Press Releases

AUSTIN – Earlier this week, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officially opened its new Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) hangar in Edinburg with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event on Monday celebrated a major expansion of DPS’ aviation capabilities in the South Texas Region, as the new facility is the largest DPS hangar in the state and is now fully operational. DPS’ South Texas leadership was joined at the ceremony by State Senator Juan Hinojosa and Representative Terry Canales.

AUSTIN – As many parts of the state prepare for wintry weather, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans that extreme cold, freezing rain, ice, and snow can pose significant hazards to drivers and pedestrians. The department urges residents to be prepared and exercise caution in such conditions.

CRANE – Starting in July 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) conducted a targeted conspiracy investigation involving methamphetamine distribution in Crane County, which led to the arrest of three suspects over the course of a year.

AUSTIN – In recognition of National AMBER Alert Day, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans of the importance of this lifesaving tool — and the entire Statewide Alert Program — as a critical resource to public safety efforts in the state.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proudly welcomed a delegation from the U.S. Naval War College’s Naval Command College (NCC) this week as part of the program’s nationwide outreach and executive-leadership engagement.

AUSTIN – Two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted are back in custody following their recent arrests. Authorities captured Melvin Kennon in Guadalupe Co. on Jan 6, and Baldamar Martinez in Tom Green Co. on Jan. 7. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in either of their arrests.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is spotlighting its Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program ahead of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Sunday, Jan. 11.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the capture of this month’s Texas 10 Most Wanted Featured Fugitive, Antonio Rodriguez Jr., who was arrested outside of Houston earlier this week. An increased Crime Stoppers reward will be paid for his arrest.

DEL RIO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Border Mounted Patrol Unit made multiple illegal immigrant apprehensions during Operation Lone Star on New Year’s Day in Maverick Co. – including a previously deported child sex predator.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers in San Antonio and surrounding communities to begin preparing their vehicles for new emissions testing requirements, which take effect later this year under House Bill 3297.

AUSTIN – Throughout January, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans to be vigilant and educate themselves about the dangers of human trafficking as part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

AUSTIN – As Texans prepare for the holidays, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds everyone to remain observant, report suspicious activity and take steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable season.

AUSTIN – A Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender is back in custody following his recent arrest. Authorities captured Marvin Bowden in Conroe on Dec. 10. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing enforcement for Christmas and New Year's to ensure Texans have a safe holiday. Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers will surge enforcement efforts from Friday, Dec. 19, through Thursday, Jan. 1, and have Troopers looking for people committing traffic violations including, not wearing seat belts, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failing to follow the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law and others.

AUSTIN – After 42 years of investigation, law enforcement officials have identified the last perpetrator in the abduction and murder of five Texans in Rusk Co. – an event known to many across the country as the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) murders. The perpetrator, Devan Riggs, had died years before being identified, so no arrests will be made, and the case is now closed.