Local News
Police, fire officials report slow holiday weekend
Law enforcement agencies and the Mineral Wells Fire Department reported overall quiet holiday weekend activities.
Mineral Wells police said they responded to 12 reports of fireworks in the city over the weekend. Verbal warnings were given in cases where the persons using fireworks were found, with no citations issued.
MWFD calls included several small grass fires. Fire officials did respond to a house fire Friday night around 11:30 p.m. called in by a passerby who could see flames coming from the residence in the 1500 block of S.W. 2nd Avenue.
The occupants were not home at the time, according to reports. A Mineral Wells police officer was first to arrive on the scene, and reportedly kicked in a door to look for anyone inside.
Fire officials saved a dog from the house.
A report said it appeared the fire started outside the residence, went up a wall to the roof, and then entered the structure. The fire was contained to a portion of the house and the estimated structure and personal belongings losses were estimated at $5,000.
The occupants were asked about smoking and discarding cigarettes near the porch area, where two mattresses were stacked.
Fire officials said the cause remained under investigation. No injuries were reported.
River shooting probe continues
Palo Pinto County Sheriff Ira Mercer said his department is continuing its investigation into a June 26 shooting incident on the Brazos River in the Fortune Bend area.
“We have one more witness to track down,” said Mercer.
He said once complete the case would be forwarded to District Attorney Mike Burns for further action.
“That’s the normal course of action,” said Mercer.
The incident involves a report that someone shot at people on an airboat as it traveled along the river. The incident was reported around 9 p.m. that evening. A Possum Kingdom businessman was one of the people on the boat. According to the report, a firearm was discharged in the direction of the boat. No one was reported struck.
Arrests
Mineral Wells police reported making the following arrests:
• Justin Bryan Haygood, 32, of Mineral Wells, was arrested Friday for driving while intoxicated.
• Estelle Valensuela, 46, of Mineral Wells, was arrested Friday for failure to drive in a single lane.
• Curtis Bryan Howell, 42, of Mineral Wells, was arrested Saturday for public intoxication.
• Stephanie Ann Montes, 25, of Mineral Wells, was arrested Saturday for no driver’s license.
• Jacoby Henry Ragle, 18, of Poolville, was arrested Sunday for littering when he reportedly was seen throwing a lit cigarette onto a street.
• Shawn William Christy, 18, of Mineral Wells, was arrested Sunday for public intoxication.
• Lometa Pauline Meredith, 45, of Mineral Wells, was arrested Sunday on a Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office warrant for theft.
• Thomas Lee Clark Jr., 24, of Mineral Wells, was arrested Sunday on Mineral Wells warrants for no driver’s license and open container.
• Dwayne Wooten, 31, of Mineral Wells, was arrested Sunday on three traffic warrants for speeding, no insurance and driving while license invalid.
• Carl Dan Fairley Jr., 24, of Mineral Wells, was arrested Sunday for public intoxication.
• David Ray Bell, 48, of Mineral Wells, was arrested Sunday fleeing from an officer and reckless driving.
• Sandra Lee Brannon, 44, of Mineral Wells, was arrested Monday on Mineral Wells warrants for no seatbelt and unrestrained child.
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