Here's a daily list of recent activities drawing the attention of North Texas law enforcement. List compiled on Aug. 4, 2009.
Thieves Hit Pediatric Cancer Patient's Home
The home of a family struggling with a child's cancer treatment was burglarized Monday while the child and his mother were at a doctor's appointment. Cohen Lirette is 16 months old. His parents received the shocking news about his cancer in January. Though he still requires special care, the child is doing much better now after months of treatment and surgery. But Monday his mother received another shock after returning from a doctor's visit with her son. Their home had been ransacked. Click here to read this story on NBCDFW.com.
Lewisville Man Accused of Impersonating Federal Agent
Sheriff's deputies have arrested a Lewisville man on suspicion of impersonating a federal agent. Investigators said Daniel Morley allegedly wore a badge and carried a gun to the Collin County Sheriff's Office and told them he was a federal agent who had just been transferred to the area. The sheriff's office got an alert about Morley and took him into custody before he left the office, investigators said.
Mom of Kids in Bathroom Will Face Grand Jury
A judge is sending to a Dallas County grand jury the case of a mother of three emaciated children who were found locked in a Dallas motel bathroom. Abneris Santiago, 30, is charged with one count of injury to a child. A judge ruled Tuesday that there was probable cause for a grand jury to consider indicting Santiago. Her 11-year-old daughter and 10- and 5-year-old sons were hospitalized for 10 days. The mother's boyfriend, Alfred Santiago faces a charge of aggravated sexual assault and continuous sexual abuse. The three children and their 1-year-old half-sister are in temporary foster care.
Pawn Shop Clerk Shot, Killed
Police said a clerk wasshot and killed at a Waxahachie pawn shop Tuesday afternoon. Officers found the clerk after receiving a call about shots fired at Dallas Pawn and Jewelry. Investigators are looking into whether or not the shooting was part of a robbery attempt.
Victims Track Thief After Police Say They Are Too Busy
After being told by the police that the crime committed against them wasn't that important, two women tracked down their stolen property on their own -- but they still couldn't get the police to help them recover it. The women said thieves broke into their car and took their purse, cell phone, credit cards and more. Using the built-in GPS device in the phone, the women were able to track down the thief's movements and the calls he made. The women said they shared the information with police but were told, "It's not that important ... we have our resources other places." When NBCDFW called to ask about the case filed by the women, the police said they have been transferring to a new report system and that is what caused the delay in investigating the report. The Plano police said they are now working on the case.
Fire Destroys Flower Mound Home
A Flower Mound family of four is looking for a place to stay after a four-alarm fire destroyed their home early Tuesday morning. The family was alerted to the fire when their alarm company called to notify them that their smoke detectors were going off. The family all escaped the home without injury. In all, more than 50 firefighters battled the blaze with 19 units from surrounding communities. Two firefighters were hospitalized with minor injuries. The firefighters were expected to be released Tuesday afternoon.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Man in Wheelchair Struck, Killed by Driver
A 27-year-old man in a wheelchair is dead after being struck by a car in Dallas late Monday night. The incident took place just after 10 p.m. at the intersection of Ledbetter and Mayforge Drive near Interstate 45 and Loop 12 as the victim tried to cross the street. The victim was transported to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas where he was pronounced dead. The driver who struck the man stayed at the scene to assist -- no word yet from authorities on what charges, if any, the driver may face.
Man Escapes Fiery Plane Crash
A small plane crashed and burned at Lake Whitney State Park but the pilot walked away from the accident. The Federal Aviation Administration says the pilot reported engine trouble before Monday's crash. Park spokesman Tom Harvey says the pilot was located by rescue personnel a few hundred yards from the crash site and was taken to a hospital. His condition was not immediately available. People in the area reported seeing the single-engine plane go down in flames. FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford said the pilot was trying to land at an airport near the park when the plane went down.
Hondas Targeted by Thieves in Denton
Last weekend, Denton police responded to seven vehicle burglary reports involving Honda Civics and Accords from the 1990s. In most cases the cars were locked but the burglars broke into the cars by shattering windows or prying doors. Once inside, the thieves stole vehicle components and parts. The Denton Police Department asks citizens to be especially vigilant and watch out for thieves targeting Honda cars -- this is especially true in apartment complex apartment lots, police said.
