Press Releases

AUSTIN – The Texas Rangers have made an arrest in a 42-year-old cold case. On April 13, 2023, the Rangers arrested 68-year-old Larry Allen West for the murder of 18-year-old Carol Joyce Deleon. He was taken into custody at his residence in San Antonio. West was linked to the killing through new evidence in the case that was subjected to Advanced DNA testing under the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) program which is funded by the Department of Justice/ Bureau of Justice Assistance (DOJ/BJA). 

AUSTIN – Today the state senate reconfirmed Chairman Steven P. Mach to the Public Safety Commission (PSC).

AUSTIN – Three of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted offenders are back in custody following their arrests last month. Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Santos Ramirez was arrested March 16, Eduardo Castrillo was arrested March 28, and Derwin Arline was arrested March 30. A Crime Stoppers reward was paid in Ramirez’s arrest.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is cracking down on fraudulent vehicle inspections and inspectors through an operation it launched in August 2022 called “Operation Cinderblock”.  This regulatory and criminal operation focuses on vehicle inspection stations and inspectors who were potentially “clean scanning” vehicles instead of conducting the required emissions test during the inspection process.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added Cesar Soto-Bolanos, of Edinburg, to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders List. Crime Stoppers is now offering a cash reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to his arrest. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Senate confirmed Larry Long as the fifth member of the Public Safety Commission (PSC). The confirmation follows Long’s appointment by Texas Governor Greg Abbott last month. His term will expire on Jan. 1, 2028.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding everyone of some simple tips to help keep all Texans safe this spring break. Now through March 19, the Texas Highway Patrol is increasing its presence on the roads as part of a spring break and St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign. Troopers will be out looking for people who are violating traffic laws as part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort).

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging Texans to avoid traveling to Mexico during spring break, and beyond, due to the ongoing violence throughout that country.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender Salomon Marquez is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $4,000 during the month of March if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – Two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted offenders are back in custody. Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Marlon Washington was arrested February 8. Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender Jerry Neiss was arrested February 13. No Crime Stoppers reward will be paid in either arrest.

AUSTIN – The Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC) along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw presented three Lifesaving Awards and a Medal of Merit at the PSC meeting on Thursday, Feb. 16, at DPS Headquarters in Austin.

AUSTIN – Super Bowl LVII features the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, but everyone can be a MVP by making safety their number one game plan on Super Bowl Sunday. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds football fans, and anyone out on the roads, to please drive responsibly.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender John Ashley has been named this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $3,000 if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added Zaed Rashid to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to Rashid’s arrest. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is pleased to announce that in 2022, it had the highest number of Most Wanted Offenders captured in a single year since the program’s inception in 1993. Last year DPS, in cooperation with state, federal, local, and Mexican authorities,* captured a record 72 fugitives and sex offenders. That is more than double the previous record set the year prior.