All posts by Lt. Michael Pena

Suspect in Robby Drive Homicide Arrested

The Corpus Christi United States Marshals Service developed information that wanted subject Zachary Hensley 12-23-79 was in Rosenberg Texas.

Our local US Marshals Service contacted their counterparts in Rosenberg Texas and they responded to the residence that Zachary was believed to be occupying. A female answered the door and the Task Force was able to place Zachary into custody.

Zachary Hensley was wanted in connection to the homicide that occurred on March 10th, 2019 on the 2800 block of Robby Drive. His bond was set at $1,000,000.

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Reporting recent thefts on the island

Through social media, CCPD has been made aware of a rash of thefts on the island via the canals. By some of the videos we have watched, we have identified 2 people of interest in those thefts.

If you have been a victim of these thefts, please contact us to generate a report. As of today, we have received a limited amount of reports for any of the thefts displayed on social media.

You can report any crime by contacting the Corpus Christi Police Department at our non-emergency phone number 361-886-2600. In some cases, we can take the report over the phone.

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Ride Share safety tips

Here are a few tips that we recommend for your safety when using a ride share service.

Confirm Your Driver and Car Before Getting in
Always confirm the license plate and name of the driver before getting in. This information should be readily visible on the app that you are using.

Share your Trip
If you are traveling alone use the option that will allow you to share your ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) with someone else. This is the easiest and quickest way to let someone track your ride and know your whereabouts in case something happens.

Know Your Surroundings
Most apps will allow you to track your route via GPS (Global Positioning System). Be sure to pay attention to this to ensure that your driver is taking the correct route. If you feel uncomfortable with your driver, ask them to stop the vehicle and get out.

Wear Your Seat Belt
It is important to wear your seatbelt when traveling in a motor vehicle. If your driver is involved in a collision this is the best way to prevent yourself from being injured.

Never Pay Cash
Most apps draw payment electronically and will also allow you to tip at the end of your ride.

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NVID MINOR STING NETS MULTIPLE VIOLATIONS

Detectives with the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Narcotics and Vice Investigations Division conducted operation “Sale Equals Bail” Friday evening, checking compliance at over twenty beer and wine retailers across the city. The results of the operation were disturbing, as over half of the retailers visited by Investigators sold alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 21.

During the operation, three cooperating individuals, under the direction and close supervision of NVID Detectives attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages from various convenience stores throughout the city. All three individuals are over the age of eighteen but under twenty-one, the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages in Texas. NVID Detectives checked twenty-two businesses and clerks at twelve of those stores sold alcoholic beverages to the underage operatives.

The store clerks who sold the alcoholic beverages, face a charge of Sale to Minors (TABC 106.3) a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4000. NVID will forward the results of this operation to the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission for administrative action against the permittees, which could include revocation, suspension and/or fines.

Similar recent operations conducted by NVID had resulted in higher compliance by TABC license holders, leaving NVID supervision puzzled and disappointed. “Clearly there is a need for better oversight by the managers and ownership of these businesses,” said NVID Deputy Chief Todd Green. “It’s extremely disturbing to us that during the height of spring break, the clerks at these stores are selling alcohol to minors without properly verifying identification. Alcohol is a common denominator in underage traffic fatalities, and frequently leads to numerous other negative consequences. Thus far, we have had a relatively safe spring break, and we need the cooperation of our partners in the business community to help us keep it that way.” NVID intends to conduct more of these operations in the near future, including repeat visits at previous offenders.

The Corpus Christi Police Department continues to collaborate with all government and private entities to combat underage drinking and help accomplish our mission of working with the community to reduce crime, reduce the fear of crime and enhance public safety.NVID Logo 3

Ayers Homicide Suspect arrested

The Corpus Christi United States Marshals Service developed information that homicide suspect Derek Parra 12-01-1979 had fled the state and was in Lake Charles Louisiana.

Our local US Marshals Service contacted their counterparts in Louisiana to let them know where Derek was staying.

The US Marshals Service in Louisiana with the assistance of the Lake Charles Police Department and the Calcasieu Sheriff’s Office were able to place Derek into custody.

Derek Parra Cropped

CCPD Officer Arrested

The Corpus Christi Police Department obtained information that Senior Officer Norma Deleon allegedly misrepresented herself as a public servant in an off-duty capacity.

An investigation was launched by the Corpus Christi Police Department Criminal Investigation Division.  The Officer was placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.

During their investigation Corpus Christi Police Department Detectives discovered evidence that Norma DeLeon had inappropriately represented herself as a public servant while attempting to conduct a welfare check. On February 6th, 2019, detectives presented the findings of the investigation to the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office, who accepted the case for prosecution.

On February 07, 2019, the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for Norma DeLeon, charging her with Official Oppression (Class A Misdemeanor) and Impersonating a Public Servant (3F).

Norma DeLeon, a 10-year veteran of the Police Department remains on administrative leave while the department continues with the administrative review process.

JOINT INVESTIGATION RESULTS IN DRUG ARREST OF LOCAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

A local criminal defense attorney found himself on the other side of bars yesterday, after Corpus Christi Police Department Narcotics & Vice Investigators conducted an evidentiary search warrant at his residence in the 15000 block of Cruiser Street Wednesday morning. The search warrant was the culmination of a year-long joint investigation between the CCPD Narcotics & Vice Investigations Division and the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office.

At approximately 8:00 AM, NVID Officers arrived at the residence and contacted the 66-year-old man as he was leaving for work. Upon detaining the suspect, John R. Perry, (DOB: 9-21-52), officers discovered he was in possession of a small amount of controlled substance and he was immediately arrested. During the execution of the search warrant, Narcotics Investigators found and seized an additional small quantity of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia from inside the residence, along with other items of evidence. Perry was charged with possession of a controlled substance, a second-degree felony punishable by between two and twenty years in prison. Also arrested during the raid was Maria Torres (DOB:9-23-70), whom Investigators discovered had an outstanding motion to revoke warrant for possession of a controlled substance. While searching Torres, Investigators discovered a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine, for which she was additionally charged.

This is an ongoing investigation by NVID Detectives and Investigators with the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office. Additional charges are possible.

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child safety seat awareness

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It is important to choose the proper child safety seat or booster for your child as the restraint type is dependent on the age, height, and weight of the child.

In Texas, a person commits an offense if the person operates a passenger vehicle, transports a child who is younger than eight years of age, unless the child is taller than four feet, nine inches, and does not keep the child secured during the operation of the vehicle in a child passenger safety seat system according to the instructions of the manufacturer of the safety seat system.

Here are some helpful resources:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Answers to frequently asked questions on child safety seats.
https://www.dps.texas.gov/director_staff/public_information/occSafetyPrgmFAQs.htm

National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)
Information on how to choose the proper seat for your child and vehicle.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#find-compare-seats

Driscoll Children Hospital Injury Prevention
Call 361-694-6700 & employees with the Injury Prevention at Driscoll Children’s Hospital can have your car seat inspected to ensure that it is properly installed.

How to report traffic issues and aggressive driving

lidarIf you have seen an ongoing traffic issue or notice an aggressive driver you may contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at saferoadsforcc@cctexas.com.

This email will be received by several different sections within the city so that the issue may be addressed. These sections include Corpus Christi Police Department Uniform Patrol Captains, Traffic Safety Section Lieutenants, and Traffic Engineering at city hall.

To report an aggressive driver be sure to list the following information in the email.

  • Date
  • Time
  • Location
  • Description of the vehicle
  • License plate

Aggressive Driving behaviors would include:

  • Speeding
  • Following too closely
  • Abrupt lane changes
  • Distracted driving (cell phone use while driving)
  • Failing to signal lane change