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Stafford Police seek information regarding a homicide.

     On December 19, 2011 at approximately 5:21pm, the Stafford Police Department received a 911 call reporting possible shots being fired at the Super 8 Motel located at 12845 FM 1092 in Stafford.  When officers arrived, they discovered a deceased Hispanic male with gunshot wounds in a bottom floor room.  Detectives recovered a surveillance video from the hotel and observed a red two door convertible, possibly a 1997-2000 Chrysler Sebring, pull into the motel and back into a parking space near the victim’s room.  Witnesses told police that two black males exited the vehicle and went into the victims’ room. 
     After approximately two minutes multiple gunshots were heard and the suspects were seen running from the room and getting into the convertible and leaving the scene at a high rate of speed.  The identity of the victim is not being released pending the notification of family.  The Stafford Police Department is asking the public for their help in identifying the suspects in this case.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS or Det. A. Mutchler at 281-261-3950
 

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 ARREST OF SUGAR LAND CAPTAIN MICHAEL LUND

    On October 27, 2011 at approximately 11:35 PM, Stafford Police Department was asked to assist Sugar Land Police Department with traffic control near the scene of a vehicle fire.  Officer Michael Ramirez was assigned to traffic control at the intersection of Dairy Ashford and Highway 90A (South Main).  At approximately 12:13 AM, a vehicle tried to drive through this blocked intersection and Officer Michael Ramirez stopped the vehicle.  Upon contact with the driver, identified as Sugar Land Police Department Captain Michael Lund, the officer determined Lund was intoxicated.  Sugar Land Police Department was contacted and they requested that Stafford Police Department investigate this incident.  Michael Lund was arrested and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail for Driving While Intoxicated.  Lund has posted bond and has been released from Fort Bend County Jail.

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Stafford Police seeks information on Fatality Hit and Run Accident

On the morning of Sunday, September 18, 2011, between the hours of 3 am and 4 am, 39 year old Marla Jo Burkeen from Conroe was struck and killed in the 12400 block of US 59 Feeder Road Northbound next to Texas Instruments in Stafford. Mrs. Burkeen was walking north on the feeder road when police believe that a 2007 or newer Chevrolet or GMC Sport Utility Vehicle or truck struck Burkeen from the back propelling her into the field. An individual driving northbound saw what appeared to be a person lying in the grass and reported it to Texas Instruments Security and a short time later Burkeen’s body was discovered. Burkeen was pronounced dead at the scene by Fort Bend County Death Investigator. Mrs. Burkeen was a mother of five and was a registered nurse. Stafford Police are asking the public for information about the fatal hit and run. Police believe that the suspect vehicle has damage to the front passenger-side headlight area. If you have any information contact Det. Jason Hardin at 281-261-3950 or the Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS (8477)

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Press release - June 14, 2011

Funeral arrangements for Stafford Police Officer Christian Crum

Officer Christian Crum succumbed to injuries sustained in an off-duty motorcycle accident on Sunday, June 12, 2011.  Officer Crum was a 4 year veteran with the Stafford Police Department and served in the United States Navy for 4 years. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 15, 2011, 5pm – 8pm at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, 12555 S Kirkwood Rd, Stafford, TX 77477 (281) 240-3300. 

Funeral Services will take place Thursday, June 16, 2011, 10am at First Colony Church of Christ, 2140 First Colony Blvd. Sugar Land, Texas 77479 (281) 980-7070.

Internment at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077 (281) 497-2330.
All uniformed officers are asked to arrive early Thursday morning. 

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that contributions be made to the USO or any other Military Veterans Support Organization.  

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Press release - May 9, 2011

On March 1, 2011, Stafford Police Department detectives learned that cremated human remains had been abandoned at 1250 FM 2234, Stafford, property vacated by Rylan C. Scott Funeral Home.  With the cooperation of property management personnel, the cremated remains of fifteen people, four of which were children, were recovered and transported to the Stafford Police Department for processing.

Detectives are requesting assistance in locating family members of the following deceased persons in order to properly handle the person's remains:

1.  Rosie Lee Johnson
2.  Bobby J. Jones
3.  Raynor Wyatt (child)
4.  Ayana Etuknwa (child)
5.  Roger Dale Norris
6.  Rabon Smith Sr.
7.  Juanita H. Williams

Family members, or anyone with information, are requested to contact Detective Hardin at the Stafford Police Department, 2702 South Main, 281-208-6991 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

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Press release - December 20, 2010

On Saturday, December 18, 2010, at 2:16 am, Stafford Police Department was notified of a shooting that had occurred at the Stafford Ice House located at 3230 South Main.  When officers arrived they discovered six gunshot victims and one person with severe facial injuries received from a physical altercation.  Two of the shooting victims were pronounced dead at the scene and the other victims were taken to hospitals by LifeFlight and ambulance, two in critical condition.

Preliminary investigation indicates that an argument between family members and associates occurred and one group was ejected from the establishment.  The group that was ejected returned and at least one began shooting as they entered the bar.  The suspects left the scene in a red GMC pickup and a beige Cadillac.  

The investigation is continuing and several persons of interest have been identified.  There is no indication at this time that the incident was related to gang rivalry.

If anyone has information about this crime they are asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 281-342-TIPS or Stafford Detective Mutchler at 281-261-3950.

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Press release - May 3, 2010

Today, May 3, 2010, Mike Melton, former Stafford Fire Chief, plead guilty to sexual assault of a child and received 10 years probation.  Mike Melton was employed by the City of Stafford as full-time fire chief beginning January 29, 2006.  Mike Melton resigned from the City of Stafford February 28, 2007.  Prior to his employment by the City of Stafford and during the time of his criminal conduct, Mike Melton was employed as a captain with Missouri City Fire Department.  His employment with Missouri City began in 1985.  Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victim of his criminal conduct.

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Press release - January 5, 2010

At approximately 10:15PM, Wednesday, December 30, 2009, a group of young people identifying themselves as belonging to a social group called Young Money were celebrating a birthday party at Fuddruckers, 11445 Fountain Lake Dr. in Stafford, when a street gang identified as F.A.B. (Forever About Bread) arrived at the location and confronted members of Young Money.  The altercation escalated into a fight involving as many as thirty people before weapons were drawn and shots were fired.  There were no injuries and the shooter fled prior to officers arriving at the scene.  Investigators have identified the shooter and anticipate obtaining a warrant for his arrest.

Two juveniles and one adult were detained and arrested at the scene for Evading Arrest or Detention.  The juveniles were later released to their parents and the adult was taken to Fort Bend County Jail. 

The motive appears to be prior derogatory text messages and internet postings between the groups and is not related to any other incident.

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Press release - December 11, 2009

On December 11, 2009 at approximately 8:15 am, School Resource Officers with the Stafford Police Department were advised of a stabbing that occurred in the hallway of the Stafford High School.  Officers arrived and arrested 17-year-old Emmanuel J Lopez in the incident.  The investigation revealed that the victim sought out Lopez and confronted him about his relationship with a female acquaintance; an argument ensued and escalated into a physical fight.  During the fight the victim was stabbed several times with a sharpened tool.  School officials separated the two males and held Lopez until Stafford Officers arrived.  The victim was taken by life flight to Hermann Hospital where he is in stable condition. 

There have been no other incidents of this nature in the history of the Stafford Municipal School District. 

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Press release - October 15, 2009

The City was informed last night that the Hobart family plans to file a lawsuit today against the City of Stafford, its Chief of Police and one of its police officers in connection with the death of Aaron Hobart.

Both the City and the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office conducted comprehensive investigations of the facts and circumstances surrounding Mr. Hobart’s death and these investigations were presented to a Fort Bend County Grand Jury.  The City understands the Grand Jury made its own further investigation and this independent body of citizens – a jury - determined the officer’s actions were justified under the deadly circumstances created by Aaron Hobart.

All investigations have revealed that the Hobart family called the Stafford Police Department and requested assistance because both parents realized Aaron Hobart was such a danger to himself, his family and others that his family could no longer control his unpredictable and violent behavior. A police officer responded at the Hobart family’s request. Without any provocation or warning, and within seconds after the officer entered the home, Aaron Hobart charged and viciously attacked the officer.  The officer believed his life was in jeopardy due to Mr. Hobart’s violent and unprovoked assault so the officer fired in self defense to stop Mr. Hobart’s potentially deadly attack. The facts developed during all investigations substantiate the officer’s report and the reasonable basis of his belief that his life was in danger when he fired.  Accordingly, all indications are that the officer's actions were consistent with the state-mandated law enforcement training which all Texas peace officers receive.

While City officials are certainly sympathetic to the Hobart's loss, it was the result of their son's violent attack on the officer.  The City is not aware of any legitimate basis for any claim against it or any of its officials or employees but it will evaluate the lawsuit thoroughly when it has an opportunity to learn of the allegations raised in the complaint.  In light of the circumstances and outcome of the independent investigations which have already been conducted, the City will vigorously defend against any baseless or frivolous claims brought against it or its employees.  

While others may, unfortunately, choose to sensationalize Aaron Hobart’s tragic death in the media and make irresponsible, groundless assertions, the responsibilities of public service and the nature of the litigation process are such that City officials cannot now, and will not likely be in a position to, make any further public statements about this matter until the threatened litigation is resolved.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2009

 
Stafford Police Department STEP Grant Totals $40,000

 

Stafford TX - The Texas Department of Transportation has awarded the Stafford Police Department a $40,000 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant to address:

 

    * Speed limit compliance at selected locations in Stafford

 

The grant period is from Oct. 1 2008, through Sept. 20, 2010.  Speeding continues to be the number one factor contributing to accidents within Stafford.  The police department uses crash data, speed surveys and information supplied by residents to identify those areas where additional enforcement is needed.

Stafford’s latest speed surveys indicate only 15 percent of drivers are obeying posted speed limits at some of the STEP grant’s targeted areas, and compliance is below 40 percent at every targeted area.

In addition to enforcement, Stafford Police will utilize funds to conduct numerous public education events throughout the year and distribute informational material to the public.  Officers are available to make presentations at community meetings or special events.