Man Arrested for Decades-Old Cold Case Murder in Cotulla (South Texas Region)

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.

DPS Increases Enforcement for Labor Day

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.

DPS Highlights Rescue Swimmers for National Aviation Day

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).

DPS Rolls Out New Driver License Design

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.

Repeat Sex Offender from Houston Again Named Featured Fugitive

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.

DPS Trooper Honored with Purple Heart for Heroic Service

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.

DPS Launches 90 Days of Safety Campaign, Keeping Texas Safe Coloring Book

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.