Press Releases

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces several changes at key leadership positions within the department. The promotions are a result of the retirement of Lieutenant Colonel Dwight Mathis on Jan. 31, after more than three decades of dedicated service.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Raul Herrera Jr. has been named this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $8,500 if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – Two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted are back in custody following their recent arrests. Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Steven Leifeste was arrested Jan. 26. Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender Kenneth Dove Jr. was arrested Feb. 2. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in either arrest.

WEST TEXAS REGION – During January 2024, as part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) conducted numerous operations throughout the West Texas Region.

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

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is pleased to announce that the Violent Offender Database is now available. This new database launched on December 29, 2023 ― officially going live ahead of its required Jan. 1, 2024, deadline.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol Troopers rescued their 600th child during traffic stops since the implementation of specialized training through the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) Program. The IPC Program began training Troopers in 2009.

AUSTIN – A Texas 10 Most Wanted offender is back in custody after their arrest on Dec. 11, 2023, in the State of Jalisco, Mexico. A Crime Stoppers reward will be paid in this arrest.

AUSTIN – A nearly two-decades old cold case has been solved thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Texas Rangers and local law enforcement. Last month, the 35th Judicial District Court of Mills County convicted Jessie Rodriquez, 41, of attempted aggravated sexual assault, a second-degree felony. Rodriquez received the maximum 20-year prison sentence.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages everyone to put safety at the top of their list this holiday season. The Texas Highway Patrol (THP) will conduct its annual Christmas and New Year’s holiday traffic enforcement campaign beginning Dec. 22 and running through the rest of the year. Troopers will be out on the roads looking for people who are speeding, not wearing their seat belts, driving while intoxicated or committing other traffic violations.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is pleased to announce Bryan Rippee as the new Chief of the Texas Highway Patrol (THP), and Jason Hester as the new Chief of the Infrastructure Operations Division (IOD).

AUSTIN – Three of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted offenders are back in custody following their recent arrests. Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Chad King was arrested Nov. 29. Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders Brandon Luera was arrested Nov. 27 and Lonnie Brown was arrested Dec. 5. Crime Stoppers rewards will be paid in the captures of King and Luera.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commissioned 79 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from recruit class C-2023 during a graduation ceremony on Friday, Dec. 8, which was held at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick gave the keynote address.

AUSTIN – On Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, the Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC), along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw, presented several prestigious awards to DPS personnel, including five Director’s Citations, one Lifesaving Award and a Unit Citation. The Awards were presented at the PSC meeting at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Four Director’s Awards were also given to people outside the department.

DPS’ Office of Inspector General has completed its investigation regarding concerns related to Operation Lone Star, specifically to Shelby Park in Eagle Pass. The investigation over a roughly three-month period included interviews with over 51 individuals, reviewing over 180 gigabits of body worn camera, reports, emails, messages, etc.