Crime
54-year-old Vernon Johnson killed in shooting started by argument, suspect in custody
Temple, Texas – The Temple Police Department has identified the victim and suspect involved in a fatal shooting that occurred on Wednesday night.
On October 9th, around 7:20 PM, police responded to reports of a shooting in the 700 block of Luna Lane. Upon arrival, officers discovered one person suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following an investigation, police determined that the victim, Vernon Johnson, 54, had entered his neighbor’s backyard and engaged in an argument with the suspect, David Tate, 52.
During the altercation, Tate shot Johnson multiple times.
Johnson was transported to the hospital in critical condition but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Tate has been arrested on charges of murder.
An autopsy has been ordered by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences.
Police confirm that no other injuries were reported and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.