A&M Consolidated High School Student Wins $1,000 Scholarship at Crosstown Showdown

A Tarleton State University rodeo athlete was killed during competition last week. Alejandra “Ale” Franco, a sophomore at Tarleton, was competing in breakaway roping Thursday night at a rodeo at Sul Ross State University in Alpine. Witnesses say her horse went out of control and Franco fell. The Tarleton State Rodeo Team announced Franco’s death Friday on Instagram: “Alejandra tragically lost her life yesterday, leaving behind a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.” Officials have not released details about Franco’s injuries. Franco served as a Tarleton Transition Mentor, a student leadership role focused on helping incoming students adjust to university life. Mentors are upperclassmen selected through an application and interview process and trained for weeks to lead orientation and Duck Camp, the university’s three-day program for incoming students. Tarleton State President James Hurley described Franco said, “She touched so many lives through her friendly smile, leadership, kindness and the love she shared with those around her.” Hurley continued, “Her presence will be deeply missed, but the impact she made on her Texan family will never be forgotten.” Franco’s father, Alejandro Franco, remembered his daughter in a Facebook post, “You were and will always be my pride, my joy, my beautiful and kind girl,” he wrote. “Thank you for all the love you gave me, for every laugh, for every hug.” Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

College Station Police were called to the Cinemark movie theatre at 1401 Earl Rudder Freeway South shortly after 8:00am Friday. An employee reported finding 27-year-old Carlos Enrique Iquila-Mejia passed out inside the theatre. Officers found the man, shoeless, showing obvious signs of intoxication, with several empty cans of Twisted Tea nearby. The employee showed police that a 12-pack of the beverages was short 5 cans. The cost of the beverages was $44.50. Iquila-Mejia was arrested and charged with Public Intoxication, Theft Under $100, and Failure to Identify. He is being held on a ICE detainer. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

College Station Police responded to a home in the 900 block of Azalea Court just after 2:00am Friday morning after a 9-1-1 hang up call. When officers arrived, they found 47-year-old Walter John Wronka, II, covered in sweat. He told police that he had been “wrestling” with his girlfriend, because he did not want her to leave their home. Wronka told police it was for her “safety,” but couldn’t cite any specific dangerous conditions. The woman was able to flee. Police tracked her down for her side of the story. She told officers they had been arguing when Wronka threw her to the floor and pinned her down to prevent her from leaving. He also struck her in the face with the back of his hand. Officers noted bruising on her shoulder and arm, and a laceration on her lip. Wronka was arrested and charged with Unlawful Restraint and Family Violence Assault Enhanced by a Previous Conviction. His previous conviction is from 2010. He was released on $15,000 bond. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.