Latest news with #EPCSO
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
El Paso County Sheriff's Office cracks down on DWI during July Fourth holiday
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPSCO) conducted a County-wide crackdown on drunk driving Friday night during 4th of July celebrations. The 'Safe Streets Operation' entailed the deployment of over 150 deputies across the County as part of their DWI task force. 'A lot of people go out and celebrate the 4th of July. They have some drinks, some people a little bit too much, and we're pretty much trying to bring down the number of intoxicated drivers on the road. We want to make sure everyone's celebrating, having fun, but in a safe manner,' Deputy Christopher Medina said during a ride-along with KTSM. Just over 100 of the deployed deputies were assigned to patrol in far East El Paso, along Montana Avenue and into Red Sands, where Friday night's enforcement efforts were focused. Medina said that area has become a hotspot for drunk driving and violence on 4th of July. 'Pretty much our main goal out here is to make sure everybody knows we're out here, making sure everybody's acting accordingly, nobody's intoxicated from what we can observe, that they're not endangering themselves,' Medina said. The Sheriff's Office had a command post stationed inside Red Sands and deployed multiple deputies to patrol in the dunes, using ATV units. El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said that was the first time multiple deputies were deployed into the Red Sands' dunes during 4th of July celebrations. EPCSO were assisted by multiple other law-enforcement agencies and fire departments. EPCSO officials reported that there were no shootings, no fatalities, and over 15 DWI arrests Friday night. The EPCSO's DWI operations will continue throughout the weekend. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
17 wanted suspects arrested after 2nd warrant round-up
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A total of 17 individuals with outstanding criminal warrants were arrested during the second operation under the Joint Warrant Initiative on Wednesday, June 4, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPCSO) said in a news release. 21 wanted suspects arrested in joint warrant round-up The following individuals were arrested during the warrant round-up, according to EPCSO: EPCSO said this latest operation was carried out in partnership with the offices of Constable Frank Almada, Precinct 1; Constable Hector Bernal, Precinct 3; Constable Javier Garcia, Precinct 6; and Constable Angie Summers, Precinct 7. 'Our priority is holding individuals with outstanding warrants accountable,' Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. 'I'm grateful for the continued dedication of the team at the Sheriff's Office, and I appreciate the Constables who joined us in making this second operation a success.' EPCSO said the Joint Warrant Initiative was launched last month as a coordinated approach to reduce the number of outstanding criminal warrants across El Paso County. The first operation resulted in 21 arrests, and Sheriff Ugarte said that these efforts will continue in the weeks and months ahead. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Yahoo
Over 280 firearms collected at El Paso County event
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Over 280 firearms were collected last weekend during the Gun Buy Back event hosted by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Office of County Commissioner Jackie Butler and the County Attorney's Office. This event provided residents with a safe and anonymous opportunity to turn unwanted or unused firearms, helping to reduce the number of guns in circulation and enhance community safety, EPCSO said. EPCSO said that 276 working firearms and eight non-operational firearms were collected. 'This event showed the power of community partnership,' Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. 'Every firearm turned in is one less risk in our homes and on our streets. I want to thank Commissioner Jackie Butler, County Attorney Christina Sanchez, SISD Police, and the dedicated administrative staff at the SAC for their critical support in making this event safe, organized, and effective.' 'With more than 270 firearms turned in, our third Gun Buy Back event successfully contributed to our efforts to reduce gun violence and protect our kids and families,' County Commissioner Jackie Butler, Precinct 1, said. 'It is through community participation like this that we make meaningful progress in ensuring the safety of every resident. I'm grateful to everyone who took part and to our partners for their support in making this event possible.' 'This weekend's gun buyback event was a clear demonstration of our community's commitment to safety,' County Attorney Christina Sanchez said. 'Each firearm turned in represents a proactive step toward preventing harm and protecting lives. We are proud to have provided residents with a safe and anonymous way to make their homes and neighborhoods safer.' EPCSO said this initiative marks a continued commitment from El Paso County officials to provide innovative, community-based solutions to address gun violence. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sheriff's Office warns about scam involving impersonators
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is warning the public about a scam involving individuals impersonating members of the agency's command staff. Scammers have been contacting community members while falsely claiming to represent the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, EPCSO said. These individuals are using the real names and titles of command staff in an attempt to appear legitimate and are soliciting money from unsuspecting victims under false pretenses, the Sheriff's Office said. 'The El Paso County Sheriff's Office does not contact individuals to request or accept money for any reason,' the Sheriff's Office said in its news release. Any such request — whether by phone, text, email, or social media — is a scam, the Sheriff's Office said. Law enforcement agencies will never ask for payment via wire transfer, prepaid gift cards, payment apps, or cryptocurrency, the Sheriff's Office said. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be with the Sheriff's Office who is requesting money: Do not provide personal or financial information. End the conversation immediately. Report the incident to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office at (915) 273-3800. 'We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and help us share this message to prevent further victimization in our community,' the Sheriff's Office said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Yahoo
EPCSO reminds residents to not drink, drive on Super Bowl Sunday
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPCSO) is reminding residents on Super Bowl Sunday to celebrate responsibly and avoid drinking and driving. EPCSO's Patrol Division will be out in full force, actively looking for impaired drivers, according to the department in a news release. According to the Sheriff's Office, the El Paso District Attorney's Office is offering $20 Uber vouchers to encourage residents to use a safe and sober ride home instead of risking a DWI arrest. 'Super Bowl weekend is a time for friends and family to come together, but it's also one of the most dangerous weekends for drunk driving,' El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. 'If you plan on drinking, plan on a safe way home. Don't put your life or the lives of others at risk.' According to the Sheriff's Office, driving while intoxicated (DWI) carries the following severe consequences in Texas: First offense: A fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and a loss of driver's license for up to a year. Second offense: A fine of up to $4,000, up to one year in jail, and a driver's license suspension for up to two years. Third offense: A fine of up to $10,000, between two and 10 years in prison, and a driver's license suspension for up to two years. Intoxicated Manslaughter: A second-degree felony carrying a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a fine up to $10,000. 'There's no excuse for driving drunk when there are safe options available,' Ugarte said. 'Use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transportation, just don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
