NCSO News

Merely refueling her patrol vehicle and buying a drink, an alert deputy sheriff thwarted a theft Friday afternoon at the Allsup’s convenience store on Broadway, Sweetwater.

Two suspects were arrested and taken to the Nolan County jail after a foot pursuit ended in the area of First Street behind the Texas Motor Bank.

On Friday, January 29, 2016, a Nolan County Sheriff’s Deputy noticed a male subject wearing a heavy winter coat that was meandering around inside the store. Just before the deputy could make contact and speak with him, the male subject fled and attempted to enter an awaiting vehicle in the parking lot, but was unsuccessful. The suspect continued to evade, and while trying to re-enter the same awaiting vehicle again, he was quickly stopped by an assisting deputy.

After conducting a roadside investigation, stolen property was recovered and the male subject identified as Louis Castillo, 42 and the driver of the would-be “getaway” vehicle identified as Arnulfo Castillo, 37 were both taken into custody.

On Sunday, January 24, 2016, at approximately 4:30am, a Nolan County deputy stopped a black Dodge RAM 2500 for a minor traffic infraction in Sweetwater. The truck was driven by Gerald Ray Pflueger, of Killeen who was accompanied by Stacy Rains, of Sweetwater. During a roadside investigation, indicators of criminal activity were detected and consent to search the vehicle was attained. During the search, the deputy discovered substances determined to be methamphetamine and heroin as well as paraphernalia used in their consumption.

Pflueger and Rains were placed under arrest and transported to the Nolan County jail where they were charged with the felony offense of manufacture/delivery of methamphetamine. The case will be filed with the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

For Deputies Brandon Johnson, Ricky Garza and Texas Game Warden Jake Simmering:
My family and I were involved in an accident on TX153 on Monday, December 28, 2015. We came across two deputies at the scene that are top notch! These gentlemen were awesome and insured that we were taken care of and helped us get situated in Sweetwater. Thank you, and although we do not know the names of these gentlemen, please know that my family and I greatly appreciate your professionalism and help.

Bobby Head
U.S. Army – 173^rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team

After receiving this letter of commendation, we researched our records to identify the deputies and found them to be Ricky Garza and Brandon Johnson; additionally, Game Warden Jake Simmering was also involved in helping get this family out of the cold to safety.

Teamwork within agencies lead to success!

On Monday, December 21, 2015, shortly after learning that the Garrett’s Convenience store in Sweetwater had been robbed, Nolan County Sheriff’s Office Investigator James Villanueva received a phone call from Officer Jay Strong, of the Merkel Police Department.

Officer Strong notified Investigator Villanueva that he was assisting a Taylor County deputy on a traffic stop at the 270 mile marker on Interstate 20. Information provided by Officer Strong was that after a black sedan had been stopped for a minor traffic infraction, it was found to be stolen, which prompted a roadside investigation. During the investigation, a firearm, a bank bag along with other items were discovered which lead Officer Strong to make contact with Investigator Villanueva.

After working together with the two agencies in piecing together information, Investigator Villanueva contacted Detectives Melinda Garza and Sam Cunningham of the Sweetwater Police Department. Both Detectives were made aware of the traffic stop and evidence that would possibly link the suspects to the Garret’s Convenience store robbery in Sweetwater. Detective Cunningham followed-up on the leads provided, and after conducting interviews with both suspects, he was able to charge Shontyeisha Brock and Salatiel Bell with the felony offense of Aggravated Robbery.

This is definitely another fine example of how teamwork within agencies and awareness lead to success.

1. Do not open carry a handgun if you do not have a handgun license.
2. Handguns must be in a belt holster or shoulder holster.
3. Texas licensed handgun carriers must pass a thorough background check.
4. Texas licensed handgun carriers must take an official handgun licensing course.
5. Texas licensed handgun carriers must pass a shooting proficiency test.
6. Do not conceal carry a handgun onto premises where a proper PC §30.06 sign is posted.
7. Do not open carry a handgun onto premises where a PC §30.07 sign is posted.
8. A PC §30.06 sign prohibits CONCEAL carry on premises but open carry is allowed.
9. A PC §PC 30.07 sign prohibits OPEN carry on premises but conceal carry is allowed.
10. The posting of both PC §30.06 & PC §30.07 signs mean that neither CONCEAL carry NOR OPEN carry are allowed on the premises.
11. If you are asked to leave the premises while carrying a handgun whether open or concealed, immediately leave and DO NOT ARGUE.
12. Do not open carry on college campuses. The “campus carry” law that goes into effect August 1, 2016 for public universities (and August 1, 2017 for public junior and community colleges) will allow permit holders to carry only concealed handguns on campus and into buildings.
13. Do not carry a handgun while intoxicated; call law enforcement if you see a person in a public place who is intoxicated and is open carrying.
14. Call law enforcement if you see a person in a public place that illegally removes their handgun from its holster.
15. Do not call law enforcement only because a person has a handgun legally holstered in public.