More Details Emerge in New Year’s Shooting

College Station City Council Receives An Annual Report From The Emergency Management Office

The College Station city council’s meeting before Thanksgiving (November 25) included an annual report on activity in the city’s emergency management office. Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the November 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting. That function is administered through the College Station fire department. The report was presented by fire chief Richard Mann and emergency management coordinator Tradd Mills. Their presentation covered their involvement with the Community Emergency Operations Center, which is a joint effort with the city of Bryan, Brazos County, and Texas A&M. There was also discussion with the council about working with community based organizations about finding locations of heating and cooling centers during extreme weather. The council also learned of assisting the Texas A&M system department of emergency management during Hurricane Beryl and last June’s international soccer match and George Strait concert at Kyle Field. In response to council questions, members were told the office has the resources its needs and the biggest concern is responding to active shooter situations. Click below to hear comments from the November 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting. Listen to “College Station city council receives an annual report from the emergency management office” on Spreaker.

Three Arrests From Two Gunfire Incidents On Wednesday

Bryan police respond Wednesday night (November 27) to a fifth report of gunfire in six days. Two men were arrested on charges of deadly conduct after witnesses said each man fired three shots into the air outside the Camber Villa apartments at Villa Maria and Nash. The arrest reports do not say if anyone or anything was struck. One of the two men who was arrested, 27 year old Benjamin Farrington, lives at the complex. Also arrested was 20 year old Dillon Orosco of Bryan. Orosco is out of jail after posting a $15,000 dollar bond. Farrington, who was also charged with possessing THC, methamphetamine, and marijuana, remained in jail as of November 29th in lieu of bonds totaling $37,000 dollars. Multiple College Station police officers and Brazos County sheriff’s deputies respond Wednesday morning around 8:30 (November 27) to reports of gunfire and a big fight in the neighborhood off of Wellborn Road and south of Fitch. A CSPD arrest report does not say if anyone or anything was struck. There was one arrest. 39 year old Derrick Matthews of College Station admitted to firing one shot according to the CSPD arrest report. Matthews, who was taken to jail for discharging a firearm inside the city limits, was released after posting a $15,000 dollar bond.

Brazos County Commissioners Hear From More Opponents To The “Inner East Loop” Highway

Brazos County commissioners continue to hear opposition to the future inner loop highway around the east side of Bryan and College Station. Four landowners in the possible path of the highway spoke at Tuesday’s meeting (November 26). Kyle Greenwood of the group “East Loop Opposition Council” said their 800 members are against any new highway. Greenwood also asked for a 90 day pause on the official study. County judge Duane Peters said he is “fairly confident” that the delay will be granted. Another opponent, Tommy Reed, said the loop “would destroy the very fabric” of the land his family has owned for nearly 200 years. Recently retired Bryan city secretary Mary Lynne Stratta said three of the proposed routes will come within 100 yards of the rocking chair on her back porch. She said the highway “will destroy” the peace and quiet and the wildlife. The fourth speaker, John Book, said “the issues we’re facing in this county are not going to be solved by (an) east loop.” The loop is part of the next transportation plan from the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization (MPO). That’s on the agenda for the next MPO board meeting, which is next Wednesday morning (December 4). Click below to hear comments from the November 26, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting. Listen to “Brazos County commissioners hear from more opponents to the "Inner East Loop" highway” on Spreaker.