Press Releases

AUSTIN – As college students begin returning to campus for the start of the fall semester, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages students to make smart decisions and remain aware of their surroundings both on and off campus. Whether heading to class, attending football games or exploring a new city, a little preparation and vigilance can go a long way to ensure a safe school year.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information about the 1996 murder of Juan Leon Laureles, 30, in Brown Co. The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for his death is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender Ramon Alberto Artola Jr. is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $3,000 during August if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – As students head back to the classroom, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds all Texans to exercise heightened caution and adhere to safety measures implemented to protect students, staff and fellow drivers this school year. This includes tips on how to safely drop off and pick up your child from school, drive cautiously through school zones and talk to your family and loved ones about staying safe this school year and beyond.

Midland Co. – In an ongoing effort to combat violent and felonious crime, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in coordination with multiple local, state and federal law enforcement partners, conducted a two-day Targeted Violent Crime Operation (TVCO) on July 31 and Aug. 1 in Midland Co.

Ft. Stockton — On June 24, 2026, emergency crews were dispatched to a rollover crash on Interstate 10 westbound near mile marker 230 in Pecos County. While en route, Pecos County EMS received reports that the driver had suffered a traumatic amputation of the left arm above the elbow and was experiencing severe blood loss. Before emergency medical personnel arrived, Texas State Trooper Monte Jackson reached the scene and immediately assessed the victim.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in collaboration with several local, state and federal agency partners, successfully recovered a Cesium-137 (Cs-137) radioactive source in Midland Co. over the weekend.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), as part of a joint operation with the Bexar Co. Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), arrested four individuals in connection to a San Antonio home invasion earlier this month. The four men were taken into custody in Northwest Austin on July 8, 2026.

AUSTIN – Using modern forensic testing, investigators have now identified the man responsible for the brutal murder of a woman at an Amarillo park nearly 30 years ago. The suspect, Jimmy Dale McClinton, of Buchanan Dam, died in November 2025 at the age of 81.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added Ruben Calzada Hernandez, a Mexican national accused of sexually assaulting a child, to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List. Texas Crime Stoppers is now offering a cash reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to his arrest. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

AUSTIN – A Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive is back in custody after being captured in rural Southeastern Oklahoma on Friday – just over a week after announcing he was added to the list. A Texas Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid for his arrest.

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proudly graduates five new K-9 teams and two certified K-9 Tech Trainers ready to deploy across Texas. These teams will serve as a critical resource in enhancing public safety by supporting narcotics and explosives detection as well as broader law enforcement efforts.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added James Lee Kirby to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. Texas Crime Stoppers is now offering a cash reward of up to $7,500 for information leading to his arrest. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender Alejandro Villegas is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $6,000 during July if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the results of the national Uniformed Safety Education Officers Workshop (USEOW), which was held in Des Moines, Iowa. The five-day workshop and competition offers public safety education training to state police officers from across the country and allows officers to put their presentation skills to the test against other state police organizations.