Kevin O’Connor Kommentary July 3

Brazos County Based Economic Development Agency Extends Its Reach To Three Neighboring Counties

The Brazos County based economic development organization that earlier this year rebranded itself has resumed posting social media after an absence of nearly two years. The Greater Brazos Partnership (GBP) posted this month on its Facebook page establishing new relationships with Grimes, Robertson, and Washington counties. While the GBP has received major funding from the cities of College Station and Bryan, Brazos County, and Texas A&M, the Facebook posts do not make references to Grimes, Robertson, and Washington counties making financial contributions. GBP’s post welcoming Grimes County says that is a key addition due to a “rich heritage, thriving agriculture, and strategic location”. GBP’s post for Robertson County says that addition “brings immense potential for economic growth, innovation, and community development.” The post also says “Together, we’ll work to strengthen industries, support businesses, and build a bright future for all.” And Washington County is described by GBP as a “vibrant community” that “brings a rich history, a strong agricultural presence, and a growing infrastructure” where the GBP will “build on its strengths in tourism, industry, and education to create even more opportunities for growth and innovation.” GBP also shared on its Facebook page, visiting New York City in December to “engage with influential players in finance, technology, and energy” and attend an event called “FT-Nikkei Investing America Summit”.

Brazos County District Court Punishment Hearings This Month For Two People Who Admit Their Involvement In A 2017 Armed Robbery In College Station

Two of four Houston area residents indicted on armed robbery charges in a 2017 incident in College Station learned their punishment this month during hearings in Brazos County district court. The victim in what College Station police previously described as a sale of illegal drugs was hospitalized after they were pepper sprayed in the face and was beaten in the head and back. 27 year old Ethan Khwaja of Houston and 27 year old Megumi Sui of Missouri City both pleaded guilty in earlier court appearances. Khwaja was sentenced to ten years in prison. Sui was taken to jail to await transport to a state prison facility to complete a special needs substance abuse felony punishment program. That is part of being placed on ten years probation that includes completing 200 hours of community service and paying a $1,000 dollar fine. A third person who pleaded guilty earlier this year was scheduled for sentencing last Friday (December 20). Their punishment hearing was rescheduled for January 6th. A fourth person issued a not guilty plea. Their trial date has not been set.

Bryan Police Asks For An Outside Investigation Of A “Critical Incident” That Ends In A Fatal Self-Inflicted Gunshot

Bryan police has asked the Texas Rangers to investigate what a BPD news release describes as a “critical incident” that ended in a fatal gunshot. The BPD request for an outside investigation is associated with an unidentified person who died of a self-inflicted gunshot to their head. In response to the gunshot, a BPD officer fired their gun. The officer was placed on administrative leave. No one else were injured. Officers were dispatched Sunday night (December 22) just after 11 to the report of a person with a gun who was experiencing an emotional crisis. The officers attempted to verbally de-escalate the situation for about 20 minutes. News release from Bryan police: On December 22, 2024, at 11:09 PM, officers were dispatched to the 2800 block of Nash St. regarding a subject armed with a handgun and experiencing an emotional crisis. Upon arrival, officers located the individual, who continued to display signs of emotional distress. The officers attempted to verbally de-escalate the situation for approximately 20 minutes. During the de-escalation attempt, the subject retrieved a concealed handgun and fired a fatal gunshot to their head. In response to the gunshot, an officer near the subject discharged their duty weapon. The individual died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and no other persons were injured during the incident. The officer who discharged their duty weapon has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with department policy, pending the outcome of the investigation. For transparency, the Bryan Police Department has requested that the Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers investigate this incident.