Crime
Authorities Seek Driver in Fatal Hit-and-Run of 19-year-old Ka’Vontrae Johnson in New Waverly
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or driver involved in the hit-and-run to come forward.
The Huntsville Police Department and the Walker County Sheriff’s Office are urgently seeking information about the driver responsible for a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 19-year-old Ka’Vontrae Johnson.
The tragic incident occurred on January 2, at approximately 3:45 p.m., on the 400 block of West State Highway TX-150, just west of New Waverly.
Ka’Vontrae Johnson was walking home from the library when he was struck by an unidentified vehicle. Instead of stopping to render aid, the driver fled the scene, leaving Ka’Vontrae fatally injured.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but the young man tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Today would have marked Ka’Vontrae’s 20th birthday, adding a somber weight to the grief felt by his family and friends.
His sudden and senseless death has left a community heartbroken, with many calling for justice.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the vehicle or driver involved in the hit-and-run to come forward.
The Huntsville Police Department and Walker County Sheriff’s Office are committed to finding those responsible and holding them accountable for this tragic loss.
“We extend our prayers, condolences, and unwavering support to Ka’Vontrae’s family and friends,” a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said.
“We encourage the public to help amplify awareness of this incident to ensure justice is served.”
If you have any information related to the hit-and-run, please contact:
- Walker County Sheriff’s Office: (936) 435-2400
- Huntsville Police Department: (936) 291-5480
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to local Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-392-7867 or visiting their website.
Ka’Vontrae Johnson’s life was tragically cut short as he walked home from the library—a place of learning and growth.
His loved ones, alongside the community, are united in their plea for answers and justice for a promising young man who was taken far too soon.
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.