Suspects Killed During Police Chase. Irving police officers spotted a stolen car at 2 a.m. and tried to get the driver to pull over. Instead, the suspect sped away from the 3200 block of North Belt Line Road. Officers gave chase. The vehicle lost control near the ramp onto Woodall Rodgers from Interstate 35E and flew off the road, killing the four people inside. An Irving police spokesman called it a “tragic event” but said the department allows its officers to give chase. Dallas banned chasing more than 15 years ago; many of the suburban departments still allow it.
Paxton Sues Denton Over Weed. The Texas Attorney General sued the cities of Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos “for adopting amnesty and non-prosecution policies that violate Texas laws.” Paxton, who has yet to stand trial on charges that he committed securities fraud in violation of federal and state law, alleges the cities are “run by pro-crime extremists.” Voters in Denton passed a proposition to decriminalize marijuana, and the other cities have similar ordinances on the books.
Straw Votes Signal Appetite to Boost Parks Funding in Bond. A marathon meeting on Wednesday ended with straw votes in favor of streets and park funding in this year’s bond package. City staff recommended $500 million for streets, $284 million for parks, and $100 million for housing. Housing advocates had pushed for double that number, but it seems the Council is leaning more conservative; it’s the first time Dallas has ever borrowed in a bond to boost housing availability.
Author
