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.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man was taken into custody Saturday afternoon following a shooting inside the Austin Central Library that left one person seriously injured and prompted a large emergency response and temporary shelter-in-place order in the downtown area.
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), officers responded shortly after 12:00 p.m. to reports of gunfire inside the Austin Central Library, located at 710 W. César Chávez Street.
Upon arrival, police and Austin-Travis County EMS units found one victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
The individual was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.
Assistant Police Chief Lee Rogers stated during a press briefing that the shooter fled the scene before officers arrived.
After an extensive search, the suspect—identified as 55-year-old Harold Newton Keene—was located and arrested in South Austin at approximately 1:25 p.m.
The library was safely evacuated, and the shelter-in-place alert was lifted shortly after Keene’s apprehension.
Authorities emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident involving only one suspect and one victim.
“This was not an active shooter situation,” Rogers confirmed.
Preliminary reports and public records reveal that Harold Newton Keene has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple arrests for assault, family violence, terroristic threats, burglary, drug possession, and evading arrest.
He is described by law enforcement officials as a habitual violent offender who has had numerous prior run-ins with police.
Records indicate Keene was previously arrested for threatening a man with a firearm several months ago and, in a separate incident, assaulted another inmate while in custody at the Travis County Jail.
In both cases, prosecutors later declined to pursue charges.
Authorities have not yet released a possible motive for the shooting or confirmed whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
The Austin Police Department’s Major Crimes Division is leading the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Austin Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.