Daily Police Blotter

Here's a daily list of recent activities drawing the attention of North Texas law enforcement. List compiled on July 19, 2009.

Dozens Left Homeless by North Dallas Condo Fire
Dozens of families have been displaced by a six-alarm fire at a North Dallas condominium complex Saturday, the third such fire in four days. More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze at the Hearthwood Condominiums in the 12000 block of Abrams Road, which began just after noon. One building with 24 units was completely destroyed. The American Red Cross said 21 families totally 45 people were affected by the fire. No one was injured in the fire, but two people and a firefighter were transported to local hospitals for heat exhaustion. Fire officials said the building's lack of a sprinkler system contributed to the spread of the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Parents Accused of Keeping Kids in Locked Bathroom
Dallas police said they found three severely malnourished children who were allegedly kept locked in a bathroom. Police arrested two people on suspicion of injury to a child. Investigators said they discovered the three children, ages 11, 10 and 5, when responding to a disturbance call at a hotel in the 8100 block of North Stemmons Freeway on July 3. Police said the children appeared to be underweight and emaciated. Witnesses said the children were forced to stay in the bathroom and were rarely fed. The children and a baby who appeared to be healthy are in the care of Child Protective Services. The stepfather, 37, is being held on a $125,000 bond, and the mother, 30, is being held on a $50,000 bond.

Police Investigate Death of 5-Month-Old Girl
Dallas police are investigating the death of a 5-month-old girl. Investigators said the baby's parents brought her to a hospital last weekend with a head injury. The child died Friday night. Police said the injury is consistent with child abuse, but are still waiting for autopsy results. No arrests have been made.

Investigators Say Candle Started Dallas House Fire
Dallas fire officials said a man was taken to a local hospital Sunday morning after he was burned in a house fire. Investigators said the one-alarm fire began shortly after 4:30 a.m. in a home in the 1400 block of Rowan Avenue. Dallas Fire-Rescue said the fire caused about $15,000 worth of damage. Fire officials said candles were being used for light because the electricity was off, and an unattended candle in a bedroom started the blaze.

Reward Offered in Double Shooting Outside Arlington Club
Arlington police said they are looking for information into a deadly double shooting outside a club. Jorge Perez, 31, and Edgar Ruiz-Araiza, 21, were shot outside Chicas Locas in an apparent robbery on July 11. Police said the two men did not know each other, and stepped out of the club at separate times. Detectives said they believe the shooters have been talking about the shootings. Anyone with information is urged to call Arlington police or Crime Stoppers at 817-467-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 and an additional reward of $250 through the Guns and Gang Busters Program is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.