DPS Seeking Public’s Assistance to Return Stolen Items

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Capitol Region Criminal Investigations Division, in collaboration with Austin Police Department Property Crimes Detectives, recovered several stolen items earlier this week from an organized theft ring operating in the Austin area.

DPS Labs Adopt New National Science Standards

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce that its Crime Laboratory Division laboratories have been recognized for voluntarily adopting national forensic standards published by the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC), created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The DPS laboratories have been recognized by NIST as OSAC Implementers.

Reward Increased to $8,500 for November Featured Fugitive from Missouri City

AUSTIN – The reward for Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Charles Lee Tillman Jr., who’s this month’s featured fugitive, has been increased to $8,500 for information leading to his arrest if tips are received during November. Tillman, 34, is wanted for murder and a parole violation. Remember, all tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

DPS Adds Saturday Services for Commercial Driver Licenses at Select Offices in November

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added additional Saturday appointment availability at select commercial driver license (CDL) offices for customers needing to apply, renew, replace or upgrade their Texas CDL. Participating driver license offices will offer a limited number of appointments on Nov. 6, 13 and 20 to help Texans with CDL services. The offices will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender from South Texas Captured

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender John Anthony Rangel is back in custody following his arrest on Oct. 22. He was arrested in Harlingen by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Agents, who coordinated with Texas Highway Patrol to conduct a traffic stop after Rangel was seen leaving a house. Rangel is from the Harlingen area. His arrest was not the result of a tip, so no reward will be paid.

Two Year Investigation Leads to Federal Indictment and Subsequent Arrest of Multiple Suspects

SAN ANGELO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigation Division (CID), in conjunction with the San Angelo Police Department (SAPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), conducted a two year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation which led to the federal indictment and the subsequent arrest of suspects for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine (> 500 grams).

TMD, DPS Discuss Military Surge and Provide Update at Weekly OLS Briefing

AUSTIN – The Texas Military Department (TMD) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) held a media briefing today to provide an update on the mobilization of resources by the TMD to strengthen the state as part of Operation Lone Star (OLS) at the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott. The briefing was held at DPS’ regional headquarters in Weslaco.