Press Releases

AUSTIN – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers, inspectors and investigators will step up commercial vehicle inspections as part of this year’s International Roadcheck, a 72-hour enforcement effort designed to ensure commercial motor vehicles and drivers are in compliance with federal regulations and increase safety on roadways.

LAREDO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) seized 490 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Monday, September 7, in Webb County.

AMARILLO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) seized $160,000 in cash Tuesday, September 1, after a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper stopped a vehicle in Oldham County.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) released the 2019 Crime in Texas Report today. The report is a collaborative effort and the direct result of the more than 1,200 Texas sheriffs and chiefs of police who participate in the Uniform Crime Reporting program.

AUSTIN – After more than 17 years, a man is facing charges in the 2003 slaying of a 21-year-old Lubbock woman. Andy Castillo, 57, of Lubbock, is charged with murder in the case of Cynthia Joann Palacio.

LAREDO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) seized more than 19 pounds of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Friday, September 4, in Webb County.

AUSTIN – Whether you’re just driving around town or traveling the open roads this Labor Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages all motorists to practice safe driving habits and exercise caution throughout the holiday weekend.

AUSTIN – The reward for Marco Antonio Toscano, a Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender and this month’s featured fugitive, has been increased to $4,000 for information leading to his capture if the tip comes in during the month of September. Toscano, 34, is wanted for failure to register as a sex offender and a parole violation.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced the promotions of three career employees to assistant chief positions. The promotions include Justin Chrane and Ben Urbanczyk to assistant chiefs in the Texas Highway Patrol Division and Katie Conley to the Assistant Chief of the Human Resources Operations Division.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking leads in the 1979 homicide of 7-year-old Elizabeth Lynne Barclay, and an increased reward of up to $6,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for her death if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. A $3,000 reward for information leading to an arrest is routinely offered on all cases on the Texas Rangers Unsolved Homicides website.

AUSTIN – Following approval by the Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC) on Aug. 14, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced the promotions of Majors Brian Baxter and Floyd T. Goodwin II to assistant chief positions within the department. Both promotions were effective Aug. 15, and both Baxter and Goodwin will be stationed at DPS’ Austin headquarters.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Patrick Neal Nerren, 50, was captured on Aug. 13 in Arkansas. Nerren, who is affiliated with the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) gang, was wanted for a parole violation and multiple felonies, including unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, evading arrest/detention with a vehicle and possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested following a Crime Stoppers tip, and a reward of $7,500 will be paid.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today announced the promotion of three Texas Rangers to the rank of captain, including the first two female Ranger captains in DPS history and the first-known Ranger in modern history to hold a doctorate degree.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants to remind the public that rewards of up to $1,000 are being offered for information that leads to the arrest of individuals who are still wanted in connection with crimes that occurred during the May riots at the Texas State Capitol.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) obtained an arrest warrant for the 14th person wanted in connection with the protests and rioting that occurred at the Texas State Capitol in May. During the riots, numerous officers were assaulted and property was damaged.