WTAW Listener Says “There Are Still People, Even At Large Companies, That Are Decent And Good”

Bryan Police Arrest One Bryan High Student For Bringing A Gun To School And Two Brothers For Selling And Possessing THC Vape Pens

Bryan police had an increased presence at Bryan High School Friday morning (March 6). That follows the arrest of a student who had a gun. A joint BPD-Bryan ISD news release said administrators received a tip who forwarded the information to school resource officers, who found the student with the gun. The news release does not say if the student was found inside or outside the building. There is no reference to any gunfire or issues with officers taking the student into custody. 18 year old Jaden Pineda of Bryan was booked on a charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon in a prohibited place. As of Friday afternoon, bond had not been set on the felony charge. An ongoing Bryan police investigation into illegal drug activity at Bryan High School led officers to do a search of a home near West 28th and Palasota at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday (March 4)+. BPD arrest reports say officers forced their way inside and found Ashton Villareal next to a table with five packages of THC vape pens described as a brand that is used by Bryan High students. Officers also found several used THC vape pens in his bedroom. Ashton, who was arrested for selling controlled substances, told officers he typically buys THC vape pens in bulk for $1,000 dollars then makes a $2,000 dollar profit. Jail records show Ashton, who turned 18 the day he was arrested, is also being held for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department on undisclosed charges. Bond on the drug selling charge was set at $40,000 dollars. A brother, 17 year old Augustine Villareal Jr., was found in his bedroom with two THC vape pens. He was arrested for possessing a controlled substance and is out of jail after posting a $5,000 dollar bond.

College Station’s Police Chief Addresses City Council Concerns About Predatory Towing Practices

Predatory towing of vehicles in privately owned parking lots in College Station was discussed during the last city council meeting (February 26). As part of police chief Billy Couch’s review of PD activity last year, he shared that the state regulates towing companies and wrecker drivers. Couch brought up the different scenarios the police department has with towing companies. The chief says towing companies are supposed to report all tows to police. The chief told the council that there are spotters, mostly in Northgate, who are watching parking lots who will contact a wrecker that is parked nearby when they see a violator. Couch says another state regulation is the wrecker can take the vehicle only when the tow is “road ready”. The chief also says there is a state regulation that allows vehicle owners to pay a fee to release their vehicle before it is towed. Couch says that fee is much less than paying to get a vehicle out of an impound lot. Councilman William Wright, who did not share details about a personal experience involving a predatory tow, was hoping the council could have taken some sort of action to make a difference for what he believes will be future victims. Click HERE to read and download presentation information given at the February 26, 2026 College Station city council meeting. Click below to hear comments from the February 26, 2026 College Station city council meeting. Listen to “College Station's police chief addresses city council concerns about predatory towing practices” on Spreaker.

Increase Police Presence Is Part Of The March First Friday Activities In Downtown Bryan

March First Friday activities in downtown Bryan will include an increased police presence. Bryan police officer Seth Waller says the additional attention at a mass gathering like First Friday follows last weekend’s mass shooting in downtown Austin’s entertainment district and the war in Iran which is a week old. Waller says more officers providing security will allow visitors to “walk around and enjoy the evening as First Friday is meant to be.” Visitors are also invited to stop officers, including those on BPD’s bicycle detail, and visit with them and ask any questions. Waller also asks parents to not leave the area with unattended children. In some cases, Waller says officers find unattended children who “are causing issues”. And Waller says to reach out to an officer if you see something suspicious. Click below to hear Seth Waller’s visit with WTAW’s Bill Oliver. Listen to “March First Friday activities in downtown Bryan will include an increased police presence” on Spreaker.