A&M Drops SEC Opener to Tennessee, 73-63

60 Year Old Bryan Man Sentenced To 40 Years In Prison For Assaulting A Bryan Police Officer

A 60 year old Bryan man is sentenced to 40 years in prison for dislocating the shoulder of a Bryan police officer more than six years ago. Earnest Key Johnson learned his punishment last Thursday (November 21). That’s after he was found guilty in August of aggravated assault of a public servant. A news release from the Brazos County district attorney’s office says the officer was off work for six months following surgery for their injury. The officer was injured while trying to take Johnson into custody for possessing drug paraphernalia. One of the prosecutors told WTAW News Johnson underwent at least six psychiatric evaluations before the trial and punishment hearing, which were both before a judge and not a jury. Johnson, who denied any wrongdoing, has the right to appeal the conviction and punishment. This will be the fourth time Johnson is going to prison, following prior convictions for burglary of a home with the intent to commit sexual assault, burglary of a building, and failure to comply with sex offender registration. The punishment is what was requested by prosecutors. The sentencing range was from 25 years to life. News release from the Brazos County district attorney’s office: On November 21, 2024, Judge John Brick of the 272nd District Court sentenced Earnest Johnson to 40 years in prison for Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant. On September 13, 2018, an officer with the Bryan Police Department responded to downtown Bryan after concerned citizens reported a person in the roadway. The officer made contact with Johnson outside of the LaSalle Hotel and observed drug paraphernalia on Johnson’s person. When the officer tried to detain Johnson for further investigation, Johnson fled through the courtyard of the LaSalle Hotel. However, Johnson tripped and fell, and when the officer caught up to him, Johnson immediately turned to engage the officer. A longtime resident of downtown Bryan witnessed the interaction and called 911 when the defendant began to attack the officer. Another member of the community who had been on a date came to the officer’s aid after he heard the commotion and saw Johnson on top of the officer. Together, they were able to hold Johnson at the scene until backup arrived. It ultimately took more than five officers to take Johnson into custody. A search of Johnson’s person revealed a small amount of crack cocaine in his sock. The officer suffered a dislocated shoulder from the assault. The injury required surgery to repair, and the officer was unable to return to duty for six months. The defendant waived his right to a jury trial, and the case was instead heard by Judge John Brick. During trial, the Court heard testimony from the community members who called 911 and came to the officer’s aid, who both described seeing Johnson striking the officer. The State also presented testimony from the ER doctor who treated the officer and the officer himself. Johnson testified in his own defense and denied any wrongdoing. On August 27, 2024, Judge John Brick found the defendant guilty on all charges. At the punishment hearing, the State offered evidence that the defendant had been to prison on three prior occasions for Burglary of a Building, Burglary of a Habitation with intent to commit Sexual Assault, and Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration. These prior prison trips increased the defendant’s range of punishment to no less than 25 years in prison. Statement from assistant district attorneys Ryan Golden and Stephanie Younis: “Members of this community stepped in to protect and serve when an injured public servant needed help. It is our honor to stand with them in prosecuting this case.”

Student Bonfire Site Will Be Open Friday But The Fire Won’t Burn Until Next Year

The Student Bonfire website announced Tuesday (November 26) that the stack site will be open Friday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. But the fire will not be set until next year, after Texas A&M students return to school and when it is safe to burn. Bonfire organizers learned the drought index used by the Texas A&M forest service was 638. The burn ban continues in Robertson County, where the bonfire stack is located, until the drought index falls below 575. Bonfire spokesman Dion McInnis thanked Robertson County and forest service officials for their assistance “during this very precarious time with respect to the weather.” McInnis invited visitors to the stack site on Friday to “have their photos taken and tell old Army stories”. A reminder that there is a zero-tolerance, no-alcohol policy at the bonfire site. Anyone found with alcohol will be removed. This is the fifth time Student Bonfire has been postponed, due to drought in 2010 and 2011 and flooding in 2013 and 2021. Click below to hear comments from Dion McInnis, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver. Listen to “Student Bonfire site will be open Friday, but the fire won't burn until next year” on Spreaker.

Bryan Police Investigating Four Reports Of Gunfire In A Five Day Period

Bryan police report the same group of people is responsible for four reports of gunfire in a five day period. Two people who were shot sustained non life threatening injuries. One victim was shot Tuesday (November 26) inside a home. The other person was shot last Friday (November 22) while sitting in a parked car. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bryan police. News release from Bryan police: The Bryan Police Department is actively investigating four incidents of shots being fired at various locations across the City of Bryan. Thursday, November 21, East 29th St. and Goessler St., reports of shots fired during a physical interaction between a group of individuals in the area, no victims or suspects were located when officers arrived. Friday, November 22, Barak Ln and Oakridge Dr., reports of shots fired involving two vehicles at the intersection. Multiple shots were exchanged from two vehicles leaving the scene. Both involved vehicles have be located and persons of interest identified. Friday, November 22, 1900 block of Sbisa Way, reports of shots fired involving multiple suspects, one victim was struck by errant gunfire while sitting in a parked car and sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Tuesday, November 26, 1900 block of Fawnwood, reports of shots fired, resulting in one victim struck by errant gunfire inside the home. The victim sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Our investigation into the four shots fired calls indicate that all of the incidents are connected. All of the incidents are related to a known group of individuals who are carrying out these violent acts against one another. Our investigations into these incidents are active and continue to develop information and leads that require follow-up. Additional staffing has been dedicated to address these incidents. The Bryan Police Department requests that anyone with information about these incidents or the identity of the suspects please call (979) 209-5300 or Brazos County Crime Stoppers at (979) 775-8477. The Bryan Police Department is committed to ensure the safety of our community and bringing those responsible for these violent acts to justice.