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PURSUIT IN SMITH COUNTY – 7/18/24

by Pursuits

At 3:45 PM, Whitehouse Police Officers were dispatched to a Theft in Progress at the Southside Bank in Whitehouse, Texas. The suspect, reportedly driving a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee, presented a stolen ID and had allegedly already stolen about $3,000 from a bank in Tyler, Texas.

As officers arrived in the area of Southside Bank, the vehicle was spotted and a traffic stop was initiated. The vehicle stopped briefly before taking off northbound on HWY 110. A pursuit then began.

The vehicle traveled north on HWY 110 reaching speeds over 100mph. Whitehouse Police called off their involvement in the pursuit near E Grande Blvd and the Smith County Sherriff’s Office continued pursuing with the DPS joining shortly after.

The pursuit entered Tyler and continued northbound on Troup HWY, reaching speeds of 80mph before turning east on E 5th Street. The vehicle traveled east on E 5th Street, exiting the City of Tyler, continuing on HWY 64 E at speeds of 120mph.

The pursuit eventually came to a stop on HWY 64 E near FM 2607, east of Chapel Hill.

The driver was then taken into custody at 4:04 PM.

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MOVE OVER, SLOW DOWN⚠️ Video of an accident involving Smith County Fire apparatus and a DPS vehicle!

by Traffic Accidents

MOVE OVER, SLOW DOWN⚠️! Video of the accident on April 5th, 2023 involving multiple Smith County Fire apparatus and a DPS vehicle:

At 8:58 am on April 5th, 2023, Smith County ESD2’s Winona Fire, UT EMS, and DPS responded to an accident at I-20 MM. 568 on the westbound side. A single vehicle had run off the roadway into the tree line.

Responding agencies arrived and began to work the scene. An apparatus known as a “Blocker” was placed at the rear of the accident scene. The Blocker is equipped with a Traffic Management Attenuator (TMA) designed to absorb impact, slow, deflect, and stop vehicles that come in contact with it. Combined with the TMA, this apparatus keeps the public safety personnel safer along with the vehicle’s occupants that may hit it.

At 10:25 am, while crews were removing the wrecked vehicle from the tree line, a semi-truck attempted to pass another semi-truck, ultimately crashing into the scene. The Blocker, a DPS vehicle, and a Fire Engine were struck.

As a result of the secondary accident, Smith County ESD’s Fire Cheif, Red Springs Fire, Jackson Heights Fire, Battalion Cheif 1, Battalion Cheif 2, and Captain 1, along with UT EMS, responded.

The Blocker did exactly what it was intended to. It absorbed the impact of the semi-truck and deflected it in a way that was safer for all involved.

—

Smith County ESD2 is urging the community to ask their Texas representatives to support more substantial penalties for drivers violating the “Move over, slow down” law, House Bill 898.

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STRUCTURE FIRE @ 4526 S BROADWAY AVE, TYLER (KEN’S PIZZA) – 4/4/23

by Structure Fires

At 2:15 AM on Tuesday, April 4th, Tyler Fire’s Engine 2 and Ladder 2 were dispatched for a commercial fire alarm at 4526 S Broadway Ave (Ken’s Pizza) in Tyler.

Upon Engine 2’s arrival, they advised smoke was visible on the structure’s interior, and a full structure fire alarm was dispatched. Battalion 2, Engine 7, Engine 8, and Fire Marshal 7 were dispatched.

Units on scene advised all other units that a large amount of smoke was present inside, but they believed a sprinkler put out any fire that may have been present.

Firefighters searched the interior and exterior of the building for other signs of fire and/or extensions. No fire was found, and Fire units were gradually released from the scene.

No injuries have been reported. The extent of damages, if any, is unknown at this time.

All units cleared the scene at 3:25 AM.

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The Tyler Fire Department offers Safety Tips for the Thanksgiving Holiday

by Safety

Cooking is the biggest cause of home fires and fire injuries, and Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than three times as many cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day as there are on any other typical day of the year. So, there’s no better time to focus on safety.

The Tyler Fire Department urges citizens to cook with caution and follow a few safety tips that can help to prevent fires. “No matter how many years you’ve been cooking or how many Thanksgiving feasts you’ve served, you still need to make safety your main ingredient,” says Paul Findley, Tyler Fire Marshal/PIO. Start with these prevention tips:

  • Be on alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire – oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains – away from your stovetop.
  • Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and kids should stay at least three feet away.
  • Keep knives out of the reach of children.
  • Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer, or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire:

  • On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If you have any doubts about fighting a small fire:

  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.

Five Dangers of Deep Frying a Turkey:

  • Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot oil across a large area.
  • An overfilled cooking pot will cause oil to spill over when the turkey is put inside.
  • A partially frozen turkey will cause hot oil to splatter when put in the pot.
  • Without thermostat controls, turkey fryers can overheat oil to the point of starting a fire.
  • The sides of the cooking pot, lid, and pot handles can get dangerously hot.

Frying food puts you at the greatest risk of cooking fires. Before you fry a turkey, review these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

  • Use your turkey fryer only outdoors on a sturdy, level surface, well away from things that can burn. Make sure it is at least ten feet from your home and not under roof eaves.
  • Determine the correct amount of oil needed by first placing the turkey in the pot of water.
  • Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before you fry it.
  • Check the temperature often with a cooking thermometer so the oil won’t overheat.
  • Use long cooking gloves that protect your hands and arms when you handle the pot, lid, and handles of a turkey fryer.
  • Consider using an electric or air fryer.

There’s nothing more satisfying than cooking a good meal for the people we love. Make safety a priority in your kitchen at Thanksgiving and all year long.

The Tyler Fire Department wishes you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

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BRUSH FIRE @FM 2767/HEBRON RD – 2:05 PM 9/28/2022  

by Brush/Grass Fires

Just after 2:00 PM on Wednesday, a Chapel Hill Fire Department member discovered a large trash fire with an RV in danger. After advising dispatch of the flames, a box alarm was dispatched, sending Chapel Hill Fire, Jackson Heights Fire, and Winona Fire to the scene.

Upon arrival, fire apparatus were strategically staged in the narrow driveway to get hose lines to the blaze. Firefighters gained entry into the RV, checking for further extensions from the interior, while others worked to knock down the flames with both foam and water.

A brush fire originating from the central trash pile had spread into a nearby wood line adding more potential exposures for crews on scene to battle. Smith County ESD2 brought its own “Plow 1” to the scene to create a plow line around the fire, acting as a barrier from other brush. Plow 1 did the heavy lifting, pushing over trees, and moving trash and debris away from the moving fire. Firefighters in wildland gear used hand tools to aid in the critical work done by Plow 1.

The trash pile consisted of different objects, a large portion being vehicle tires. Smith County Firefighters gained control of the fire after about an hour. The smoke from the fire could be seen all over Tyler, grabbing the attention of many. A Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy from the environmental division, Deputies from the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office, Precinct 4 Constables, and UT EMS also responded to the scene.

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Red Flag Warning – July 19th, 2022

by Weather

What is a Red Flag Warning?

A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.

-If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch.

-Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.

-Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.

-Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.

Red Flag Warning issued July 19 at 2:47AM CDT until July 20 at 12:00AM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA

The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 10 AM this morning to midnight CDT tonight.

AFFECTED AREA…Fire Weather Zone

096 Red River, Fire Weather Zone 097 Bowie, Fire Weather Zone 108 Franklin, Fire Weather Zone 109 Titus, Fire Weather Zone 110 Camp, Fire Weather Zone 111 Morris, Fire Weather Zone 112 Cass, Fire Weather Zone 124 Wood, Fire Weather Zone 125 Upshur and Fire Weather Zone 136 Smith.

* TIMING… Most dangerous in the afternoon, with higher wind speeds and lower MinRH values.

* WINDS…Southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 20 percent.

* TEMPERATURES…Between 100-108 degrees.

* IMPACTS…Wildfires will have the potential to grow and spread rapidly. Any activities that could start a wildfire should be avoided.

Burning of any kind is strongly discouraged and may be unlawful in some counties.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

Source: NWS

90-Day Burn Ban Issued in Smith County on July 5, 2022 

The Smith County Commissioners Court voted on Tuesday, July 5, to issue a burn ban for the County. The burn ban order is in effect for 90 days, unless conditions improve and the Commissioners Court approves terminating the order early. 

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FIVE PEOPLE SHOT AT A SMITH COUNTY TRAIL RIDE

by Aggravated Assaults

“Multiple Shooting Victims at Trail Ride Concert in Eastern Smith County 

On Sunday, June 26, 2022, at approximately 12:35 am, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations Center received a call related to multiple gunshot victims in the 18000 block of FM 2767 in eastern Smith County. Upon further investigation it was determined this was at the location of an event organized by Unified Elite Riderz from Marshall, Texas. The event was described as being a trail ride, ATV ride and horse show. 

A determination was made that five gunshot victims were taken to separate hospitals in Longview, Kilgore and Tyler with one airlifted to a Tyler hospital in critical condition as a result of being shot in the face. Multiple Smith County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputies responded, as well as a unit from the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office, Constable Precinct 4 Office and Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers. 

Upon arrival, the location was determined to be a large pasture with numerous individuals remaining at the scene. Smith County Criminal Investigation Division and Crime Scene Investigators responded to the scene. Investigators spoke to witnesses at the scene and have identified several persons of interest they wish to interview. According to witnesses at the scene, an altercation took place near the concert stage which resulted in one or more trail ride groups shooting into the crowd. Witnesses also advised that private security was onsite and was collecting firearms from attendees prior to their entry into the concert. Witnesses related that after the initial shooting that some of the groups ran to security and took their firearms back. Subsequently, a second shooting took place in that area. 

After the arrival of law enforcement, a third shooting occurred at the rear of the property. At this time it is believed that all injuries took place during the original shooting incident as no new victims were located at the scene by law enforcement subsequent to the third shooting. Only one victim remained in the hospital early this morning and is listed in critical but stable condition. 

A search warrant was obtained for the property for the purpose of processing the crime scene and collecting evidence. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and are seeking the assistance of the media in getting that information out to the public. If you witnessed any one of the shootings or have information pertinent to this investigation, please call our Emergency Operations Center at 903-566-6600. Investigators are also interested in talking to the promoter of the event, Unified Elite Riderz, as well as the personnel and owner of Diamond Elite Security out of Louisiana. The poster pictured below is part of the advertisement for the event. For more information on the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, visit www.smithcountysheriff.com. The Sheriff’s Office also has a FB page and can be followed on Twitter at @SmithCSO.”

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Smith County Sheriff’s Office – Officer Involved Shooting

by Aggravated Assaults

“On June 21, 2022, at approximately 1:30 am, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations Center received a call from a third party that her daughter lived near the school in Lindale and her daughter’s boyfriend was actively breaking into the residence. The call was then transferred to the Lindale Police Department. At 1:43 am the call was transferred back to Smith County Dispatch once it was confirmed the residence was in the county and not in the City of Lindale. The residence was determined to be in the 16000 block of County Road 4100 near Lindale. Officers with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary in progress call and Lindale Police Department units responded to back up the Sheriff’s Office units.

It was reported at that time that the caller’s daughter had locked her boyfriend out of the house and he was attempting to break into the residence through a window. The third party caller advised a few minutes later that her daughter texted to her that the boyfriend had made entry into the residence and had kicked in the bedroom door where she was hiding with her two small children. The actor began assaulting the female occupant of the residence and attempted to take the phone away from her.

Lindale Police Department Patrol Officers arrived to the location a short time before responding Smith County Deputies. Lindale Officers were advised the actor was still inside the residence with a two year old child.

At 1:44 am, Smith County units were dispatched to the location and the first Smith County unit arrived at 2:00 am. Upon the arrival of the first Smith County unit the channel was closed for emergency radio traffic at the location. At 1:44 am radio traffic was also relayed that the actor was known to armed with a gun, but it was unknown if he had it at that time. Deputies attempted to talk to the actor at the front door of the residence until 2:13 am when the actor was determined to have a pistol in his hand. A short time later Deputies on scene notified dispatch that shots had been fired and the actor was down. EMS had been staging near the location and immediately responded to the scene. Officers attempted lifesaving measures on the actor until EMS arrived on scene. He was treated by EMS on scene and transported to UT Main where he was determined to have expired upon his arrival at the hospital.

An inquest was held by Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Mitch Shamburger at UT Main Emergency Trauma Room. An autopsy has been ordered by Judge Shamburger and will be performed later today. In any officer involved shooting involving a Smith County Deputy, it is common protocol to request a disinterested third party law enforcement entity to conduct an independent investigation. Texas Ranger Lieutenant Nic Castle and two additional Rangers responded to the location and are in the process of conducting an independent investigation.

The officer involved in the shooting is on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation which is also Smith County Sheriff’s Office protocol.

We’re just glad that all officers and occupants of the residence are ok physically and we pray for the family of the individual who was shot.

Additional information will be posted as it become available. We are requesting the public’s patience as the investigation is ongoing.

For more information on the Smith County Sheriff’s Office visit www.smithcountysheriff.com. The Sheriff’s Office also has a FB page and can be followed on Twitter at @SmithCSO.”

– Smith County Sheriff’s Office

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SMITH COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT RELEASED PHOTO OF SUSPECT INVOLVED IN THE ARMED ROBBERY @11421 HWY 64 W (7/11 GAS STATION) ON JUNE 8TH

by Aggravated Robbery
“On June 8, 2022 at approximately 1:15 a.m., Smith County Deputies responded to a robbery that had just occurred at a convenience store located in the 11400 block of Hwy. 64 West near Tyler. Upon their arrival to the location, Deputies were informed that a suspect entered the store armed with a handgun. He pointed the handgun at both the employee and a customer. The suspect demanded the money from the cash register while informing both victims to lay on the floor. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled the area in an unknown direction.
 
Further investigation revealed that the suspect was a black male, 5’09” to 5’10”, wearing a blue hoodie, dark colored pants and a blue bandana over his face. He displayed what was described as a black semi-automatic pistol. Surveillance video footage will be obtained when it becomes available.
 
If you have any information concerning this case please call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600.”
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Ice Cream Van Fire @The Blue Store on HWY 155 S

by Vehicle Fires

At 11:52 PM on Friday, June 3rd, Smith County VFD’s Noonday Fire was Dispatched for a report of a commercial van on fire at the 16800BLk of HWY 155 S, in front of the Blue Store in Noonday.

Smith County VFD Battalion Chief 1 arrived on the scene at 11:54 PM and requested that Flint/Gresham Fire be added to the call. Shortly later, BC1 requested a Smith County Fire Marshall to come to the location. Noonday and Flint/Gresham Fire quickly extinguished the fire and had a control time at 12:07 AM

No injuries were reported at the time of the fire.