HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston police are asking for the public’s help to identify a man who has sexually assaulted five women inside their apartments on the city’s northwest side.
On Friday afternoon, HPD released video of the suspect just hours after the latest attack at 5454 W. Gulf Bank.
According to police, he has targeted five female residents at four apartment complexes in the greater Inwood area since Aug.14. The following three attacks each happened a week apart on Oct. 9, Oct. 17, and Oct. 24. The fifth was on Friday around 7:30 a.m.
Sometimes he gained entry into the victim’s apartment through an unblocked door, police said. Once he was waiting for his victim to come home. In three attacks, he forced his way in and was armed with a gun and wearing a ski mask.
The four other attacks happened at 5454 West Gulf Bank, 5300 West Gulf Bank, and 5350 West Gulf Bank.
Friday morning, his face was not concealed. A security camera captured him walking between apartments and then running from one.
HPD described the suspect only as a Black male in his 20s.
Anyone with information on his identity or whereabouts is urged to contact HPD Special Victims Division at 713-308-1180 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — New arson charges have been filed against a suspect who is accused of setting a three-alarm fire to a warehouse where a Houston Fire Department firefighter died and another was injured in east Houston late Wednesday evening.
The Houston Fire Department Arson Bureau announced 1st-degree arson charges against a 38-year-old who they determined purposefully ignited the vacant building fire on Polk Street near Wayside Driver just before 11 p.m.
Fire officials said firefighter Marcelo ‘Ox’ Garcia III responded to the scene with HFD, where a second alarm was called for before a mayday call was activated when a wall collapsed, killing the 42-year-old.
HFD said that another firefighter was injured and didn’t sustain serious injuries, but Garcia was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Garcia served with the department for 10 years and spent the last six years on the southeast side at Station 23 on Lawndale Street.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office will continue the investigation.
“This charge is the first step in a long healing process for the firefighters of this city,” HFD Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said. “I want to extend my personal gratitude to our Arson Bureau, the Houston Police Department, and the METRO police department for their collaboration on this investigation.”
Houston fire officials said the suspect is not in custody as of Saturday morning.
The top college football teams in the country now know exactly where they stand heading into Week 11 of the season after the sport’s first edition of the 12-team playoff rankings were released this week.
While many fans are still working to understand how the automatic qualifiers will function, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum tells ABC13 in an extended interview that the perceived power conferences after realignment have proven to be exactly that.
“The tree-top story was the Big 10 and the SEC. We knew they were the power brokers, but four teams seems to be the magic number for both conferences. They’re pretty much dominating the 12-team playoff,” Finebaum said.
The SEC this weekend will see two games pitting college football playoff contenders against each other, starting with No. 3 Georgia at No. 16 Ole Miss (2:30 PM, ABC13) and the perennial showdown between No. 11 Alabama and No. 15 LSU on Saturday night in Baton Rouge (6:30 PM, ABC13).
“We have rarely, if ever, had a game this important between these two teams at this point in the year,” Finebaum said of the matchup in Tiger Stadium. “The fact that the loser between Alabama and LSU is out of the playoff, it just gives this an even more premium feeling. It’s going to be a feverish atmosphere.”
Finebaum also weighed in on the merits of No. 5 Texas (vs. Florida, 1130AM on ABC13), the pressure on Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin against Georgia, and the SEC’s announcement surrounding the fake injury controversy swirling in the conference.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A METRO driver was stabbed during some sort of altercation on the bus Friday morning on the northwest side, authorities told ABC13.
Numerous police cars were spotted just before 8 a.m. at the scene along Highway 249 and Gessner, near Willowbrook Mall.
According to a METRO spokesperson, the bus driver, a woman, suffered injuries to her hand, head, and shoulder. She was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
It wasn’t immediately known if the alleged attacker was a passenger or someone else.
The suspect ran away, but was later taken into custody by police.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We started off Friday messy with scattered showers moving through SE Texas. More scattered showers will be expected into the afternoon and evening with isolated storms also possible. Overnight tonight, we are expecting a weak cool front to move in which should draw in a broken line of showers and storms. This line should pretty much be east of SE Texas by about 9-10 am Saturday morning. Scattered rain is still possible behind the front Saturday.
When can we expect temperatures to really cool off again?
There is another Pacific front coming through Texas this weekend, but we have to wait until after the weekend to get a more significant dose of cooler air back in Southeast Texas. Our next cold front is penciled in for Wednesday of next week, and that one should drop lows into the 50s and highs into the 70s, which is fairly typical for November.
What can we expect for the weekend?
Rain chances will increase to 60% Friday night as the next Pacific cool front blows in. Temperatures will start in the mid 60s and warm into the upper 70s on Saturday with rain chances dropping from 40% in the morning to just 20% during the afternoon. Sunday’s rain chance holds at 20% with a similar temperature range.
What are you tracking in the tropics?
Rafael is still a hurricane over the Gulf of Mexico as it tracks westward over the open water. It still looks like conditions remain hostile for Rafael in the Gulf, so we anticipate weakening as it tracks toward the Bay of Campeche. No impacts are expected here in SE Texas except for possibly elevated surf and increased rip currents. Head to our daily Tropical Update page for a complete look at what we’re covering in the tropics.
For Houstonians looking to exploit this time of “thanksgiving” with their loved ones, here are three festive things to do in Houston this weekend.
Catrina Fina and Mariachi Festival – Sunday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m.
This free event features the screening of the “La Catrina” documentary. Catrinas are a significant part of Mexican culture. Learn more about it and feel welcome to wear your catrina attire. The event will take place at Teatro: Talento Bilingue Houston.
Myths and Leyendas – Sunday, Nov. 10
This free festival by the Museum of Fine Arts returns for a third time to highlight Latin American culture and art. Guests will be treated to food, live music, and dance performances on the Brown Foundation, Inc. Plaza as MFAH features new, temporary large-scale sculptures by six Houston Latinx artists. The event runs from 1 to 5 p.m.
Experience the Winter Lantern Festival at the Houston Botanic Garden
At the Houston Botanic Garden, the “Radiant Nature” Winter Lantern Festival running from Nov. 8, 2024 – Feb. 23, 2025, lights up the holiday season with a breathtaking display of Chinese-inspired lanterns and light installations. Expect a life-sized Chinese palace, a stunning floral tunnel, an interactive dragon, and an iridescent dome. This festival blends cultural beauty with the festive spirit, creating an enchanting holiday experience. Tickets available online.
Make memories with these festive events and celebrate the season in style.
Por Nicole Cordero, vicepresidenta de Asuntos Comunitarios y Marketing, Los Defensores El poder de contribuir a la comunidad radica en nuestra capacidad de generar cambios significativos y ayudar a quienes más lo necesitan. El lanzamiento a nivel nacional de la iniciativa comunitaria “Siempre Contigo” de Los Defensores traerá este impacto transformador a las comunidades desfavorecidas de Houston al abordar necesidades críticas como la inseguridad alimentaria y la igualdad social. Al invertir en organizaciones locales y empoderar a las personas, la iniciativa tiene como objetivo crear un cambio positivo y duradero que fortalecerá a la comunidad y abrirá nuevas oportunidades de crecimiento y prosperidad.
Es por eso que estoy especialmente orgullosa de anunciar el lanzamiento de nuestra iniciativa comunitaria “Siempre Contigo”, la cual refleja nuestro compromiso inquebrantable de apoyar a nuestras comunidades en tiempos de necesidad. A través de esta iniciativa, estamos formando una alianza con el Banco de Alimentos de Houston y la Fundación BakerRipley. Ambas organizaciones tienen como objetivo abordar la inseguridad alimentaria y satisfacer diversas necesidades de la comunidad en el área de Houston.
Nuestra iniciativa comunitaria “Siempre Contigo” se basa en una idea simple pero poderosa: somos más fuertes juntos. Ya sea que estemos abordando la inseguridad alimentaria o defendiendo la justicia social, el trabajo que hacemos no se trata solo de brindar alivio inmediato. Se trata de empoderar a las familias y las personas con las herramientas que necesitan para construir futuros más brillantes.
Alianza con líderes locales para combatir la inseguridad alimentaria
Houston es una ciudad con una población hispana vibrante y en crecimiento, pero también es un centro de marcadas desigualdades. La inseguridad alimentaria, en particular, sigue siendo un problema imperioso para muchas familias, ya que uno de cada cinco hogares de Houston carece de acceso confiable a comidas nutritivas. El Banco de Alimentos de Houston ha sido durante mucho tiempo un pilar en la lucha contra el hambre y, con nuestro apoyo, pretendemos extender su alcance aún más a las comunidades que más lo necesitan.
A través de la iniciativa comunitaria “Siempre Contigo”, nuestra contribución al Banco de Alimentos de Houston apoyará directamente a programas que alimentan a las familias y ofrecen educación sobre nutrición y salud. Queremos asegurarnos de que ningún niño se vaya a dormir con hambre y que las familias que luchan por llegar a fin de mes tengan un lugar al que acudir en busca de ayuda.
Apoyo a la igualdad social y el empoderamiento comunitario
Además de luchar contra el hambre, estamos comprometidos a abordar los problemas socioeconómicos que afectan desproporcionadamente a nuestra comunidad. La Fundación BakerRipley ha sido líder en la creación de vías hacia la oportunidad económica y el compromiso cívico para las poblaciones más desatendidas de Houston. Al asociarnos con ellos, estamos trabajando para apoyar iniciativas que brindan capacitación laboral, emprendimiento, asistencia legal y recursos educativos, servicios que son fundamentales para romper los ciclos de pobreza e injusticia que enfrentan tantas personas en nuestra comunidad.
Las subvenciones que estamos brindando a estas organizaciones son solo el comienzo. Vemos esto como una inversión a largo plazo en la comunidad de Houston, que crecerá a medida que profundicemos nuestras relaciones y sigamos encontrando nuevas formas de apoyar a los necesitados.
Por qué es importante contribuir
La iniciativa comunitaria “Siempre Contigo” es nuestra promesa a la comunidad de Houston de que siempre estaremos allí, a su lado y contribuiremos de maneras significativas. Al mirar hacia el futuro, invitamos a otros a unirse a nosotros en este trayecto de donación, ya sea a través del voluntariado, donaciones o simplemente compartiendo las historias de quienes nos inspiran. Juntos, podemos seguir construyendo un legado de fortaleza, resiliencia y compasión que llevará a nuestra comunidad hacia adelante para las generaciones venideras.
President Joe Biden said “you can’t love your country only when you win” in his first speech since Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to former President Donald Trump in the presidential race.
“You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree,” Biden said in an address to the nation from the White House Rose Garden on Thursday.
Biden said he’s directed his administration to work with Trump’s team for a peaceful transition of power.
“Something I hope we can do, no matter who you voted for, is see each other not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans. Bring down the temperature,” Biden said.
He also stressed the integrity of the election, calling it honest, fair and transparent.
“The will of the people always prevails,” he said.
WATCH: Joe Biden’s full speech
President Joe Biden said “you can’t love your country only when you win” in his first speech since Vice President Kamala H…Show more
Biden praised his vice president for running “an inspiring campaign.”
“She has great character, true character. She gave her whole heart and effort, and she and her entire team should be proud of the campaign they ran,” he said.
Biden also defended some of his actions in office, saying, “We’re going to see over a trillion dollars’ worth of infrastructure work done, changing people’s lives in rural communities and communities that are in real difficulty, because it takes time to get it done.”
“We’re leaving behind the strongest economy in the world,” Biden added.
“I know people are still hurting,” he said, but added, “Together, we’ve changed America for the better.”
“Setbacks are unavoidable, but giving up is unforgivable,” Biden said in his closing message to Americans.
“We’re going to be OK, but we need to stay engaged. We need to keep going,” he added. “And above all, we need to keep the faith.”
Biden said in a statement on Wednesday that adding Harris to his 2020 Democratic ticket was the first and “best decision” he made in that campaign.
“Her story represents the best of America’s story,” Biden said, adding, “I have no doubt she’ll continue writing that story.”
His statement made no mention of Trump, the former Republican president and now president-elect, who will bookend Biden’s sole term in office.
Biden and Harris have both spoken to Trump on the phone to congratulate him.
Harris in a speech on Wednesday conceded the race to Trump.
Harris stressed, “While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign.”
“This is not a time to throw up our hands, this is a time to roll up our sleeves. This is a time to organize, to mobilize and to stay engaged for the sake of freedom and justice and the future that we all know we can build together,” she said.
Trump won the swing states of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin and Michigan. ABC News has not projected winners for the final two swing states, Nevada and Arizona.
Republicans also took control of the Senate. Results for the House of Representatives are not yet clear.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Houston firefighter died while battling a fire at a warehouse in east Houston overnight.
Fire officials said a wall collapsed, killing the 42-year-old firefighter and injuring another.
The fire broke out at a warehouse on Polk Street near Wayside Drive just before 11 p.m. Wednesday and escalated very quickly.
Shortly after firefighters arrived, they called for a second alarm, and then, there was a mayday call after a wall collapsed.
Officials said one of the firefighter’s injuries weren’t severe, but the other firefighter, identified as Marcelo Garcia, was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Garcia had been with HFD for 10 years and spent the last six years at Station 23 on Lawndale Street on the southeast side.
“You’re asking what type of man he was. He was a man who woke up every morning to come to work so he could help others and save lives. A hero, a true hero,” Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said.
“Firefighter Garcia left this morning expecting a good day, a hard day, a dangerous day, but he did expect to go home,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said. “I met him recently. Good looking, 42-year-old, young man with his life in front of him.”
City leaders are asking for prayers for Garcia’s family and his colleagues, some of whom had to pull him out of the warehouse.
“Here and out at the station still, it’s a very sad day for the Houston Fire Department. We mourn together, we pray together, but more importantly, we honor our brother and his life, we honor it together,” said Patrick “Marty” Lancton with the Houston Firefighter’s Union.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames. Daylight video from the scene shows the charred building.
The investigation into what exactly sparked the flames is ongoing.
Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz said the warehouse was vacant. A man who works nearby told ABC13 he occasionally sees people working out of the building.
