Latest news with #RenardJohnson
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
El Paso sheriff launches 'Safe Streets Operation' for 4th of July holiday weekend
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office with other local police agencies are launching "Safe Streets Operation" targeting drunken drivers, speeders, traffic violations and enhancing patrols at Red Sands for the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The coordinated holiday operation is part of increased anti-drunken driving efforts since Sheriff Oscar Ugarte and El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson took office in January, including the creation of a sheriff's county DWI Task Force. More: 'Enough is enough': El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson launches DWI crackdown "We're not here to ruin anyone's holiday — we want you to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend with your family and friends," Ugarte said in a statement. "But if you drink and drive over the legal limit, know this: you will be stopped, and you will go to jail. My priority is to protect lives and keep our roads safe." The holiday weekend operation — officially promoted as "Sheriff Ugarte's Safe Streets Operation" — includes the El Paso, Socorro, Horizon City, Anthony (Texas) and Clint police departments, county constables, Texas state troopers and the San Elizario Marshal's Office. As part of the operation, sheriff's deputies will "maintain a high-visibility presence" to help prevent off-roading crashes and other trouble at the popular Red Sands desert off Montana Avenue, east of the El Paso city limits. The Montana Vista area east of the El Paso limits annually draws hundreds of revelers for Independence Day because fireworks are banned in El Paso but legal outside city limits. El Paso County Commissioners Court this year voted to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks classified as 'skyrockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins" in unincorporated areas of the county to help prevent wildfires, the Sheriff's Office said in a news statement. Other types of fireworks can still be sold. The city of El Paso reminds residents that it is illegal to use, sell and possess fireworks within the city limits, stated a city news release issued on June 26. Violations can result in a Class C Misdemeanor citation, with fines typically about $191 and up to $500 depending on a judge's decision, the city stated. Illegal fireworks can also be investigated as criminal mischief or arson, if there are damages. Law enforcement will keep watch for illegal fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend. Fireworks can pose a fire danger as well as causing distress to neighbors and pets, and can be a trauma reminder for veterans coping with PTSD. "Fireworks can cause devastating harm — from severe burns and loss of fingers to structure fires that threaten entire neighborhoods," El Paso Fire Chief Jonathan Killings said in a statement. "We've seen how quickly a single spark can lead to tragedy. Please don't risk your safety, your property, or your neighbors' lives. Leave fireworks to the professionals." Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@ and @BorundaDaniel on X. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Fourth of July: Sheriff launches 'Safe Streets Operation'
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
El Paso mayor: Planned protests need to be peaceful
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — With demonstrations scheduled all over the country on Saturday, June 14, Mayor Renard Johnson is urging El Pasoans who plan to rally to 'protest peacefully and make their voice heard.' More than 1,800 communities are expected to host 'No Kings' rallies and protests to counter a military parade and birthday celebration for President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. This also comes in the shadow of the protests that have been going in Los Angeles. The Trump Administration has sent 4,000 National Guard and 700 Marines to counter the protests which have seen some sporadic violence. 'I encourage El Pasoans to come together in a spirit of nonviolence, mutual respect, and shared purpose.' Johnson said. Here is Johnson's statement in its entirety: 'As your mayor, I want to speak directly to the people of El Paso ahead of the demonstrations expected this Saturday. 'We honor the constitutional right of every individual to protest peacefully and make their voice heard. In this moment of heightened emotion across the country and in our own city, I encourage El Pasoans to come together in a spirit of nonviolence, mutual respect, and shared purpose. 'El Paso has long been a city defined by unity and resilience. Let's continue to lead by example — showing that even in times of concern or disagreement, we can gather peacefully to express our values and our hopes for the future. 'In coordination with El Paso Police Chief Pacillas, we have developed a comprehensive public safety plan to ensure that demonstrations are conducted safely and lawfully. The El Paso Police Department remains steadfast in its mission to protect both public safety and the First Amendment rights of all participants. 'I ask all participants to look out for one another and to demonstrate peacefully. El Paso is stronger when we come together — and this weekend, we have the opportunity to show that strength once again.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Party's over: El Paso's Memorial Day holiday ends with dozens of DWI arrests
El Paso law enforcement arrested 42 people suspected of drunken driving over the Memorial Day weekend, authorities said. El Paso Police Department officers, El Paso County Sheriff's Office deputies, El Paso Constables and Texas Department of Public Safety state troopers stepped up patrols looking for drunken drivers over the holiday weekend. Law enforcement officers arrested 38 people on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and four minors for driving under the influence between Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 26, authorities said. The arrests came after El Paso city officials and law enforcement held a news conference Tuesday, May 13, announcing the increased patrols targeting drunken drivers. El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said "enough is enough," when he announced the crack down. Here is a breakdown of the arrests: 12 driving while intoxicated arrests 1 minor driving under the influence arrest 1 minor in possession of alcohol arrest 4 possession of a controlled substance/marijuana arrests 9 outstanding warrant arrests 72 traffic citations issued 10 driving while intoxicated arrests 1 minor driving under the influence arrest 6 outstanding warrant arrests 70 traffic citations issued 8 driving while intoxicated arrests 1 possession of a controlled substance/marijuana arrest 1 criminal mischief arrest 4 outstanding warrant arrests 21 traffic citations issued 8 driving while intoxicated arrests 2 minor driving under the influence arrests 4 possession of a controlled substance/marijuana arrests 30 traffic citations issued Aaron Martinez covers the criminal justice system for the El Paso Times. He may be reached at amartinez1@ or on X/Twitter @AMartinezEPT. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso's Memorial Day holiday ends with 42 drunken driving arrests
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Mayor, others fight back against DWI heading into holiday weekend
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Ahead of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson joined with other local elected officials, law enforcement and community advocates on Monday, May 19 to bring attention to the rising toll of drunk driving in the El Paso region. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office has launched a multi-agency DWI Task Force to help fight back against the scourge of drunk driving. The Sheriff's Office said it made 48 arrests in one recent two-day period. 48 arrests made by DWI Task Force over 2 days in El Paso County The coordinated effort, through the task force, brought together law enforcement from every municipality in El Paso County, including the El Paso Police Department, along with Texas State troopers and constables, the Sheriff's Office said. In 2024, the City of El Paso recorded 1,337 DWI offenses, averaging more than 25 per week, the Mayor's Office said. 'Drunk driving is not a city problem or a county problem – it's a community emergency that demands a united front,' Johnson said. 'The data is alarming, and the human cost is unacceptable. I'm proud to stand with leaders across the Borderplex to say: Enough is enough. We're calling not only on those who drink and drive, but also on those who see it happening to step in, speak up, and stop it. You could save a life.' Johnson was joined by County Judge Ricardo Samaniego, El Paso Chief of Police Peter Pacillas, El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte, District Attorney James Montoya, City of Socorro Mayor Rudy Cruz, Jr., City of Socorro Chief of Police Robert Rojas and Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, deputy commanding general of operations for the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss. The group was also joined by Lupe Hernandez Lucero, founder of SoberStreets Movement, who lost her child in a DWI crash. 'It is almost impossible to express the anguish a parent feels when they lose a child,' Hernandez Lucero said. 'But when that child is taken by an incident that is completely preventable, you have no choice but to speak out and advocate so that no other parents undergo the same loss. My hope is that people will become more responsible for themselves, their friends, and their family members — whoever they are drinking with — and take a stand against driving while intoxicated. It is never OK and there is never a reason.' 'Driving while intoxicated is a threat to the safety of our community, and while enforcement remains a critical tool, we recognize that we cannot arrest our way out of this problem,' said Pacillas, El Paso Police chief. 'Real change will come through prevention, education, and strong community partnerships. Our commitment is to stop impaired driving before it starts — because every life lost to a preventable tragedy is one too many.' 'I'm incredibly proud of our sheriff for collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of individuals driving under the influence. As a mental health professional, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating impact a DWI-related death can have on a family. At the same time, the long-term consequences of a DWI conviction — such as challenges in obtaining scholarships or employment — are equally profound,' said Samiengo, the county judge. 'Every DWI is a choice that puts lives at risk. I'm grateful to our law enforcement agencies for partnering with us as we spearhead DWI enforcement efforts across El Paso County,' said Ugarte, who launched the DWI Task Force. 'We're sending a clear message: if you drive drunk, you will be arrested.' 'It's not a crime to partake in adult beverages. It's what someone chooses to do after they become intoxicated,' said Montoya, the district attorney. 'Drinking and driving is a choice, and it can lead to fatal consequences. My office will continue to work with all our law enforcement partners to hold those who choose to drive drunk accountable.' The El Paso Police Department's and El Paso County Sheriff's DWI Task Forces will continue to operate on high alert throughout the holiday weekend and will take steps to fully prosecute anyone found to be driving while intoxicated, the Mayor's Office said in its news release. The City of El Paso and the El Paso Police Department urge all residents to take an active role in preventing drunk driving. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City introduces international nonstop flight to Chihuahua, Mexico
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso introduced an international nonstop route to Chihuahua, Mexico, on Tuesday, April 29. The City says this marks the first nonstop commercial flight to a Mexican destination in over a decade, 'underscoring the City's ongoing commitment to expanding international air service for our community.' The flight is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026, and the flight will 'enhance El Paso International Airport's current offerings, which include international charter, cargo, and general aviation flights,' the City said. 'El Paso has long prioritized re-establishing direct commercial air service to Mexico,' El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said. 'This new route not only strengthens the enduring business and cultural connections between El Paso and Chihuahua but also brings us closer to the people, families, and opportunities on both sides of the border.' TAR Mexico will be the carrier for this route, the City said. Tony Nevarez, director of El Paso International Airport, said: 'Today is a momentous occasion for both our airport and the community. International connectivity is essential to our region's economic vitality, and we're thrilled to welcome TAR Mexico as a partner in delivering on our strategic vision.' To learn more about this flight, click here: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
