13 others.
-$1.4 million for security lights at approximately 56 parks.
- $600,000 for security cameras at 20 recreation centers.
- $1.6 million to create a Master Plan and design for a signature park in the Southern Sector at Crawford Memorial Park.
While the City Manager will produce her list on Friday, it still could change. Council members will hear from citizens in a series of town hall meetings, and could tinker with the plan. They have until August to finalize it for the election, though the City Manager would like it complete sooner, because the council will be turning its attention to the annual budget.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Police: 3 Good Samaritans catch carjacker
By YOLANDA WALKER / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas - Police said three Good Samaritans chased down a man who allegedly attempted to carjack a woman in a Fort Worth mall parking lot.
Two men approached a young woman at the Hulen Mall parking lot and demanded the keys to her Honda, police said.
"Now, this victim did not comply with the robbers commands and in fact told them no," said Lt. Dean Sullivan. "One of the actors then told the other one to shoot her."
Instead of shooting, the woman told police one of them snatched her purse and took off running. However, the three Good Samaritans chased him into a restaurant and held him there until police arrived.
Officers arrested Anthony Oxford, 20.
Earlier in the week and less than a mile away, an armed man confronted a 75-year-old woman on her way into a hair salon.
However, Xavier Ramos also didn't get far in her BMW and now police said they have linked him to another carjacking outside a grocery store along Hulen.
Police said they are still searching for the other suspect in the alleged attempted carjacking.
Many woman in the area said they will continue to be on the alert.
"I leave my keys out in my hands and sometimes I have my cell phone with me just in case," said driver Alex Hopps.
By YOLANDA WALKER / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas - Police said three Good Samaritans chased down a man who allegedly attempted to carjack a woman in a Fort Worth mall parking lot.
Two men approached a young woman at the Hulen Mall parking lot and demanded the keys to her Honda, police said.
"Now, this victim did not comply with the robbers commands and in fact told them no," said Lt. Dean Sullivan. "One of the actors then told the other one to shoot her."
Instead of shooting, the woman told police one of them snatched her purse and took off running. However, the three Good Samaritans chased him into a restaurant and held him there until police arrived.
Officers arrested Anthony Oxford, 20.
Earlier in the week and less than a mile away, an armed man confronted a 75-year-old woman on her way into a hair salon.
However, Xavier Ramos also didn't get far in her BMW and now police said they have linked him to another carjacking outside a grocery store along Hulen.
Police said they are still searching for the other suspect in the alleged attempted carjacking.
Many woman in the area said they will continue to be on the alert.
"I leave my keys out in my hands and sometimes I have my cell phone with me just in case," said driver Alex Hopps.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Boy's staph infection highlights North Texas issue
By GARY REAVES / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A North Texas 6-year-old's soccer shin guard led to surgery and three days in the hospital after he was diagnosed with a staph infection,
Connor Elston's mom said when she first saw the infection she believed it was harmless.
"At first it looked like ant bites," said Kyla Elston. "I kept thinking, where is he getting into ants?"
But the infection continued to worsen and she eventually took him to a doctor where he was diagnosed with the infection, which was the kind that couldn't be treated with common antibiotics.
"It could have caused long-term damage to his knee joint if we hadn't caught it on time," Elston said.
The infection started under his shin guard, which was somewhat ironic since it was used to prevent injuries.
Doctor Doug Hardy, who does research on the resistant strain of staph at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical, said North Texas is a hot spot for the infection.
In other cities, only five percent of staph infections will be resistant. However, in Dallas the numbers range up to 75 to 90 percent.
"We can't identify a risk for this," Hardy said. "Everyone in the community is at risk for this kind of staph infection."
Elston's doctor advised a strict regime of shin guard hygiene, and his mom said she wants other parents to be aware.
"Doc said to make sure you wash shin guards on a regular basis," she said. And in addition to washing them, use a product such as Oxy Clean and dry them in the sun."
Doctors also said to seek treatment promptly for infections. Staph starts on the skin, but can eat its way down to the bone and cause other complications if not treated properly.
By GARY REAVES / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - A North Texas 6-year-old's soccer shin guard led to surgery and three days in the hospital after he was diagnosed with a staph infection,
Connor Elston's mom said when she first saw the infection she believed it was harmless.
"At first it looked like ant bites," said Kyla Elston. "I kept thinking, where is he getting into ants?"
But the infection continued to worsen and she eventually took him to a doctor where he was diagnosed with the infection, which was the kind that couldn't be treated with common antibiotics.
"It could have caused long-term damage to his knee joint if we hadn't caught it on time," Elston said.
The infection started under his shin guard, which was somewhat ironic since it was used to prevent injuries.
Doctor Doug Hardy, who does research on the resistant strain of staph at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical, said North Texas is a hot spot for the infection.
In other cities, only five percent of staph infections will be resistant. However, in Dallas the numbers range up to 75 to 90 percent.
"We can't identify a risk for this," Hardy said. "Everyone in the community is at risk for this kind of staph infection."
Elston's doctor advised a strict regime of shin guard hygiene, and his mom said she wants other parents to be aware.
"Doc said to make sure you wash shin guards on a regular basis," she said. And in addition to washing them, use a product such as Oxy Clean and dry them in the sun."
Doctors also said to seek treatment promptly for infections. Staph starts on the skin, but can eat its way down to the bone and cause other complications if not treated properly.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Sheriff: Teen dead after game of chicken
By REBECCA LOPEZ / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas sheriff deputies said a 17-year-old girl's death Wednesday night may have been the result of a game of chicken.
The crash occurred at Malloy Bridge Road near Gravel Slough in an unincorporated section of Dallas county.
The lead investigator in the case said he had a lengthy interview with 19-year-old Jacob Greer, who at first denied a game of chicken was involved. However, the investigator said Greer later changed his story and admitted to intentionally driving on the wrong side of the road to scare drivers.
"I don't know why they would be doing that with her in the car," said Lisa Stonewall, the victim's mother. "Right now I am in a cloud. I just want my baby back."
Amanda Beasle's parents said they are angry that a game might have taken their daughter's life.
"At first I wasn't because we didn't know the whole fact," said Mike Stonewall, Beazle's father. "But now it is turning the other way. I am getting angry about it if this is what really happened."
Greer was behind the wheel with Beasle, his girlfriend, next to him in the passenger seat when police said Greer began taunting other drivers while on a rural road.
"There was a car coming at him," said Sr. Sgt. Kevin Feinglas. "The skid mark, or scuff mark, in the opposing lane of traffic indicates more that he intentionally swerved at the car coming at him."
In fact, investigators said Beasle may have tried to save them both at the last minute.
"She pulled the steering wheel hard to the right to try to save either her own life or the lives of the person's that were coming at them both," Sgt. Feinglas said.
Beasle's parents said she had just passed her driving test and was about to get her license and had worried about her being on the road. However, they said they were shocked it was her boyfriend that may have played the game that led to her death.
"I never thought he would do something like this," Stonewall said. "He always seemed so responsible."
Deputies said they are hoping the driver of the car Greer was playing chicken with will come forward and give them more information.
Meanwhile, they said they do plan to file charges against him for negligent homicide or manslaughter.
Beasle's family said they will hold a memorial for her tomorrow night at First Baptist Church in Palmer.
By REBECCA LOPEZ / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas sheriff deputies said a 17-year-old girl's death Wednesday night may have been the result of a game of chicken.
The crash occurred at Malloy Bridge Road near Gravel Slough in an unincorporated section of Dallas county.
The lead investigator in the case said he had a lengthy interview with 19-year-old Jacob Greer, who at first denied a game of chicken was involved. However, the investigator said Greer later changed his story and admitted to intentionally driving on the wrong side of the road to scare drivers.
"I don't know why they would be doing that with her in the car," said Lisa Stonewall, the victim's mother. "Right now I am in a cloud. I just want my baby back."
Amanda Beasle's parents said they are angry that a game might have taken their daughter's life.
"At first I wasn't because we didn't know the whole fact," said Mike Stonewall, Beazle's father. "But now it is turning the other way. I am getting angry about it if this is what really happened."
Greer was behind the wheel with Beasle, his girlfriend, next to him in the passenger seat when police said Greer began taunting other drivers while on a rural road.
"There was a car coming at him," said Sr. Sgt. Kevin Feinglas. "The skid mark, or scuff mark, in the opposing lane of traffic indicates more that he intentionally swerved at the car coming at him."
In fact, investigators said Beasle may have tried to save them both at the last minute.
"She pulled the steering wheel hard to the right to try to save either her own life or the lives of the person's that were coming at them both," Sgt. Feinglas said.
Beasle's parents said she had just passed her driving test and was about to get her license and had worried about her being on the road. However, they said they were shocked it was her boyfriend that may have played the game that led to her death.
"I never thought he would do something like this," Stonewall said. "He always seemed so responsible."
Deputies said they are hoping the driver of the car Greer was playing chicken with will come forward and give them more information.
Meanwhile, they said they do plan to file charges against him for negligent homicide or manslaughter.
Beasle's family said they will hold a memorial for her tomorrow night at First Baptist Church in Palmer.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Fire destroys Fort Worth church
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas — A southside church congregation was looking for a new place to hold Mother's Day services after its sanctuary was destroyed by fire early Friday.
The fire at Clark Temple of Praise in the 1200 block of Richmond Ave. was reported around midnight Thursday.
By the time firefighters could get a handle on the three-alarm blaze, the church was a total loss. Church members looked on helplessly as the walls and roof of the 65-year-old building that sheltered them from life's storms collapsed one by one in a pile of charred rubble.
"We will continue services," church secretary Tonya White pledged. "We'll have to find a sister church that will accept us in, and we'll have a service on Friday night, and get ready for our Mother's Day service on Sunday."
No injuries were reported.
The building was originally used as a YMCA facility. Clark Temple's congregation moved in 30 years ago.
Investigators said it may be days or even weeks before they can determine what sparked the fire given the extent of the damage.
WFAA ABC 8
The walls and roof of the 66-year-old building collapsed.
By CYNTHIA VEGA / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas — A southside church congregation was looking for a new place to hold Mother's Day services after its sanctuary was destroyed by fire early Friday.
The fire at Clark Temple of Praise in the 1200 block of Richmond Ave. was reported around midnight Thursday.
By the time firefighters could get a handle on the three-alarm blaze, the church was a total loss. Church members looked on helplessly as the walls and roof of the 65-year-old building that sheltered them from life's storms collapsed one by one in a pile of charred rubble.
"We will continue services," church secretary Tonya White pledged. "We'll have to find a sister church that will accept us in, and we'll have a service on Friday night, and get ready for our Mother's Day service on Sunday."
No injuries were reported.
The building was originally used as a YMCA facility. Clark Temple's congregation moved in 30 years ago.
Investigators said it may be days or even weeks before they can determine what sparked the fire given the extent of the damage.
WFAA ABC 8
The walls and roof of the 66-year-old building collapsed.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Gang may be behind DVD street fights, police say
By JEFF MOSIER / The Dallas Morning News
ARLINGTON, Texas - The group that has videotaped street fights for a series of DVDs sold on the Internet has been described as a loosely organized gang by Arlington police officials.
They said the PAC or Playas After Cash has a couple of dozen members and has used other names in the past. The organization came to the attention of police after they hospitalized 16-year-old Kevin Walker in March while taping fight footage for an upcoming DVD.
Five people have been arrested this week and charged with organized criminal activity/aggravated assault. If convicted, the adults could face up to 99 years in prison. One person arrested was a 14-year-old boy, and a sixth person, also a juvenile, is being sought by authorities.
The 16-year-old, who was an unwilling participant in the fight, was hit in the back of the head, kicked in the head and possible struck with brass knuckles, according to police documents. His family said he was hospital with a brain hemorrhage after the beating.
The Agg Townz Fights video series was created and distributed by Michael G. Jackson, an 18-year-old Arlington resident who is currently out of jail on $25,000 bail. Mr. Jackson admitted that he planned to use the beating of Kevin in an upcoming release authorities said.
Police officials also said in a press release that Mr. Jackson is heard on the video footage directing other members to not let Kevin back in his home as he was running from the gang.
By JEFF MOSIER / The Dallas Morning News
ARLINGTON, Texas - The group that has videotaped street fights for a series of DVDs sold on the Internet has been described as a loosely organized gang by Arlington police officials.
They said the PAC or Playas After Cash has a couple of dozen members and has used other names in the past. The organization came to the attention of police after they hospitalized 16-year-old Kevin Walker in March while taping fight footage for an upcoming DVD.
Five people have been arrested this week and charged with organized criminal activity/aggravated assault. If convicted, the adults could face up to 99 years in prison. One person arrested was a 14-year-old boy, and a sixth person, also a juvenile, is being sought by authorities.
The 16-year-old, who was an unwilling participant in the fight, was hit in the back of the head, kicked in the head and possible struck with brass knuckles, according to police documents. His family said he was hospital with a brain hemorrhage after the beating.
The Agg Townz Fights video series was created and distributed by Michael G. Jackson, an 18-year-old Arlington resident who is currently out of jail on $25,000 bail. Mr. Jackson admitted that he planned to use the beating of Kevin in an upcoming release authorities said.
Police officials also said in a press release that Mr. Jackson is heard on the video footage directing other members to not let Kevin back in his home as he was running from the gang.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Teacher gets 6 months in jail for attack
Dallas: She apologizes, but probation officer doubts her sincerity
By ROBERT THARP / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A Dallas teacher who attacked a colleague inside her classroom while students watched was sentenced to six months in jail after apologizing in a manner that a probation officer doubted was sincere.
On the witness stand hoping to avoid punishment of up to 10 years in prison, Paulette Baines sought to minimize her responsibility for the April 2005 attack. She said that student witnesses had exaggerated their testimony and that school district employees who testified against her were "sticking together."
Seventh-grade science teacher Mary Oliver suffered a concussion, two broken ribs and a neck injury in the incident at William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted in Oak Lawn, but Ms. Baines said she only recalled hitting Ms. Oliver once and "maybe making contact" when she kicked her a single time as she was being escorted from the classroom.
"I grabbed her hair and I hit her, and she fell out of the chair," she said.
When questioned by District Judge Faith Johnson about medical reports showing the extent of Ms. Oliver's injuries, Ms. Baines said she might have blacked out and could have hit and kicked Ms. Oliver more than she remembered.
After Ms. Baines' testimony, a probation officer told the judge that she remained skeptical that Ms. Baines had accepted responsibility and recommended that she be incarcerated.
Under terms of the "shock probation" imposed by the judge, Ms. Baines will be sentenced to 180 days in jail and could receive probation after that. The judge also imposed an $800 fine and ordered her to pay $14,000 restitution to Ms. Oliver.
According to court testimony, the attack occurred hours after Ms. Oliver had confronted Ms. Baines' daughter and some other students for being in the school hallway without permission. Ms. Baines, a 15-year DISD veteran at the time of her arrest, said she was upset about that incident, as well as what she described as a history of unfair treatment against her daughter and other African-American students.
Witnesses said that Ms. Baines attacked Ms. Oliver when she refused to discuss the matter during class. Ms. Oliver never fought back when Ms. Baines grabbed her by the hair and punched her before pulling her from the chair and kicking her, witnesses said.
"I said, 'If I fight back it becomes a fight,' " Ms. Oliver said. "I consciously made the decision that I will not fight back. Help will come, and your job is to remain calm and get these kids out of the classroom."
Dallas: She apologizes, but probation officer doubts her sincerity
By ROBERT THARP / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - A Dallas teacher who attacked a colleague inside her classroom while students watched was sentenced to six months in jail after apologizing in a manner that a probation officer doubted was sincere.
On the witness stand hoping to avoid punishment of up to 10 years in prison, Paulette Baines sought to minimize her responsibility for the April 2005 attack. She said that student witnesses had exaggerated their testimony and that school district employees who testified against her were "sticking together."
Seventh-grade science teacher Mary Oliver suffered a concussion, two broken ribs and a neck injury in the incident at William B. Travis Academy/Vanguard for the Academically Talented and Gifted in Oak Lawn, but Ms. Baines said she only recalled hitting Ms. Oliver once and "maybe making contact" when she kicked her a single time as she was being escorted from the classroom.
"I grabbed her hair and I hit her, and she fell out of the chair," she said.
When questioned by District Judge Faith Johnson about medical reports showing the extent of Ms. Oliver's injuries, Ms. Baines said she might have blacked out and could have hit and kicked Ms. Oliver more than she remembered.
After Ms. Baines' testimony, a probation officer told the judge that she remained skeptical that Ms. Baines had accepted responsibility and recommended that she be incarcerated.
Under terms of the "shock probation" imposed by the judge, Ms. Baines will be sentenced to 180 days in jail and could receive probation after that. The judge also imposed an $800 fine and ordered her to pay $14,000 restitution to Ms. Oliver.
According to court testimony, the attack occurred hours after Ms. Oliver had confronted Ms. Baines' daughter and some other students for being in the school hallway without permission. Ms. Baines, a 15-year DISD veteran at the time of her arrest, said she was upset about that incident, as well as what she described as a history of unfair treatment against her daughter and other African-American students.
Witnesses said that Ms. Baines attacked Ms. Oliver when she refused to discuss the matter during class. Ms. Oliver never fought back when Ms. Baines grabbed her by the hair and punched her before pulling her from the chair and kicking her, witnesses said.
"I said, 'If I fight back it becomes a fight,' " Ms. Oliver said. "I consciously made the decision that I will not fight back. Help will come, and your job is to remain calm and get these kids out of the classroom."
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Workers' comp: Medical gridlock
By BRETT SHIPP / News 8 Investigates (WFAA ABC 8)
A farce.
A mess.
Medical gridlock.
Those are just a few of the phrases being used to describe the workers' compensation system in Texas.
Nine months after an overhaul of the system, the early reviews are not promising. Many doctors and their patients are calling the new law a failure.
Changes in the law were prompted, in part, by a series of News 8 Investigates reports.
Robert Frederick of Dallas fights through flashes of pain he has endured since hurting his back while working as an auto mechanic four years ago.
But from his hospital bed, he can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel—a spinal fusion operation he hopes will end the constant suffering.
"This is a dream come true for me," Frederick said.
It's an operation his doctor has been fighting for; a procedure the workers' comp insurance carrier has refused to pay for since 2002.
Frankie Dutcher of Azle gingerly walked toward a workers' comp hearing room. He hoped that a judge would finally award him medicine and benefits.
Dutcher's doctor determined he was exposed to harmful chemicals while repairing power lines 10 years ago. He said he suffers from symptoms including blackout spells, constant dizziness, extreme nausea and severe headaches.
Both men's hopes are pinned on sweeping reforms adopted by the Texas Legislature last year. Lawmakers abolished the old workers' comp commission and handed over operations to the Texas Department of Insurance.
"This is a new agency with a new approach, with a new culture," said Albert Betts, the state's Commissioner of Workers' Compensation. "We're still, for all intents and purposes, in the baby stages of getting up and running."
"I haven't noticed any difference so far," said Dr. Robert Henderson, who performed Robert Frederick's surgery.
That's because everyone in the operating room for Frederick's $100,000 procedure—the doctors; the nurses and assistants and specialists—were all working for free.
Why?
Because Frederick's insurance carrier still refuses to pay his claims, saying his injury is imagined—not real.
After four years of frustration, Dr. Henderson had enough of seeing his patient in pain, so he performed the surgery for free.
"Virtually every surgery we do gets denied once, gets denied twice and then we have to take it to some type of a hearing," Dr. Henderson said.
Frankie Dutcher said doctors diagnosed his injury as being job-related almost a decade ago—on May 21, 1996.
His workers' comp claim continues to be denied.
The insurance company said Dutcher didn't report the injury until Nov. 15, 1996, failing to meet the 30-day reporting deadline by five months.
But Dutcher said his own cell phone records show a call to his supervisor in Decatur, Texas, on May 22—one day after his doctor's diagnosis.
"The evidence is all there," Dutcher said. "I don't know why they won't act upon it."
After nearly one year of workers' comp hearings, Dutcher and his wife are growing tired fighting the old and new systems. "They put you through all these hoops with the hopes that you will either die or go away," said Dena Dutcher, the injured worker's wife.
Unfortunately, under the new system, it may be the doctors who are going away.
"The reform has done nothing other than drive good doctors completely out of the system," said Kym Grant, a patient advocate who is trying to lure doctors back into the new system.
She said very few North Texas physicians are showing an interest. The problem: Proposed low reimbursement rates and continued slow or no pay.
"I've knocked on these doors and begged these good surgeons to listen to me and to help us come up with a solution," Grant said. "They don't want to hear it; they don't want to participate in it, and why should they?"
If there is hope for the injured worker, it may rest with Norman Darwin, who was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to head the new Office of Injured Employee Counsel. "It has not been a level playing field, there is no question about it," Darwin said.
Darwin's charge is to beef up the ombudsman program and to hire lawyers to help represent injured workers who have disputes.
Yet Darwin offered a sobering admission when asked if his office could make life better for injured workers. "I can in some cases," he said. "I can't necessarily say that I could in all cases."
That leaves injured workers like Dutcher and Frederick at the mercy of a system so broken that compassionate doctors are giving away care.
"There's no way to describe it," Frederick said from his hospital bed. "The system is totally a farce."
Insurance industry officials said it is too early to judge the success or failure of the revised Texas workers' comp system, a system that is supposed to work like managed health care.
Many injured workers we talked to said they would settle for any kind of care.
By BRETT SHIPP / News 8 Investigates (WFAA ABC 8)
A farce.
A mess.
Medical gridlock.
Those are just a few of the phrases being used to describe the workers' compensation system in Texas.
Nine months after an overhaul of the system, the early reviews are not promising. Many doctors and their patients are calling the new law a failure.
Changes in the law were prompted, in part, by a series of News 8 Investigates reports.
Robert Frederick of Dallas fights through flashes of pain he has endured since hurting his back while working as an auto mechanic four years ago.
But from his hospital bed, he can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel—a spinal fusion operation he hopes will end the constant suffering.
"This is a dream come true for me," Frederick said.
It's an operation his doctor has been fighting for; a procedure the workers' comp insurance carrier has refused to pay for since 2002.
Frankie Dutcher of Azle gingerly walked toward a workers' comp hearing room. He hoped that a judge would finally award him medicine and benefits.
Dutcher's doctor determined he was exposed to harmful chemicals while repairing power lines 10 years ago. He said he suffers from symptoms including blackout spells, constant dizziness, extreme nausea and severe headaches.
Both men's hopes are pinned on sweeping reforms adopted by the Texas Legislature last year. Lawmakers abolished the old workers' comp commission and handed over operations to the Texas Department of Insurance.
"This is a new agency with a new approach, with a new culture," said Albert Betts, the state's Commissioner of Workers' Compensation. "We're still, for all intents and purposes, in the baby stages of getting up and running."
"I haven't noticed any difference so far," said Dr. Robert Henderson, who performed Robert Frederick's surgery.
That's because everyone in the operating room for Frederick's $100,000 procedure—the doctors; the nurses and assistants and specialists—were all working for free.
Why?
Because Frederick's insurance carrier still refuses to pay his claims, saying his injury is imagined—not real.
After four years of frustration, Dr. Henderson had enough of seeing his patient in pain, so he performed the surgery for free.
"Virtually every surgery we do gets denied once, gets denied twice and then we have to take it to some type of a hearing," Dr. Henderson said.
Frankie Dutcher said doctors diagnosed his injury as being job-related almost a decade ago—on May 21, 1996.
His workers' comp claim continues to be denied.
The insurance company said Dutcher didn't report the injury until Nov. 15, 1996, failing to meet the 30-day reporting deadline by five months.
But Dutcher said his own cell phone records show a call to his supervisor in Decatur, Texas, on May 22—one day after his doctor's diagnosis.
"The evidence is all there," Dutcher said. "I don't know why they won't act upon it."
After nearly one year of workers' comp hearings, Dutcher and his wife are growing tired fighting the old and new systems. "They put you through all these hoops with the hopes that you will either die or go away," said Dena Dutcher, the injured worker's wife.
Unfortunately, under the new system, it may be the doctors who are going away.
"The reform has done nothing other than drive good doctors completely out of the system," said Kym Grant, a patient advocate who is trying to lure doctors back into the new system.
She said very few North Texas physicians are showing an interest. The problem: Proposed low reimbursement rates and continued slow or no pay.
"I've knocked on these doors and begged these good surgeons to listen to me and to help us come up with a solution," Grant said. "They don't want to hear it; they don't want to participate in it, and why should they?"
If there is hope for the injured worker, it may rest with Norman Darwin, who was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to head the new Office of Injured Employee Counsel. "It has not been a level playing field, there is no question about it," Darwin said.
Darwin's charge is to beef up the ombudsman program and to hire lawyers to help represent injured workers who have disputes.
Yet Darwin offered a sobering admission when asked if his office could make life better for injured workers. "I can in some cases," he said. "I can't necessarily say that I could in all cases."
That leaves injured workers like Dutcher and Frederick at the mercy of a system so broken that compassionate doctors are giving away care.
"There's no way to describe it," Frederick said from his hospital bed. "The system is totally a farce."
Insurance industry officials said it is too early to judge the success or failure of the revised Texas workers' comp system, a system that is supposed to work like managed health care.
Many injured workers we talked to said they would settle for any kind of care.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Fort Worth church fire may have been started by pot left to boil
By REBECCA RODRIGUEZ / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas — The fire which devastated a southside church early Friday may have been started by a pot left on a burning stove, investigators say.
The fire at the Clark Temple of Praise on the 1200 block of Richmond Ave. was reported around midnight Thursday.
By the time firefighters could get a handle on the three-alarm blaze, the church was a total loss. Church members looked on helplessly as the walls and roof of the 65-year-old building that sheltered them from life's storms collapsed one by one in a pile of charred rubble.
The congregation is now looking for a new place to hold Mother's Day services.
"We will continue services," church secretary Tonya White pledged. "We'll have to find a sister church that will accept us in, and we'll have a service on Friday night, and get ready for our Mother's Day service on Sunday."
No injuries were reported.
The building was originally used as a YMCA facility. Clark Temple's congregation moved in 30 years ago.
"Tonight we'll be across the street with a prayer meeting," said pastor Kenneth Clerkley. "We had planned on tearing down the building and rebuilding. Now it's just sooner."
Cynthia Vega also contributed to this report.
WFAA ABC 8
The walls and roof of the 66-year-old building collapsed.
By REBECCA RODRIGUEZ / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas — The fire which devastated a southside church early Friday may have been started by a pot left on a burning stove, investigators say.
The fire at the Clark Temple of Praise on the 1200 block of Richmond Ave. was reported around midnight Thursday.
By the time firefighters could get a handle on the three-alarm blaze, the church was a total loss. Church members looked on helplessly as the walls and roof of the 65-year-old building that sheltered them from life's storms collapsed one by one in a pile of charred rubble.
The congregation is now looking for a new place to hold Mother's Day services.
"We will continue services," church secretary Tonya White pledged. "We'll have to find a sister church that will accept us in, and we'll have a service on Friday night, and get ready for our Mother's Day service on Sunday."
No injuries were reported.
The building was originally used as a YMCA facility. Clark Temple's congregation moved in 30 years ago.
"Tonight we'll be across the street with a prayer meeting," said pastor Kenneth Clerkley. "We had planned on tearing down the building and rebuilding. Now it's just sooner."
Cynthia Vega also contributed to this report.
WFAA ABC 8
The walls and roof of the 66-year-old building collapsed.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Dallas sees rise in copper thefts
By DON WALL / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Record prices for scrap copper have led to a string of copper thefts.
In Dallas alone, the number of metal thefts has more than doubled in just five months, from 71 last December to 159 in April.
Lately, the thieves have been hitting churches, schools and homes.
Mike Sloan works with what has become the hottest commodity in Dallas.
"Any exposed copper, they'll pull it," he says.
Thieves are trolling for copper everywhere.
Last week, Sloan's truck was ripped off - the thieves stole only one thing - a $42 roll of copper tubing.
"I had tools and everything but you know the copper is kind of like, here I am."
The Dallas Police Scrap Metal Squad says thieves are targeting churches, and upscale homes, which have copper gutters and drain spouts.
Pastor Alfred Stapleton takes us up to the roof at Shekinah Tabernacle Baptist Church.
The air ducts are still here, but something's missing - 11 air conditioners - 9 on the roof - which were either stolen or torn apart by copper thieves.
"It was kind of a shock," says Stapleton.
The church used fans for about a month, and now new air conditioners are being installed, inside rod iron cages, complete with chains and padlocks.
"These are the times in which we live," said Stapleton.
Meaning anything copper is now being installed with extra features.
"With each new unit, a cage is almost a required part of the job. It is almost as needed as a compressor," he added.
By DON WALL / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Record prices for scrap copper have led to a string of copper thefts.
In Dallas alone, the number of metal thefts has more than doubled in just five months, from 71 last December to 159 in April.
Lately, the thieves have been hitting churches, schools and homes.
Mike Sloan works with what has become the hottest commodity in Dallas.
"Any exposed copper, they'll pull it," he says.
Thieves are trolling for copper everywhere.
Last week, Sloan's truck was ripped off - the thieves stole only one thing - a $42 roll of copper tubing.
"I had tools and everything but you know the copper is kind of like, here I am."
The Dallas Police Scrap Metal Squad says thieves are targeting churches, and upscale homes, which have copper gutters and drain spouts.
Pastor Alfred Stapleton takes us up to the roof at Shekinah Tabernacle Baptist Church.
The air ducts are still here, but something's missing - 11 air conditioners - 9 on the roof - which were either stolen or torn apart by copper thieves.
"It was kind of a shock," says Stapleton.
The church used fans for about a month, and now new air conditioners are being installed, inside rod iron cages, complete with chains and padlocks.
"These are the times in which we live," said Stapleton.
Meaning anything copper is now being installed with extra features.
"With each new unit, a cage is almost a required part of the job. It is almost as needed as a compressor," he added.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Garland woman grabbed at gunpoint at car wash
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
GARLAND, Texas - A high speed chase took Garland police far from their usual patrol route on Friday after a man tried to force a woman into his car at gunpoint.
The chase started in the 3,000 block of Buttermilk Way at about 2:30 p.m. after the suspect approached the woman who was washing her car at a car wash.
Officers pursued him all the way to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
The 32-year-old Garland woman is in hospital in stable condition.
The suspect jumped off a bridge and hit his head. He is now at Parkland Hospital.
By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8
GARLAND, Texas - A high speed chase took Garland police far from their usual patrol route on Friday after a man tried to force a woman into his car at gunpoint.
The chase started in the 3,000 block of Buttermilk Way at about 2:30 p.m. after the suspect approached the woman who was washing her car at a car wash.
Officers pursued him all the way to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
The 32-year-old Garland woman is in hospital in stable condition.
The suspect jumped off a bridge and hit his head. He is now at Parkland Hospital.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Burglary suspect nabbed after chase
DENTON, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A burglary suspect was apprehended Friday night following a 45-minute police pursuit that stretched through three North Texas counties.
The chase began around 9:30 p.m. on Interstate 30 in Fort Worth when the driver of a red Buick Roadmaster refused to pull over.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers joined the high-speed pursuit as headed north past Texas Motor Speedway into Denton County on I-35W.
More than a dozen patrol cars and five helicopters followed the suspect as police attempted—unsuccessfully at first—to disable his vehicle by deflating its tires.
But the suspect kept going, driving on tire rims for about 15 minutes as sparks, smoke and car parts sputtered from the Buick.
Eventually, the car slowly came to a stop just north of the Denton-Cooke county line. Officers with weapons drawn rushed to the car, pulled out the driver and placed him under arrest—and it was all televised live.
No one was hurt.
The name of the suspect was not available.
DENTON, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - A burglary suspect was apprehended Friday night following a 45-minute police pursuit that stretched through three North Texas counties.
The chase began around 9:30 p.m. on Interstate 30 in Fort Worth when the driver of a red Buick Roadmaster refused to pull over.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers joined the high-speed pursuit as headed north past Texas Motor Speedway into Denton County on I-35W.
More than a dozen patrol cars and five helicopters followed the suspect as police attempted—unsuccessfully at first—to disable his vehicle by deflating its tires.
But the suspect kept going, driving on tire rims for about 15 minutes as sparks, smoke and car parts sputtered from the Buick.
Eventually, the car slowly came to a stop just north of the Denton-Cooke county line. Officers with weapons drawn rushed to the car, pulled out the driver and placed him under arrest—and it was all televised live.
No one was hurt.
The name of the suspect was not available.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Three stabbed in Addison melee
ADDISON, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Addison police were investigating a triple stabbing early Saturday.
Just after 1 a.m., police responded to an attack in a parking lot of the Flying Saucer restaurant in the 14000 block of Montfort Drive. Two people were found wounded.
A short time later, a suspicious vehicle was spotted by Dallas police in the 5800 block of Preston Oak, where a third stabbing victim was found.
Two of the victims were transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas; the third victim was rushed to Medical City Hospital.
No arrests had been made.
Names of the victims were not released, and the motivation for the attacks was under investigation.
ADDISON, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Addison police were investigating a triple stabbing early Saturday.
Just after 1 a.m., police responded to an attack in a parking lot of the Flying Saucer restaurant in the 14000 block of Montfort Drive. Two people were found wounded.
A short time later, a suspicious vehicle was spotted by Dallas police in the 5800 block of Preston Oak, where a third stabbing victim was found.
Two of the victims were transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas; the third victim was rushed to Medical City Hospital.
No arrests had been made.
Names of the victims were not released, and the motivation for the attacks was under investigation.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Drunk driving suspect says 'sorry' to dead victim's family
By YOLANDA WALKER / WFAA ABC 8
WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas - The simple act of mowing a lawn proved deadly for North Texas father, 38-year-old Claudio Ochoa.
A suspected drunk driver jumped the curb and ran him over.
"He was standing with his back this way, mowing," said Fabiola Ochoa, the victim's sister.
There is very little left of his lawnmower.
He was nearly finished cutting his yard in White Settlement -- when all of sudden an SUV jumped the curb.
Lisa Cook was behind the wheel and says she had swerved to avoid a car that cut her off.
She has a message for the victim's family.
"I just didn't see him when the car came. I would have much rather hit the car than the man and I'm so sorry and please, please forgive me," she says.
Ochoa's sister and brother showed us where his body came to rest in a yard across the street.
"So by this time, we know that he's no longer with us because he's gone," said Fabiola Ochoa.
"It's amazing. You just don't want to believe mowing the lawn can get you [killed]," said her brother, Asael.
The SUV kept going until it collided with one parked in a neighbor's driveway.
"You can see there are no skid marks. There's nothing, nothing," Asael added.
Ochoa leaves behind a wife, three children and a host of family members and friends who are barely holding it together.
Police arrested Lisa Cook for intoxication manslaughter after finding a container of beer in her vehicle. She wants Ochoa's family to know that it was an accident.
"I would never hurt anybody and I'm so sorry and I'm still in shock and I'm praying for them," Cook added.
The speed limit here is 30 mph along the road, yet police say there have been six wrecks in as many years, including this one.
Police say results from a blood sample they took from Cook will determine if she was drunk.
In the meantime, Ochoa's family says it's weird - they always feared he would get hurt on the job working as a machinist for Union Pacific.
By YOLANDA WALKER / WFAA ABC 8
WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas - The simple act of mowing a lawn proved deadly for North Texas father, 38-year-old Claudio Ochoa.
A suspected drunk driver jumped the curb and ran him over.
"He was standing with his back this way, mowing," said Fabiola Ochoa, the victim's sister.
There is very little left of his lawnmower.
He was nearly finished cutting his yard in White Settlement -- when all of sudden an SUV jumped the curb.
Lisa Cook was behind the wheel and says she had swerved to avoid a car that cut her off.
She has a message for the victim's family.
"I just didn't see him when the car came. I would have much rather hit the car than the man and I'm so sorry and please, please forgive me," she says.
Ochoa's sister and brother showed us where his body came to rest in a yard across the street.
"So by this time, we know that he's no longer with us because he's gone," said Fabiola Ochoa.
"It's amazing. You just don't want to believe mowing the lawn can get you [killed]," said her brother, Asael.
The SUV kept going until it collided with one parked in a neighbor's driveway.
"You can see there are no skid marks. There's nothing, nothing," Asael added.
Ochoa leaves behind a wife, three children and a host of family members and friends who are barely holding it together.
Police arrested Lisa Cook for intoxication manslaughter after finding a container of beer in her vehicle. She wants Ochoa's family to know that it was an accident.
"I would never hurt anybody and I'm so sorry and I'm still in shock and I'm praying for them," Cook added.
The speed limit here is 30 mph along the road, yet police say there have been six wrecks in as many years, including this one.
Police say results from a blood sample they took from Cook will determine if she was drunk.
In the meantime, Ochoa's family says it's weird - they always feared he would get hurt on the job working as a machinist for Union Pacific.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Tents proposed for overcrowded Texas jails
OLMITO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) -- Overcrowding at local jails has spurred Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio to propose building a "tent city" to temporarily house inmates.
Lucio said the county's four South Texas jails are just shy of reaching the combined capacity of 1,390 inmates.
State law requires county jails keep ten percent of their beds free at all times, meaning the sheriff must maintain 139 empty beds.
To comply with state law, Lucio says he plans on asking Cameron County Commissioner's Court and the Texas Commission on Jail Standards for permission to set up four Army tents to temporarily house 96 nonviolent inmates.
The prisoners are serving their convictions locally for offenses such as D-W-I and failure to pay child support.
OLMITO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) -- Overcrowding at local jails has spurred Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio to propose building a "tent city" to temporarily house inmates.
Lucio said the county's four South Texas jails are just shy of reaching the combined capacity of 1,390 inmates.
State law requires county jails keep ten percent of their beds free at all times, meaning the sheriff must maintain 139 empty beds.
To comply with state law, Lucio says he plans on asking Cameron County Commissioner's Court and the Texas Commission on Jail Standards for permission to set up four Army tents to temporarily house 96 nonviolent inmates.
The prisoners are serving their convictions locally for offenses such as D-W-I and failure to pay child support.
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Architect splits from firm, Dallas project
By DAVID DILLON / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Rem Koolhaas is getting divorced from his New York office and its managing partner Joshua Prince-Ramus, who are designing the Wyly Theatre in the $275 million Dallas Center for the Performing Arts.
A terse press release from the Office for Metropolitan Architecture in New York says that the two architects “are changing their business relationship to allow Mr. Prince-Ramus and his team in the U.S. to operate independently.”
Mr. Prince-Ramus will team up with Erez Ella, another OMA alum, to form Ramus Ella Architects (REX). In addition to the Wyly Theatre, the new firm will take over the Annenberg Center for Information Science and Technology in Pasadena, Calif., and several other high-profile projects. Mr. Koolhaas will continue to consult on the Wyly, which is scheduled to break ground this summer.
DCPA officials are quick to downplay the significance of this change for the theater.
“We’re practically finished, so it shouldn’t make any difference at all,” says Deedie Rose, co-chair of the building committee. “We had Rem’s brain when we needed it, at the beginning, and continue to have Josh’s brain as we go forward, so I don’t anticipate any problem.”
By DAVID DILLON / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Rem Koolhaas is getting divorced from his New York office and its managing partner Joshua Prince-Ramus, who are designing the Wyly Theatre in the $275 million Dallas Center for the Performing Arts.
A terse press release from the Office for Metropolitan Architecture in New York says that the two architects “are changing their business relationship to allow Mr. Prince-Ramus and his team in the U.S. to operate independently.”
Mr. Prince-Ramus will team up with Erez Ella, another OMA alum, to form Ramus Ella Architects (REX). In addition to the Wyly Theatre, the new firm will take over the Annenberg Center for Information Science and Technology in Pasadena, Calif., and several other high-profile projects. Mr. Koolhaas will continue to consult on the Wyly, which is scheduled to break ground this summer.
DCPA officials are quick to downplay the significance of this change for the theater.
“We’re practically finished, so it shouldn’t make any difference at all,” says Deedie Rose, co-chair of the building committee. “We had Rem’s brain when we needed it, at the beginning, and continue to have Josh’s brain as we go forward, so I don’t anticipate any problem.”
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Waco group wants apology for lynchings
WACO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) – In Nona Baker's family, the story of her great-uncle's 1905 lynching was told through the generations in whispers or hushed voices, never uttered in public for fear of retaliation.
Sank Majors, a 20-year-old black man, was convicted of raping a white woman and sentenced to death after jurors deliberated for just three minutes. A judge agreed with the defense attorney's claims of improper jury instructions and granted a new trial.
But two days later a mob of several hundred broke into the jail, dragged Majors away, tied a rope around his neck and forced him off a horse on top of a bridge. As his body was hanging, the crowd cut off his fingers and clothes.
Now a local group wants city and county governments to adopt an 800-word resolution apologizing for lynchings in the area to "end our documented history of silence" and start the "delicate process of healing." About 500 of the 4,700 lynchings nationwide in the 1800s and early 1900s were in Texas.
"When my grandmother told us the story, I could tell it really hurt her to talk about it," said Baker, 60, whose family maintains Majors' innocence. "I'm in favor of the resolution because we're not trying to blame anybody. We know that nobody was alive now that did this (lynching), but that's part of Waco's history that needs to be acknowledged. It should be an official apology from the city and county."
The City Council and McLennan County Commissioners Court plan to discuss the resolution at their separate meetings Tuesday, but it's unclear if it will be adopted. Some say the community shouldn't apologize for something current leaders and residents didn't do.
Mayor Virginia DuPuy, who is white, has said she supports the idea but that city officials may adopt one with different wording than the Community Race Relations Coalition's resolution.
Lester Gibson, the only black county commissioner, said he doesn't expect the county to approve it. In 2002, the group rejected a similar resolution Gibson drafted after officials restoring a courthouse mural about Waco's history refused to paint over or post an explanatory plaque near the image of a noose hanging from a tree.
Coalition leaders plan to read the resolution aloud Monday on the courthouse steps during a ceremony marking the 90th anniversary of what became known as the "Waco horror."
On May 15, 1916, a black teenager convicted of killing a white woman was stabbed, burned and hanged in the city square as the crowd of 15,000 cheered. Jesse Washington's lynching was one of the few photographed in progress.
The painful legacy remains because the lynchings were a means of social control, said Jo Welter, a Community Race Relations Coalition member.
"When someone lynches a man in front of his son, it does teach them their place: not to mix, not to upset," said Welter, who is white. "What we are addressing is the mob lynching mentality. How can 15,000 people come to a point where they cheer every time a 17-year-old boy is lowered into the fire?"
Other cities' groups have worked to address similar racial events. In 2000 a Tulsa, Okla., commission recommended monetary reparations for survivors and descendants of the 1921 race riot, in which a white mob burned the prosperous black business district after clashing with blacks outside the courthouse where a black man accused of assaulting a white woman was being held.
In 2003 about 150 black survivors and about 300 descendants of those who lost property or their lives in the riot sued the city of Tulsa, police and the state. But lower courts ruled the statute of limitations had run out, and last year the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear their appeal.
Later this month a commission in Greensboro, N.C., is to release recommendations on how the community can make amends after five people were gunned down during a 1979 "Death to the (Ku Klux) Klan" rally.
Waco's Community Race Relations Coalition was founded in 2000 to improve racial relations in the city with a population that's about half white and one-fourth black.
Last year, two new books revived discussions about lynchings: William Carrigan's "The Making of a Lynching Culture: Violence and Vigilantism in Central Texas 1836-1916" and Patricia Bernstein's "The First Waco Horror: The Lynching of Jesse Washington and the Rise of the NAACP."
Coalition members decided to address the lynchings and what reparation to seek after Bernstein, whose book also details the 1905 Majors lynching, held a community forum last summer.
Then the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce's 2005 strategic economic development plan recommended commemorating the Washington lynching to improve the city's image and soothe tensions between some community groups.
According to a recent Waco Tribune-Herald online poll, 80 percent of the 3,200 votes were "no," that a community apology for lynchings was not necessary.
But Welter said the resolution has broad-based support and that the 50 coalition members have obtained hundreds of signatures from people who want the city and county to adopt it.
If the city or county does not adopt the resolution, or adopts a different one without an apology, many in the community will remain hurt, Baker said.
"The first step to reconciliation is admitting there was a problem," Baker said. "Just the terror of it was something that hung over the black community, and not talking about it didn't make it go away."
WACO, Texas (WFAA ABC 8/AP) – In Nona Baker's family, the story of her great-uncle's 1905 lynching was told through the generations in whispers or hushed voices, never uttered in public for fear of retaliation.
Sank Majors, a 20-year-old black man, was convicted of raping a white woman and sentenced to death after jurors deliberated for just three minutes. A judge agreed with the defense attorney's claims of improper jury instructions and granted a new trial.
But two days later a mob of several hundred broke into the jail, dragged Majors away, tied a rope around his neck and forced him off a horse on top of a bridge. As his body was hanging, the crowd cut off his fingers and clothes.
Now a local group wants city and county governments to adopt an 800-word resolution apologizing for lynchings in the area to "end our documented history of silence" and start the "delicate process of healing." About 500 of the 4,700 lynchings nationwide in the 1800s and early 1900s were in Texas.
"When my grandmother told us the story, I could tell it really hurt her to talk about it," said Baker, 60, whose family maintains Majors' innocence. "I'm in favor of the resolution because we're not trying to blame anybody. We know that nobody was alive now that did this (lynching), but that's part of Waco's history that needs to be acknowledged. It should be an official apology from the city and county."
The City Council and McLennan County Commissioners Court plan to discuss the resolution at their separate meetings Tuesday, but it's unclear if it will be adopted. Some say the community shouldn't apologize for something current leaders and residents didn't do.
Mayor Virginia DuPuy, who is white, has said she supports the idea but that city officials may adopt one with different wording than the Community Race Relations Coalition's resolution.
Lester Gibson, the only black county commissioner, said he doesn't expect the county to approve it. In 2002, the group rejected a similar resolution Gibson drafted after officials restoring a courthouse mural about Waco's history refused to paint over or post an explanatory plaque near the image of a noose hanging from a tree.
Coalition leaders plan to read the resolution aloud Monday on the courthouse steps during a ceremony marking the 90th anniversary of what became known as the "Waco horror."
On May 15, 1916, a black teenager convicted of killing a white woman was stabbed, burned and hanged in the city square as the crowd of 15,000 cheered. Jesse Washington's lynching was one of the few photographed in progress.
The painful legacy remains because the lynchings were a means of social control, said Jo Welter, a Community Race Relations Coalition member.
"When someone lynches a man in front of his son, it does teach them their place: not to mix, not to upset," said Welter, who is white. "What we are addressing is the mob lynching mentality. How can 15,000 people come to a point where they cheer every time a 17-year-old boy is lowered into the fire?"
Other cities' groups have worked to address similar racial events. In 2000 a Tulsa, Okla., commission recommended monetary reparations for survivors and descendants of the 1921 race riot, in which a white mob burned the prosperous black business district after clashing with blacks outside the courthouse where a black man accused of assaulting a white woman was being held.
In 2003 about 150 black survivors and about 300 descendants of those who lost property or their lives in the riot sued the city of Tulsa, police and the state. But lower courts ruled the statute of limitations had run out, and last year the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear their appeal.
Later this month a commission in Greensboro, N.C., is to release recommendations on how the community can make amends after five people were gunned down during a 1979 "Death to the (Ku Klux) Klan" rally.
Waco's Community Race Relations Coalition was founded in 2000 to improve racial relations in the city with a population that's about half white and one-fourth black.
Last year, two new books revived discussions about lynchings: William Carrigan's "The Making of a Lynching Culture: Violence and Vigilantism in Central Texas 1836-1916" and Patricia Bernstein's "The First Waco Horror: The Lynching of Jesse Washington and the Rise of the NAACP."
Coalition members decided to address the lynchings and what reparation to seek after Bernstein, whose book also details the 1905 Majors lynching, held a community forum last summer.
Then the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce's 2005 strategic economic development plan recommended commemorating the Washington lynching to improve the city's image and soothe tensions between some community groups.
According to a recent Waco Tribune-Herald online poll, 80 percent of the 3,200 votes were "no," that a community apology for lynchings was not necessary.
But Welter said the resolution has broad-based support and that the 50 coalition members have obtained hundreds of signatures from people who want the city and county to adopt it.
If the city or county does not adopt the resolution, or adopts a different one without an apology, many in the community will remain hurt, Baker said.
"The first step to reconciliation is admitting there was a problem," Baker said. "Just the terror of it was something that hung over the black community, and not talking about it didn't make it go away."
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
911 in 'serious trouble'
Overwhelmed call center putting officers, public at risk, officials say
By TANYA EISERER / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas 911 faces an emergency of its own.
Scrambling to handle massive numbers of calls, understaffed and overwhelmed crews are rushing to get people off the phone so they can move to the next call, Dallas Fire-Rescue officials say.
What's sometimes lost in the urgent messages to police officers is essential information – including a criminal's physical description or whether he carries guns or knives. This can lead to situations that endanger lives.
"911 is in serious trouble," said Mike Multop, a veteran police dispatcher and former Dallas 911 operator. "If the citizens of Dallas knew what was going on, they'd be scared. My biggest fear is seeing an officer get hurt or killed."
In one case, a police sergeant was stabbed after responding to a report of someone spray-painting a car.
The 911 operator who asked that police be sent to the scene failed to ask whether the man was still around, according to a memo obtained by The Dallas Morning News. A police supervisor wrote that the omission endangered the officer and another person who was injured after unsuspecting officers arrived.
Dispatchers and police supervisors say they face a constant barrage of incomplete and sometimes incorrect information from the city's 911 operators.
The fire officials who run 911 say many of the shortcomings developed as the city added responsibilities – but not sufficient manpower – to the call center.
In 1995, when oversight for the call center shifted from police to the fire department, there were about 170 call-takers, Acting Assistant Fire Chief Joe Kay said.
There are about 130 today, but total call volume has soared by more than 1 million annually. Since 1995, the annual call load for the average operator has doubled.
"It's just 'push them until they drop,' " said Chief Kay, who oversees the communications bureau, including the 911 operation.
Mistakes made
In the bowels of Dallas City Hall, veteran police dispatcher Stan Welshans sends officers to life-and-death situations.
On a recent Friday, he directed officers to an address where a 911 operator told him that three men had stabbed another man. In the same hour, he sent officers to an address where a 911 operator told him a couple was fighting and a knife was involved.
In both cases, the 911 operators who work nearby in the basement, listening to frantic callers, failed to pass on a suspect description and got other details wrong.
It works like this: Anyone calling 911 with an emergency, 311 with a non-emergency matter or wanting to talk about a problem with their city water is routed to the call center run by Dallas Fire-Rescue.
In the case of 911 calls, operators forward the information to police dispatchers, who then communicate directly with officers.
The hurried process has the potential for serious trouble:
• In early March, a woman told a 911 operator that her ex-boyfriend was trying to force his way into her apartment. As the operator asked for her name, she screamed that the man had gotten in. A commotion could be heard, and the line went dead.
The 911 operator told police that the victim refused to give her name and did not want to be contacted. But a recording of the call showed that wasn't true. Police arrived after the suspect had abducted and fled with the woman. The woman was released hours later after being beaten.
Chief Kay said the operator "probably" erred in writing that the victim refused to give her name and did not want to be contacted, but he described the mistake as "relatively minor."
• On a recent Friday, a man told a 911 operator that he went to a junkyard to exchange a car part but that the junkyard refused. He wanted the police. "An officer will be out there as soon as possible," the operator said.
The operator categorized the call as a major disturbance with unknown weapons, even though she didn't ask about weapons and the caller told her that he wasn't really arguing with anybody.
The final result: The police spent more than an hour on the call. It was determined to be a non-police matter.
Chief Kay said the operator made a mistake.
Police and fire communications employees say these types of errors happen daily.
"God, I just hold my breath every day because I know something bad is going to happen," said one operator who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution.
'Being sent blindly'
Problems with the handling of 911 calls are not unknown to city leaders. A January 2004 operational review of the Police Department found that officers were "being sent blindly into hazardous situations." The review also found that 911 operators rarely turned away anyone who wanted police – even though this clogged up the system and slowed responses to real emergencies.
Sgt. Paul Morris, then a communications supervisor, wrote memos to his superiors in 2003 and 2004 in which he detailed specific instances in which operators didn't get sufficient information. Among those was the January 2004 spray-painting call that he believed resulted in the stabbings of a sergeant and another person.
He stopped writing memos after it appeared his efforts were in vain. He recently transferred back to patrol and still sees the same problems.
"We're still going out on calls where they're saying there's a person with a gun and there's no description," Sgt. Morris said in an interview.
Fire officials say many of the shortcomings arose as the call center was given new responsibilities but not enough manpower.
In 1997, the city began offering the non-emergency 311 service. In 2001, the call center was given the responsibility of customer service for the water department.
Total call volume rose from 2.3 million in 1995 to 3.6 million in 2005, records show.
"They're working those people to the bone," said Angel Moringlane, a former Dallas 911 operator who has also worked as a dispatcher and 911 operator for the Austin police and other Austin-area departments.
Operators say 911 calls are played down while 311 and water customer service get too much emphasis.
"I think they were putting so much effort in running 311 and water customer service and making sure the trash got picked up, it's been let go on autopilot," Chief Kay said.
Mr. Moringlane quit in March after only seven months – without having another job.
Hopes in new system
Chief Kay said he hopes a state-of-the-art dispatching system being installed will help alleviate some of the call center's problems.
Some changes have been implemented since The News began making inquiries several weeks ago:
•Previously, operators had been evaluated on how quickly they could get off of 911 calls. They were expected to spend no more than an average of 84 seconds on such calls – when conducted in English – to get the highest rating. Chief Kay eliminated the requirement.
•The city also recently implemented a trial program in which some operators focus solely on 911 calls and others take only 311 calls. Before that, operators had been simultaneously taking 911 and 311 calls, meaning an operator could take a call about high weeds and then a call about a triple murder.
Jhonnie Ortiz, the call center's manager, said the changes will require that all operators work at least eight hours of overtime each week to answer 911 calls.
Chief Kay said that to permanently fix the system, he needs at least 24 new positions.
"If we had more people, we wouldn't be scrambling as hard," he said.
City Manager Mary Suhm said she would consider any staffing proposal during the annual budget process.
Some also argue that the underlying problems can't be fixed without moving 911 back to the Police Department's control, as is the case in many large cities, such as Philadelphia, San Diego and Los Angeles.
"It doesn't make any sense to do it this way," Sgt. Morris said. "Of course, there will still be problems, but there won't be these kinds of problems."
But city officials have resisted changes, even though both the operational review and a subsequent City Council-commissioned police efficiency study recommended that the city consider them.
"I don't think that putting it under the Police Department assures that there are no mistakes," Ms. Suhm said. "I do think that Chief Kay recognizes some of the challenges he has, and I have faith in his ability."
Overwhelmed call center putting officers, public at risk, officials say
By TANYA EISERER / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas 911 faces an emergency of its own.
Scrambling to handle massive numbers of calls, understaffed and overwhelmed crews are rushing to get people off the phone so they can move to the next call, Dallas Fire-Rescue officials say.
What's sometimes lost in the urgent messages to police officers is essential information – including a criminal's physical description or whether he carries guns or knives. This can lead to situations that endanger lives.
"911 is in serious trouble," said Mike Multop, a veteran police dispatcher and former Dallas 911 operator. "If the citizens of Dallas knew what was going on, they'd be scared. My biggest fear is seeing an officer get hurt or killed."
In one case, a police sergeant was stabbed after responding to a report of someone spray-painting a car.
The 911 operator who asked that police be sent to the scene failed to ask whether the man was still around, according to a memo obtained by The Dallas Morning News. A police supervisor wrote that the omission endangered the officer and another person who was injured after unsuspecting officers arrived.
Dispatchers and police supervisors say they face a constant barrage of incomplete and sometimes incorrect information from the city's 911 operators.
The fire officials who run 911 say many of the shortcomings developed as the city added responsibilities – but not sufficient manpower – to the call center.
In 1995, when oversight for the call center shifted from police to the fire department, there were about 170 call-takers, Acting Assistant Fire Chief Joe Kay said.
There are about 130 today, but total call volume has soared by more than 1 million annually. Since 1995, the annual call load for the average operator has doubled.
"It's just 'push them until they drop,' " said Chief Kay, who oversees the communications bureau, including the 911 operation.
Mistakes made
In the bowels of Dallas City Hall, veteran police dispatcher Stan Welshans sends officers to life-and-death situations.
On a recent Friday, he directed officers to an address where a 911 operator told him that three men had stabbed another man. In the same hour, he sent officers to an address where a 911 operator told him a couple was fighting and a knife was involved.
In both cases, the 911 operators who work nearby in the basement, listening to frantic callers, failed to pass on a suspect description and got other details wrong.
It works like this: Anyone calling 911 with an emergency, 311 with a non-emergency matter or wanting to talk about a problem with their city water is routed to the call center run by Dallas Fire-Rescue.
In the case of 911 calls, operators forward the information to police dispatchers, who then communicate directly with officers.
The hurried process has the potential for serious trouble:
• In early March, a woman told a 911 operator that her ex-boyfriend was trying to force his way into her apartment. As the operator asked for her name, she screamed that the man had gotten in. A commotion could be heard, and the line went dead.
The 911 operator told police that the victim refused to give her name and did not want to be contacted. But a recording of the call showed that wasn't true. Police arrived after the suspect had abducted and fled with the woman. The woman was released hours later after being beaten.
Chief Kay said the operator "probably" erred in writing that the victim refused to give her name and did not want to be contacted, but he described the mistake as "relatively minor."
• On a recent Friday, a man told a 911 operator that he went to a junkyard to exchange a car part but that the junkyard refused. He wanted the police. "An officer will be out there as soon as possible," the operator said.
The operator categorized the call as a major disturbance with unknown weapons, even though she didn't ask about weapons and the caller told her that he wasn't really arguing with anybody.
The final result: The police spent more than an hour on the call. It was determined to be a non-police matter.
Chief Kay said the operator made a mistake.
Police and fire communications employees say these types of errors happen daily.
"God, I just hold my breath every day because I know something bad is going to happen," said one operator who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution.
'Being sent blindly'
Problems with the handling of 911 calls are not unknown to city leaders. A January 2004 operational review of the Police Department found that officers were "being sent blindly into hazardous situations." The review also found that 911 operators rarely turned away anyone who wanted police – even though this clogged up the system and slowed responses to real emergencies.
Sgt. Paul Morris, then a communications supervisor, wrote memos to his superiors in 2003 and 2004 in which he detailed specific instances in which operators didn't get sufficient information. Among those was the January 2004 spray-painting call that he believed resulted in the stabbings of a sergeant and another person.
He stopped writing memos after it appeared his efforts were in vain. He recently transferred back to patrol and still sees the same problems.
"We're still going out on calls where they're saying there's a person with a gun and there's no description," Sgt. Morris said in an interview.
Fire officials say many of the shortcomings arose as the call center was given new responsibilities but not enough manpower.
In 1997, the city began offering the non-emergency 311 service. In 2001, the call center was given the responsibility of customer service for the water department.
Total call volume rose from 2.3 million in 1995 to 3.6 million in 2005, records show.
"They're working those people to the bone," said Angel Moringlane, a former Dallas 911 operator who has also worked as a dispatcher and 911 operator for the Austin police and other Austin-area departments.
Operators say 911 calls are played down while 311 and water customer service get too much emphasis.
"I think they were putting so much effort in running 311 and water customer service and making sure the trash got picked up, it's been let go on autopilot," Chief Kay said.
Mr. Moringlane quit in March after only seven months – without having another job.
Hopes in new system
Chief Kay said he hopes a state-of-the-art dispatching system being installed will help alleviate some of the call center's problems.
Some changes have been implemented since The News began making inquiries several weeks ago:
•Previously, operators had been evaluated on how quickly they could get off of 911 calls. They were expected to spend no more than an average of 84 seconds on such calls – when conducted in English – to get the highest rating. Chief Kay eliminated the requirement.
•The city also recently implemented a trial program in which some operators focus solely on 911 calls and others take only 311 calls. Before that, operators had been simultaneously taking 911 and 311 calls, meaning an operator could take a call about high weeds and then a call about a triple murder.
Jhonnie Ortiz, the call center's manager, said the changes will require that all operators work at least eight hours of overtime each week to answer 911 calls.
Chief Kay said that to permanently fix the system, he needs at least 24 new positions.
"If we had more people, we wouldn't be scrambling as hard," he said.
City Manager Mary Suhm said she would consider any staffing proposal during the annual budget process.
Some also argue that the underlying problems can't be fixed without moving 911 back to the Police Department's control, as is the case in many large cities, such as Philadelphia, San Diego and Los Angeles.
"It doesn't make any sense to do it this way," Sgt. Morris said. "Of course, there will still be problems, but there won't be these kinds of problems."
But city officials have resisted changes, even though both the operational review and a subsequent City Council-commissioned police efficiency study recommended that the city consider them.
"I don't think that putting it under the Police Department assures that there are no mistakes," Ms. Suhm said. "I do think that Chief Kay recognizes some of the challenges he has, and I have faith in his ability."
0 likes
-
TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Man gets five years for '81 fatal beating
Collin: Accomplice gets deferred decision in slaying at Lake Lavon
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
MCKINNEY, Texas - A confessed killer was sentenced to five years in prison Friday for his part in a beating death that occurred nearly 25 years ago.
Johnny Larry Hinson, who was sentenced Friday, and David Wayne Hickman admitted killing Gary Glenn Sisk at Lake Lavon's Pebble Beach in 1981.
Mr. Hickman received deferred adjudication this week.
Testimony during the sentencing hearing Friday revealed that the men believed that Mr. Sisk had raped a 15-year-old girl and that they were seeking revenge, said J. Matthew Goeller, Mr. Hinson's attorney.
"They never meant to kill him. They wanted to teach a rapist a lesson," Mr. Goeller said. "He [Mr. Hinson] is remorseful that Mr. Sisk died."
After both men pleaded guilty to murder, Mr. Hinson received five years, Mr. Goeller said.
Prosecutor Jeff Bray and Mr. Hickman's attorney, John R. Oldner, could not be reached for comment Friday.
Mr. Sisk's brother, Ray Sisk, has said that the family never thought his brother's killers would be found. And they are thankful that the Collin County cold case unit pursued the case.
A third man, who was believed to have been part of the attack, died of a heart attack a few years ago, Mr. Goeller said.
Mr. Hinson and Mr. Hickman were indicted in 2004. Mr. Hinson has been in jail for two years and is expected to receive credit for time served, his attorney said.
Investigators have said that Mr. Sisk never regained consciousness after the attack, which included a beating with a tire iron. He died at a Dallas hospital. There was no crime scene to review because Mr. Sisk's family found him, took him to a McKinney hospital and cleaned his bloody pickup before calling police.
Collin: Accomplice gets deferred decision in slaying at Lake Lavon
By TIARA M. ELLIS / The Dallas Morning News
MCKINNEY, Texas - A confessed killer was sentenced to five years in prison Friday for his part in a beating death that occurred nearly 25 years ago.
Johnny Larry Hinson, who was sentenced Friday, and David Wayne Hickman admitted killing Gary Glenn Sisk at Lake Lavon's Pebble Beach in 1981.
Mr. Hickman received deferred adjudication this week.
Testimony during the sentencing hearing Friday revealed that the men believed that Mr. Sisk had raped a 15-year-old girl and that they were seeking revenge, said J. Matthew Goeller, Mr. Hinson's attorney.
"They never meant to kill him. They wanted to teach a rapist a lesson," Mr. Goeller said. "He [Mr. Hinson] is remorseful that Mr. Sisk died."
After both men pleaded guilty to murder, Mr. Hinson received five years, Mr. Goeller said.
Prosecutor Jeff Bray and Mr. Hickman's attorney, John R. Oldner, could not be reached for comment Friday.
Mr. Sisk's brother, Ray Sisk, has said that the family never thought his brother's killers would be found. And they are thankful that the Collin County cold case unit pursued the case.
A third man, who was believed to have been part of the attack, died of a heart attack a few years ago, Mr. Goeller said.
Mr. Hinson and Mr. Hickman were indicted in 2004. Mr. Hinson has been in jail for two years and is expected to receive credit for time served, his attorney said.
Investigators have said that Mr. Sisk never regained consciousness after the attack, which included a beating with a tire iron. He died at a Dallas hospital. There was no crime scene to review because Mr. Sisk's family found him, took him to a McKinney hospital and cleaned his bloody pickup before calling police.
0 likes
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 7 guests