Giddings Teen Accidentally Shoots Himself While Sleeping
Giddings Times & News
• A 911 call was received by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office on May 9 at 5:45 p.m. regarding an accidental shooting at a residence in the 700 block of S. Williamson St. in Giddings. It was reported by one family member that a 15-year-old male was sleeping when a loaded handgun inside his pocket accidentally discharged, shooting him in the leg. The juvenile was transported to St. Mark’s to treat the non-life-threatening injury.
• Lee County Justice of the Peace Michael York used his version of “shock treatment” to impress upon a local 17-year-old the consequences of drinking and driving. The young man was allegedly “under the influence” after being involved in a traffic accident. As part of his conviction, the young man was required to write a story detailing the wreck and also write his own obituary. The obituary was read out loud by the young man at a meeting in the Lee County Courthouse. Judge York had asked him to bring at least six people to the meeting and the judge asked six people in the community who would have to go to a fatal traffic accident in Lee County to attend the meeting.
• Two county volunteer fire departments were paged out on May 4 at 11:33 p.m. to battle a structure fire that had reportedly been intentionally set, trapping a Dime Box man inside of a burning mobile home. The resident, Tyreese Patterson, was sleeping in the back bedroom of the mobile home when he smelled smoke and then saw the trailer starting to catch on fire. He reportedly used a brick to break the window to escape. It was later reported that one of Tyreese’s former friends and acquaintance, Gregory Lockett, 59 of Burton, had allegedly started the fire intentionally. Lockett was found near the home and was booked into the Lee County Jail and was charged with arson and criminal trespassing.
The Gonzales Inquirer
• The Gonzales Police Department has received a complaint from the Gonzales Little League board of directors regarding the alleged embezzlement of funds by a now former board member from the youth sports organization. No charges have been filed and no arrests have been made. As of now, there is one suspect. The amount of the alleged theft will not be known until the audit is completed. Dane King, the board’s new vice-president said the board is in possession of a signed confession regarding the embezzlement of league funds.
Burleson County Tribune
• A Caldwell Junior High School student was arrested on Monday after authorities say the student brought a loaded handgun to campus. Around 10:30 a.m., Caldwell ISD officials and a school resource officer with the Burleson County Sheriff’s Office were notified that a 13-year-old student was possibly in possession of a firearm. The Sheriff’s Office said the student was located on school property and was being escorted to the office for further investigation when he began to run towards the exit. The student was grabbed by another Caldwell ISD student before reaching the door. The school resource officer found a loaded 9mm pistol in the student’s waistband. The gun had ammunition in the magazine, but there was no bullet in the chamber.
The Brenham Banner-Press
• On May 4 all eyes were on Brenham ISD as a story of grit and perseverance aired across the country, highlighting one of the many hard-working teachers within the school district. The Today Show with Hoda and Jenna gave national viewers a little slice of Brenham. The NBC Today Show flew Jenna Bush Hager from New York City to surprise Wanda Smith live on air. Smith started her journey with Brenham ISD as a custodian, bus monitor, paraprofessional and worked her way up to become a teacher. Smith was also surprised with a scholarship in her name, a bench dedicated to her, and a trip for two to the Bahamas. Also on the show, the pair sampled Blue Bell ice cream, Independence Coffee, and hosted a live segment featuring LJ’s BBQ and music from Beau Hinze and the Backporch Shufflers.