Bench trial scheduled for Tyler man charged in robbery

SMITH COUNTY, TX (KLTV) -

Tuesday morning, a Tyler man waived his right to a trial by jury in an aggravated robbery case.

Timothy Pullins, 34, was arrested in March after Tyler Police say he used a woman's stolen credit card at a fast foot restaurant. According to police, Pullins was one of multiple men who stole the woman's purse when she was walking to her car after leaving Electric Cowboy nightclub. Last month, a judge sentenced Pullins to one year in prison for illegally using the card at a Tyler McDonalds.

Pullins is scheduled to be in court again on September 30th for a bench trial on the robbery charge.

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Tyler holds 9/11 ceremony: 'To honor those who have fallen'

TYLER, TX (KLTV) -

Wednesday morning, a September 11 ceremony took place outside Tyler City Hall. The ceremony was conducted by Mayor Barbara Bass, the Tyler Fire Department Honor Guard and the Tyler Police Department Honor Guard.

With the flag at half mast, Mayor Bass made a moving speech to remember those who have fallen.

The speech was followed by the playing of 'Taps' on the trumpet. 'Amazing Grace' was also played on the bagpipes.

The ceremony ended in prayer.

"We came today to remember the fallen and what first responders and military did on the day on that attack which was 12 years ago," said Don Martin, Public Information Officer with the Tyler Police Department. "It's so important. It's almost like Pearl Harbor. It's a day we will never forget and we lost many lives, close to 3,000. We come together to remember them and make sure they didn't die in vain."

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NET Health confirms rabid bat in Tyler

From NET Health:

On September 11, 2013, the Texas Department of State Health Services advised the Northeast Texas Public Health District that one (1) bat submitted for analysis tested positive for rabies.  The bat was found near the 7100 Block of Cherryhill, Tyler, TX.  The known individuals and animals with possible exposure have been identified and addressed. This is the first (1st) laboratory confirmed case of rabies in the City limits of Tyler for 2013.

It is critical for people not to handle bats, skunks, raccoons, or other wild animals.  It is important for children to tell their parents of any contact with wild animals or any sick animals.  Anyone who knows of a person being bitten by an animal must report the bite incident to the Smith County Rabies Control Authority for proper investigation. 

Smith County Rabies Control Authority advises all citizens to confirm that their dogs and cats are currently vaccinated for rabies.  City of Tyler Ordinance and Smith County Ordinance require annual rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats.  It is a Class C misdemeanor if you fail to vaccinate your dog or cat by four (4) months of age.  Preventive immunization for rabies is the only effective defense against this always fatal disease.

Anyone with questions on rabies control may contact City of Tyler Animal Control at 903-535-0045.

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Muscle cars draw big crowd at Tyler store's grand opening

TYLER, TX (KLTV) - A Sunday car show hosted by a Tyler auto shop drew dozens of locals out and for participants, it was all about showing off their work.

Cars ranging from classic to exotic—even some trucks—drove up for a shot at a trophy for their respective divisions, during a grand opening celebration for the new "speed shop" at Pep Boys.

With no prize money, organizers said the event was really about giving the public a place to see the powerful roadsters, while giving their owners a place to show them off.

One of the most popular cars on the lot was Scott Lieberman's 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo.

"I am an interventional cardiologist," he said. "A lot of what I do on a daily basis really involves cutting edge hardware and electronics. I like the aspect of the cars in terms of  the performance and how they're put together."

Even with his impressive showing, Lieberman was still able to marvel at the other hot rods.

"Everybody's got a different style and taste," he said. "You look at 1940s and 50s cars and some of them are just spectacular. What some of these guys have done in their cars in the garages in terms of updates and modification is really quite fascinating."

Robert Nathanson showed off his 1963 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport at Sunday's event.

"I saw it on the internet and just fell in love with the car and just had to have," he said. "I negotiated with the guy for 6 months and finally talked him out of it."

His preference all comes down to the gritty sound of the engine.

"I have to admit  when i was really young, Ferraris and Lamborghini's--the exotic cars-- were really attractive," Nathanson said. "Once you go to a drag strip and listen to the American muscle, you get sold on it."

It was also a chance for younger enthusiasts to learn and maybe even dream.

"I'm going to take my Lamborghini Murcielago to first place and I am going to win," said nine year old Esteban Rodriguez.

"Yeah and he is going to let me borrow it," said his six year old brother Miguel Rodriquez.

Both Nathanson and Lieberman drove away with trophies in their respective categories, plus some bragging rights.

You can see a slideshow of other cars from Sunday's event here.

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Tyler home heavily damaged in overnight fire

Released by the Tyler Fire Department:
The Tyler Fire Department responded to an overnight fire in the 600 block of N. Confederate Ave.  The initial call was received at approximately 7:15 p.m.  Eight units from the Tyler Fire Department were on-scene to fight the blaze, which was located in an occupied residential structure.  Upon arrival, firefighters reported a heavily involved structure fire, and quickly made access to the interior, in search of possible victims. The occupant had safely exited the residence and firefighters promptly extinguished the fire. The structure suffered heavy fire and smoke damage throughout.  However, no injuries were reported. Fire Investigators believe that the fire originated in the kitchen, when the stove was left unattended and in the "on" position.  The occupant was alerted of the problem when a smoke alarm activated within the residence.  While the occupant made an attempt to extinguish the fire, the smoke conditions within the structure became too severe and forced him out.Updated: Monday, September 16 2013 8:52 AM EDT2013-09-16 12:52:05 GMTPolice are searching for a suspect responsible for an armed robbery at a Tyler restaurant. Officers were called to the Dominos Pizza on West Gentry Parkway at 10:20 p.m. Sunday. Employees told policeMore >>Police are searching for a suspect responsible for an armed robbery at a Tyler restaurant. Officers were called to the Dominos Pizza on West Gentry Parkway at 10:20 p.m. Sunday. More >>Updated: Monday, September 16 2013 8:53 AM EDT2013-09-16 12:53:46 GMTA Sunday car show hosted by a Tyler auto shop drew dozens of locals out and for participants, it was all about showing off their work.More >>A Sunday car show hosted by a Tyler auto shop drew dozens of locals out and for participants, it was all about showing off their work.More >>The next Miss America will be crowned Sunday night as the pageant returns to on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, N.J. - the place where it all began in 1921.More >>Moments after winning the 2014 Miss America crown, Nina Davuluri described how delighted she is that the nearly century-old pageant sees beauty and talent of all kinds.More >>Updated: Sunday, September 15 2013 8:25 PM EDT2013-09-16 00:25:48 GMTMultiple people were taken to a local hospital following a two-vehicle accident along Highway 103 in Angelina County Sunday afternoon.The accident happened on Highway 103, near the intersection of Watson-LogginsMore >>Multiple people were taken to a local hospital following a two-vehicle accident along Highway 103 East in Angelina County Sunday afternoon.More >>Updated: Tuesday, September 10 2013 11:19 PM EDT2013-09-11 03:19:51 GMTOLDHAM COUNTY, KY (WAVE) – It's become quite the attraction in Oldham County. Rusty Combs has had the idea for a playhouse for his grandchildren for a long time and he's finally made that idea come toMore >>It's become quite the attraction in Oldham County. Rusty Combs has had the idea for a playhouse for his grandchildren for a long time and he's finally made that idea come to life.More >>

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Tyler PD: 20 vehicles now reported vandalized early Friday

TYLER, TX (KLTV) - Tyler police say they are continuing to investigate more reports of vehicles vandalized in the early morning hours Friday. One witness observed a white Toyota Camry that was sitting next to a victim's vehicle when the windows were smashed. If you know any other related information related to this suspect vehicle or any other information, please contact Tyler police. (903) 531-1072.

From the Tyler Police Department:

On Friday, September 13, 2013, Tyler police were notified around 1:30 a.m. that a citizen heard a car window being smashed in the 700 block of W. Rieck Road.

Police located the vehicle at 714 W. Rieck Rd. and discovered that the suspect smashed the two side windows and rear window.

Police searched the area and failed to locate the suspects. Police are investigating damage to other vehicles with numerous broken windshields, side windows and rear windows that were parked in the roadway and one driveway at the following locations:

1012 Kingspark1122 Kingspark1309 Kingspark1201 Riverbend1305 Riverbend1708 Wendover1720 Wendover714 W. Rieck2911 Birdwell2027 Montrose 21927 Montrose 1606 Sterling

Police are seeking any information available that may lead to the identity and arrest of these suspects responsible for the damage they caused. Please contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crime stoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charges filed against the suspects in this case or any felony case.

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