What the Neighbors Are Talking About
A look at what's making news just over the county line.
Hallettsville Tribune-Herald
• What began as a routine traffic stop for a basic moving violation in the 200 block of Hallettsville’s W. Fourth St. ended with an overnight stay and four alleged felonies for one 31-year-old man on Monday, Jan. 31. During their subsequent investigation, police said they discovered the driver was reportedly in possession of what they believed was methamphetamine. Officers attempted to place the suspect in custody on the drug possession charge, but that’s when officers say a scuffle ensued between the arresting officer and the man they pulled over, who then reportedly tried to run from police. Soon, additional officers and patrol units joined in the pursuit, and they eventually caught the suspect a short while later and placed him under arrest. Lloyd Nkemakolam, 31, of Flatonia was transported to the Lavaca County Jail, where he was booked at 11:15 a.m. Monday, Jan. 31, on four felony counts, including arrest of a public servant, resisting arrest, controlled substance possession in a drug-free zone, and evading arrest. He remained in custody as of early Tuesday, in lieu of $120,000 bail.
Giddings Times & News
• Two male drivers were arrested after being caught speeding while racing each other at speeds that eventually reached over 95 miles per hour. DPS Trooper Roby Pennartz observed two pickups traveling at a high rate of speed on Hwy. 290 at 12:13 a.m. on Jan. 29. The first pickup was being operated by 22-year-old Mark Jayro Guerrero of Houston. The second truck was being operated by 18-year-old Ty Daniel Mueller of Bastrop.
• A tractor and more than 40 bales of hay were destroyed by fire Saturday shortly before 3 p.m. on the L.A. Zoch “No Joke Zoch Ranch” five miles north of Giddings on FM 141. A fire of undetermined origin broke out at the hay bale pen and quickly spread to a nearby tractor and shredder, before moving into some dry grass as it moved toward the single-wide mobile belonging to L.A. Zoch. It got close enough to the mobile home that it melted the siding and caused smoke damage to the furniture inside the house.
The Bellville Times
• A nine-year-old boy was struck by a train Sunday, Jan. 30, and had non-life-threatening injuries. According to the Bellville Police report, at approximately 7 a.m., a nine-year-old boy was standing near the train tracks in Bellville and was struck by a train. Prior to the incident, the engineer observed the juvenile and began to activate the brakes. The train was not at full speed, and was traveling slow.
• Two men were arrested and charged after a “shots fired” was called in at 7:02 p.m. from The Hill, Located at 758 W. Main St. in Bellville. Law Enforcement arrived on scene to learn that the shooter had fled the scene. The shooter was later found at his residence in Bellville by Bellville Police and Department of Public Safety. The alleged shooter was identified as Charles Dean Olsen, 62. Olsen was arrested and charged with Deadly Conduct. The second subject Ian Neasham, 19, was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana and Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon. The shots fired incident took place after a verbal and physical exchange outside of the restaurant between the two subjects and an additional third party.