Press Releases

AUSTIN – The man responsible for raping at least four women between 2018 and 2024 is in custody following a joint investigation by the Texas Rangers and the Beaumont Police Department. Eric J. Gipson Sr., 40, of Beaumont, was indicted for his crimes by a Jefferson Co. jury on Aug. 20.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrant Robert Bustrillo-Vasquiez — a violent felon with multiple deportations — is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $6,000 during September if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce that Trooper Dustin Henderson (San Angelo) has earned the Jimmy K. Ammons Grand Champion Award at the 2025 North American Inspectors Championship (NAIC). This is the highest honor awarded to a commercial motor vehicle roadside inspector in North America, recognizing exceptional skill, professionalism and dedication to roadway safety.

LAREDO – On Friday, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Rangers, in collaboration with the La Salle Co. Sheriff’s Office, executed an arrest warrant for Saul Gonzalez, 66, a resident of San Antonio, Texas, at the Eagle Ford Crossing in Cotulla. On August 29, 2025, a La Salle Co. grand jury indicted Gonzalez for capital murder connected to a 2005 cold case.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcement efforts for Labor Day weekend. Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE) runs from Aug. 29-Sept. 1 and is a specialized campaign in which Texas Highway Patrol Troopers patrol for drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, not complying with Texas’ Move Over, Slow Down law or violating other laws. The goal is to reduce the number of traffic crashes and deaths on Texas roads.

DEL RIO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the arrest of an MS-13 gang member during a traffic stop in Val Verde Co. as part of Operation Lone Star.

AUSTIN – In recognition of National Aviation Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is spotlighting one of its most unique and highly trained aviation assets – the six-member Rescue Swimmer Unit within the Aircraft Operations Division (AOD).

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has rolled out a new design on Texas driver license (DL) and identification (ID) cards. Beginning today, Aug. 18, all newly issued Texas DL and IDs will feature a new look, which has increased security features. The previously issued cards, with the current design, are still valid until their expiration date.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the capture of another fugitive from Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Jose Antonio Marquina-Bonilla was arrested on Sunday, Aug. 3.

AUSTIN – In an effort to generate more investigative tips from the public, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has once again elevated Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Carlos Jose Ayala Morales to Featured Fugitive status. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $6,000 during August if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – Today, at the August meeting of the Public Safety Commission (PSC), Chairman Stephen P. Mach, Nelda Luce Blair, Dan Hord, Larry Long and Steven Stodghill, along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Colonel Freeman F. Martin, recognized the service of Trooper Joseph Sherman (Corsicana) by presenting him with a Purple Heart.

AUSTIN – Today, in honor of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) 90th Anniversary, DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin kicked off a new statewide public safety initiative: 90 Days of Safety. During a press conference at DPS Headquarters in Austin, Colonel Martin, along with DPS officials, announced details of the new campaign—including the rollout of a new “Keeping Texas Safe” coloring and activity book that will be available to children statewide.

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proudly marks its 90th anniversary, honoring nine decades of unwavering commitment to public safety, service and innovation. Since 1935, DPS has grown into one of the nation’s most comprehensive public safety agencies, encompassing divisions that lead in law enforcement, technology, forensics, aviation, intelligence and more.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Regulatory Services Division (RSD) is now accepting new and updated applications for Texas’ Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) dispensing organization licenses.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces several changes to key leadership positions across the department, which were confirmed by the Public Safety Commission (PSC) during its meeting today. The changes are a result of personnel retiring after many years of dedicated service or new positions being created in various divisions throughout the department.