Celebrating 126 Years of Serving the communities of Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Bigfoot, and Moore in Medina, Frio, and Atascosa Counties
On Sunday, August 27, 2023 at 1600 hours Hondo Police Department Patrol Officers were dispatched to Medina Regional Hospital after an adult male and adult female arrived with apparent stab wounds.
Continue reading “Two in Critical Condition after horrible stabbing”
PRESS RELEASE by Mark Haby, Medina County Criminal District Attorney
A 19-YEAR-OLD SAN ANTONIO MAN WAS SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS IN PRISON FOR THE MURDER OF ELIJAI ALTON CHANDLER AFTER A MEDINA COUNTY JURY REJECTED HIS CLAIM OF SELF-DEFENSE.
Jeremiah Jordan Brown
Jeremiah Jordan Brown, who was 17 at the time of the murder, was with the 24-year-old victim during a shooting at an East-Side Valero Gas station in the early hours of February 6th, 2022, in which one man was wounded and taken to the hospital, though he did survive his injuries. Brown and the victim immediately fled the area until they found a dark service road in Castroville, Texas, where they then attempted to dispose of and bury the gun used in that earlier shooting.
Testimony from the forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy revealed that the victim had been shot in the head seven times with no evidence of defensive wounds. Brown fled the scene in the victim’s car, taking the gun with him and ultimately disposing of it, resulting in additional charges for Tampering with Physical Evidence and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle.
The Texas Rangers were called in to investigate the discovery of the victim’s body, which was found by a hiker less than 100 yards from Highway 90 and just down the hill from the well-known Hillside Boutique & Spa. Through an investigation involving numerous interviews & review of cell phone evidence that lasted more than 30 straight hours, investigators identified Jeremiah Brown as the shooter. Both in his interview with the Rangers, as well as at trial, Brown and his defense team claimed he acted in self-defense, arguing that he was acting in “sudden passion” after seeing his biological sister’s new boyfriend get shot at the San Antonio area gas station. Evidence from Brown’s cell phone, as well as interviews with family members who saw Brown after the shooting, revealed that he sought to avoid being tied to the first shooting, telling others that he didn’t know where the victim was and that he had last seen him when he abandoned him at a convenience store.
After three full days of testimony, the jury deliberated on Brown’s guilt for less than two hours on Friday, August 11th, swiftly rejecting his claim of self-defense. The court immediately moved to the punishment phase, which concluded on Monday, August 14th. Brown was sentenced to 30 years for Murder, 10 years for Tampering with Physical Evidence (the maximum allowed by law), and 2 years for Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle (also the maximum allowed by law). Brown must serve half his sentence before he is eligible for parole.
“Our community has begun to feel the effects of crime spilling over from San Antonio, and this verdict sends a strong message to any would be criminals that they will be held accountable” said District Attorney Mark P. Haby.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christian Neumann & Jeff Diles, while Brown was represented by the Hill Country Regional Public Defender’s Office.
08/07-Information
Officer on duty handled a telephone call asking for a report to be taken about several individuals who had been entering the complainant’s residence while she was sleeping and taking her property. The Officer took the report telephonically and filed the report.
08/07- Welfare Concern
Officer on duty conducted a requested welfare check. Upon arrival at the location contact was made with the subjects who appeared to be safe and voiced no concerns.
08/08- Injury to Elderly
Officer on duty was dispatched to a residence in Natalia. Upon arrival at the location the Officer made contact with the complainant who advised the Officer that the elderly resident had been assaulted by a family member. The Officer took all the information regarding the suspect and took the report.
08/10-Civil Matter
Officer on duty responded to a dispute between a landlord and tenant involving a food stamp card.
08/12-Traffic Control
Officer on duty assisted driver of a broken down truck on the bridge that had been traveling west bound. The Officer arrived at the location and provided traffic control until a tow truck arrived to remove the broken down truck from the bridge area.
08/13-Assist Citizen
Officer on duty was called to provide assistance to a Love’s store employee who had accidentally been locked in the storage room. Upon arrival at the location the Officer was able to get the storage door open and free the employee locked inside without incident.
Monday, August 7
9:15 AM Cpl. Robison / Sgt. D. Lopez – Welfare Check – Lytle VFD (Main St.) Officers responded to a report of a male with mental health issues, he was released to his mother.
11:21 AM Ofc. Diaz / Chief Priest / Sgt. D. Lopez – Mental Health Crisis – Officers responded to a suicidal male, resulting in an emergency detention. The male was transported to University Hospital. De
8:06 PM Ofc. Cortez – Business Alarm – Tots to Teens (19300 Blk. McDonald St.) Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.
10:55 PM Ofc. Cortez / Sgt. Hanson – Assault –Main St.
Officers responded and arrested a 36-year-old male for Assault Family Violence Bodily Injury. The male was taken to the hospital in Jourdanton for arrest clearance for an ongoing medical issue. He was admitted to the hospital, our officers will file a warrant and arrest him later.
Tuesday, August 8
1:34 AM Sgt. Hanson – Suspicious Activity – 15000 Blk. Main St.
Officer responded to a report of a knock on a bedroom window.
10:40 AM Ofc. Diaz / Chief Priest / Sgt. D. Lopez – Funeral Escort – St. Andrew’s Catholic Church (14800 Blk. Main St.) Officers provided a funeral escort.
12:21 PM Ofc. Diaz – Civil Matter – 19200 Blk. D’Hanis St.
Officer responded to speak to a female regarding a civil matter.
12:40 PM Sgt. D. Lopez / Chief Priest – Criminal Trespass Notice / Possible Shop Lifter – HEB Plus (19300 Blk. McDonald St.) Officers responded to a possible shoplifter. A 39-year-old female was issued a criminal trespass warning. The case is under investigation.
1:48 PM Sgt. D. Lopez / Chief Priest – Civil Matter – 16000 Blk. Lake Crest. Officers responded to a civil standby for a property owner posting papers at rental property.
3:50 PM Ofc. Diaz – Theft – HEB Plus (19300 Blk. McDonald St.)
Officer responded to a report of shoplifting. An identified 22-year-old female with a child shoplifted $88 worth of items that were recovered by an employee in the parking lot. The case is under investigation.
7:09 PM Ofc. Cortez – Business Alarm – Tots to Teens (19300 Blk. McDonald St.) Officer responded to an active alarm. The officer was canceled while responding.
7:31 PM Ofc. Cortez – Vehicle Pursuit – 15500 Blk. Main St.
Officer initiated a traffic stop for a speeding black 4-door Audi that fled from the officer. Medina County Sheriff’s Office was notified. The pursuit was cancelled as per policy.
11:29 PM Ofc. Cortez – Suspicious Vehicle – Saddle Ridge Subdivision
Officer responded and identified the occupants of a Ford F-350 sitting in the area.
Wednesday, August 9
6:35 AM Ofc. Diaz – Suspicious Vehicle – Lytle State Bank (14600 Blk. FM 2790) Officer responded to an unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot.
2:48 PM Ofc. Diaz – Damaged Property – John Lott Park (15000 Blk. Adams St.) Officer responded to a report of graffiti in the restroom on a baby changing table. The damage was observed at 9:00 AM on 8/9/2023.
2:59 PM Ofc. Diaz – Traffic Accident – Main St. @ N. Prairie St.
Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
3:05 PM Sgt. D. Lopez / Chief Priest – Residential Alarm – 2000 Blk. Hyde Park, Officers responded to an active alarm. The residence was secure.
5:11 PM Ofc. Diaz – Traffic Accident – Main St. @ Bank St.
Officer responded to a non-injury hit & run accident.
6:30 PM Ofc. Garcia / Ofc. A. Lopez – Talk to Officer –(19000 Blk. IH 35) Officers responded to a report of an unsatisfied customer. The individual left the area before the officer’s arrival.
6:38 PM Ofc. Garcia / Ofc. A. Lopez – Talk to Officer – 19000 Blk. IH 35 Officers spoke to a female regarding an incident that occurred on Old Frio City Rd. outside the city limits of Lytle.
7:01 PM Ofc. Garcia / Ofc. A. Lopez – Talk to Officer – HEB Plus (19300 Blk. McDonald St.) Officers responded to a report of an ATV behind the HEB but were unable to locate it.
8:00 PM Ofc. Garcia – Police Impound – 15000 Blk. Main St.
Officer initiated a traffic stop for no motor vehicle registration sticker on the windshield, which resulted in towing a 2003 Ford Mustang for No registration, no insurance, and no driver’s license.
8:44 PM Ofc. Garcia – Courtesy Ride – 15000 Blk. Main St.
Officer provided a courtesy ride to a stranded female to the Stripes gas station in Lytle.
9:18 PM Ofc. A. Lopez – Vehicle Unlock – 18600 Blk. N. Prairie St.
Officer responded to unlock a 2004 GMC Envoy.
9:27 PM Ofc. Garcia / Ofc. A. Lopez – Suspicious Person – 15000 Blk. Main St. Officers responded to a report of someone yelling in the ditch behind Lytle Tire but were
unable to locate or hear anyone.
Thursday, August 10
2:09 AM Ofc. Garcia / Ofc. A. Lopez – Suspicious Activity – 20200 Blk. IH 35 Officers observed a vehicle parked in the construction area in the dark.
2:20 AM Ofc. A. Lopez / Ofc. Garcia – Welfare Check – 20200 Blk. SB IH 35. Officers responded to a female walking with a baby. Everything was okay.
6:27 AM Ofc. Pena – Suspicious Person – Lytle Elementary School (11500 Blk. Laredo St.). Officer responded to a male lying on the ground but could not locate him.
12:57 PM Ofc. Pena – Residential Alarm – 15900 Blk. Lake Shore Dr.
Officer responded to an active alarm. The home was secure.
7:13 PM Ofc. Garcia / Ofc. A. Lopez – Traffic Accident – 15100 Blk. Norvell St. Officers responded to a three-vehicle with possible injuries accident.
Friday, August 11
1:33 AM Ofc. A. Lopez / Ofc. Garcia – Criminal Trespass – Taco Bell (19500 Blk. IH 35). Officers responded and arrested (39 yr old) for criminal trespass, he was transported to the Atascosa County jail.
1:44 AM Ofc. Garcia – Assist Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office – 20300 Blk. IH 35 Frontage Rd. Officer responded to assist with a suspicious black vehicle at the Oak Creek Home Sales just outside the city limits of Lytle. No vehicles or individuals were located.
12:00 PM Ofc. Diaz / Cpl. Robison – Traffic Hazard – 14600 Blk. Railroad St. Officers responded to a partial trailer frame and axles in the roadway. The officers cleared the road with the help of a passing motorist.
12:25 PM Ofc. Diaz – Theft – 14800 Blk. Harbour St.
Officer received a phone call regarding a stolen Waste Management trash can valued at $50.
1:03 PM Ofc. Diaz – Abandoned Vehicle – 15500 Blk. Main St.
Officer observed an abandoned motorcycle on the side of the roadway.
1:19 PM Ofc. Diaz – Traffic Accident – HEB C-Store (19500 Blk. McDonald St.) Officer responded to a two-vehicle non-injury accident.
2:49 PM Ofc. Diaz / Cpl. Robison – Lost Property – HEB Plus (19300 Blk. McDonald St.) Officers met with a male at the PD that lost his wallet at HEB with $117, his Mexico Driver’s License, and his Mexico Consulate card.
4:35 PM Ofc. Diaz – Vehicle Unlock – HEB Plus (19300 Blk. McDonald St.) Officer responded to unlock a 2016 Dodge Ram pickup.
5:40 PM Ofc. Diaz – Missing Juvenile – Lytle Jr. High (18975 W. Farm to Market 2790 S). Officer responded to the Lytle Jr High for report of a female juvenile who didn’t return home from School. The Juvenile was found by the father at a friend’s house.
6:03 PM Ofc. Cortez – Traffic Accident – Main Street @ Prairie Street
Officers responded to a two-vehicle accident.
8:56 PM Sgt. Gordon Hanson – Commercial Alarm – (Tots to Teens)19300 Blk. McDonald St. Officer responded to an active alarm.
8:47 PM Ofc. John Cortez – Suspicious Person – 15000 Block of Main Street. Officer checked on a male standing in the middle of the roadway. The male was given a courtesy ride back to his residence.
Saturday, August 12
1:11 AM Ofc. Cortez/Sgt. Hanson – Attempted Burglary of a Building / Criminal Mischief – Lytle Self Storage (14640 FM 2790) Officers arrested (51yr old) for Criminal Mischief and
a warrant out of Bexar County for Possession of a Controlled Substance.
9:30 AM – Chief Priest – Suspicious Person/Vehicle – Main @ Davis St.
Officer responded to a suspicious vehicle report, it departed prior to his arrival.
10:16 AM Ofc. Luis Diaz – Criminal Mischief – (Tots to Teens)19300 Blk. McDonald St. Officer responded for report of an unknown male throwing a rock threw a window. The suspect has been identified.
11:44 AM Ofc. Luis Diaz – Follow up – Attempted Burglary of a Building – Lytle Self Storage (14640 FM 2790) Officer followed up on a case from the prior shift.
7:05 PM Ofc. John Cortez – Follow up – Criminal Mischief – 17000 Blk. FM 463
Officer conducted a follow up investigation with a male suspect in reference to the window at the Tots to Teens Dentistry.
11:00 PM Ofc. John Cortez – Traffic Hazard – Newton at Wisdom Road
Officer dispatched to the above area for a downed Power line.
8:45 PM – Sgt. Gordon Hanson – Courtesy Ride – 19561 McDonald Street (HEB C-Store). Officer gave a courtesy ride to a male who was asleep on the sidewalk.
11:36 PM – Sgt. Gordon Hanson – 18000 Blk. of North Prairie Street
Traffic stop resulted in the arrest of (27y/o) for a warrant out of Bexar County. (Assault Family-2nd Offense).
Sunday, August 13
1:37 PM Ofc. Luis Diaz – Traffic Accident – Whataburger – 19561 McDonald St. Officers responded to the above location for a two-vehicle minor accident. No injuries.
3:48 PM Ofc. Luis Diaz – Property Release – Lytle PD -15245 Hester Street. Officer released a bicycle to the owner.
10:16 PM Sgt. Gordon Hanson – Lytle Nursing Home – 15366 Oak Street
Officer responded to a verbal disturbance between a resident and staff.
When Officers Luis Diaz and Sgt. David Lopez found themselves in a very dangerous situation, they did not hesitate to act. Lytle PD received the 9-1-1 call for help on Magnolia Street last Monday morning, August 7th. The call came from a resident who was outside the home, who told police there were two more people barricaded inside with the suspect.
“Upon arrival, they heard a gunshot, and knew there were two innocent people inside, so they went barreling through that door,” Chief Priest said. “We knew there were two innocent people inside, and so it was treated like an active shooter situation. The subject, who does not live at the residence, was barricaded inside the house with a woman and a disabled man who were in a fast-moving hostage situation.”
After forcing their way into the residence, the officers subdued the subject without further gunfire, using a taser, and rescuing the two other occupants. The subject who fired a gun was transported to the hospital.
“There was no long standoff because Officers Diaz and Sgt. Lopez charged in and took care of business. Under a very stressful situation, they just used really good judgment and respect for human life. Incidents like this involving guns can easily turn into a tragedy. This was one of the most critical incidents we have had in the last several years. We invest a lot in training, and this is the reason. It’s for calls like these,” Chief Priest said.
Sgt. Lopez, an Advanced Peace Officer, has served with the LPD for over 10 years, and Officer Diaz has been a peace officer for a little over six years (serving a little over 2 years with LPD).
More commendations
In other commendations, Chief Priest noted that David Lopez helped make possible an exchange of 47 outdated firearms for 14 new handguns, saving the department $12,000.
In July Officer Roger Garcia was making a routine night shift building check when he arrested three people for felony theft.
According to the Medina County District Attorney’s Office, Jeremiah Jordan Brown, 19 of San Antonio, will be tried this week on charges of 1st Degree Murder.
The case stems back to a shooting victim who was found in Medina County on February 6, 2022. According to news reports, a gentleman was walking along Castroville Regional Park trails before he crossed over to what locals call Canal Road, where he sadly stumbled upon a deceased young man near the top of the hill in Castroville. The young man was later identified as Elijai Alton Chandler.
The case was investigated by the Texas Rangers. Brown was indicted for Murder on March 14, and now faces a trial which will be held at Medina County Courthouse Annex.
Law enforcement arrested former Precinct 1 Commissioner Timothy Neuman July 19 on charges of felony fraud and evidence tampering related to recycled metal funds, local media reports.
Neuman, who resigned July 10, citing “personal reasons,” faces charges of misapplication of fiduciary property between $2,500 and $30,000, a state jail felony, and a third-degree felony charge of tampering with evidence, according to KSAT News.
Both Medina County Assistant Criminal District Attorney Margaret Swyers and a representative of the Texas Rangers confirmed to the Devine News that Neuman was under investigation last week.
June 30
22:15PM – Complainant on Hondo Ave called in reference to juvenile female walking near roadway. Officers made contact, female stated she ran away from her house. Given courtesy ride to home.
July 1
12:42PM – Complainant called regarding vehicle debris on Hondo Ave. Roadway was cleared.
23:34PM – Complainant on Teel Dr called in reference to family member following him and wanted to right. Everything appeared okay.
July 2
0:40AM – Officer issued warrant service to female at Teel Dr. Subject jailed.
14:49PM – Officer stopped vehicle on IH 35 N found to have no DL and speeding. Vehicle towed.
19:48PM – Complainant on IH 35 S stated they found 3 bullets in coin machine slot.
July 3
6:13AM – Complainant on Commercial Dr advised a male in wheel chair was in roadway. Male given ride to his residence.
8:57AM – Officer dispatched to Hondo Ave for bailer that had overturned with combine. Moved out of roadway and waited for tow truck to arrive. Assisted with traffic control.
12:00PM – Officer dispatched to Galbreath Ave for criminal trespass. Male subject jailed.
12:01PM – Officer assisted other agency with vehicle driving erratically and speeding at MM 177. Frio dispatch notified.
14:20PM – Officer issued several box fans to residents for Project Breeze.
17:52PM – Complainant on Libold Dr called regarding solicitor. Subject had permit from City of Devine to solicit. All okay.
20:56PM – Officer dispatched to Teel Dr for verbal between male and female. Parties were separated.
21:18PM – Called advised left purse at QuikTrip on 7/1. Purse described as a brown Tory Burch with gold chain which contained a pair of Air Pods, health insurance cards, SS card, Security Service card and six $2 bills.
July 4
1:00AM – Officer dispatched to IH 35 N for minor accident.
11:45AM – Complainant on Bright Dr advised unknown person entered building. Nothing missing. Wanted documentation.
14:28PM – Complainant on Teel Dr advised found men’s bi-fold wallet. 15:32PM Wallet was returned to owner.
19:20PM – Complainant on Hermitage Loop called regarding female asking for help.
19:30PM – Complainant on Colonial Pkwy advised that a male assaulted her. No charges were filed.
20:48PM – Complainant on Jay Dr called regarding fireworks being popped. Subject was advised of City Ordinance.
21:30PM – Complainant on Washington Dr called in reference to male walking around with possible shot gun. Male was located and identified. All okay.
July 5
5:00AM – Late entry occurred on 7/2 at approx. 7733 on traffic stop which resulted in an arrest for possession of controlled substance.
9:30AM – Called on Hondo Ave stated that a male was at her work and refusing to leave.
13:40PM – Officer dispatched to Moore Ave for verbal disturbance between caller and his son.
17:00PM – Complainant on Bright Dr stated she recently purchased property and observed 3 male subjects on property. All males departed scene before officer’s arrival.
17:00PM – Complainant on Bright Dr requested officer check vehicle that was left on property. 2008 Ford F150 reported stolen out of San Antonio. Impounded by Friendly Glenn’s Towing.
22:56PM – Officer dispatched to Ross for major accident. Subject transports to University Hospital.
July 6
0:22AM – Complainant on IH 35 S called in reference to wrecker behind business. Officers made contact with wrecker service who stated they were looking for a vehicle behind on payments.
1:25AM – Officer dispatched to Colonial Pkwy for verbal disturbance between female and her husband. All okay.
5:33AM – Complainant on Teel Dr called in reference to elderly male seen walking. Officer made contact with male and provided courtesy ride to N Transportation.
8:02AM – Complainant on Benton Ave called in reference to small fire from possible fireworks being popped nearby. Did not wish to call fire department and believed fire started from underneath mulch on 7/5.
13:08PM – Complainant on Monticello Circle called in reference to solicitor in area selling books. All okay, has permit.
22:35PM – Complainant on Rosewood stated she heard knocking at front door. Officer made location, it was neighbors looking for their dog.
