$700 worth of Halloween decorations stolen from Redmond display

KTVZ on October 8, 2025

Tyson Beauchemin

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A massive Halloween display in southwest Redmond is missing some key features due to late-night thieves, and the owner is looking for answers, but just wants them returned.

Late Monday night, someone took some of the larger inflatables out of the yard on SW 27th Street. The swiped decorations include a massive dragon that moved and lit up, a large looming ghost, an inflatable tree and a mini-Grim Reaper.

David Fisher, who helped create the display, estimates about the four decorations were worth slightly more than $700.

When Fisher and his family posted about the theft online, someone responded with a video of what appears to be four people running through a yard, carrying deflated decorations.

While Fisher is upset about the theft, he’s just hoping to get the decorations back.

“If they mysteriously reappeared, bygones can be bygones,” he said in an interview Tuesday with KTVZ News in front of the still-impressive Halloween display. “And we can move forward and allow the community to enjoy the display. That one reason we did this, we put this out is for the community and our neighbors.”

Because the display is on a major road in Redmond, it gets a lot of attention. Fisher says people make it a point to stop by daily and admire it.

A report has been filed with the Redmond Police about the crime.

Online, other people reported having their decorations stolen in a nearby neighborhood.

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Columbia youth leaders respond to city’s push to advocate for changing state juvenile gun laws

KMIZ on October 8, 2025

Nia Hinson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia says it plans to make advocating for changing the state’s juvenile gun law a priority next year.

During its meeting Monday night, council members unanimously approved making amending the state law to match federal law regarding possession of handguns by minor a legislative priority in 2026. The council also approved other priorities, including increasing support for state emergency response agencies, as well as affordable housing initiatives.

Federal law prohibits the possession of a handgun or handgun ammunition by any person under the age of 18 with few exceptions, such as farming or hunting. However, Missouri law does not include any prohibitions on minors carrying or possessing firearms.

Mayor Barbara Buffaloe voiced her support for the change, also pushing for the city to advocate for legislation that would require lost or stolen guns to be reported to local law enforcement within 72 hours after discovery of the loss.

Buffaloe also told ABC 17 News on Tuesday evening that she’s hopeful Republican members of the state legislature will be open to matching the state law with federal law.

Lonnie Lockhart Bey works with at-risk youth at Destiny of H.O.P.E and said he would support the state law changing.

“I believe that to put a gun in the hands of a child who have emotional stability issues, I think it can always go bad,” Lockhart Bey said. “I think it’s a law that should be repealed. I don’t think it really benefits society. Why do children need guns? That’s what it all boils down to.”

Lockhart Bey said he supports the exception of a parent taking their child hunting and things of that nature, but believes allowing a child to legally possess a gun for other purposes does more harm than good.

He said while he supports the idea of the change, there’s a large issue at hand that needs to be tackled.

“I think that a lot of the conditions, the social conditions, the lack of opportunity, the food insecurities, lack of health care… all of those things play a part in the conditions that we see,” Lockhart Bey said.

Lockhart Bey said he also thinks the city needs to address the larger issue of how guns are getting into Columbia, saying all of the blame can’t be placed on parents.

Executive Director of Columbia Supreme Anthony Johnson said he sees both pros and cons to the state law changing. He said his biggest concern is that the change would lead to more Black children being charged with felonies and adult charges at a young age.

Johnson said he thinks the change wouldn’t address the root cause.

“I think the majority of times kids are getting the guns from cars but they’re not stealing from the car. They know that those guns are in the cars and someone put them in there and someone left the doors unlocked,” Johnson said. “There’s a bigger thing going on and those are the kind of things I want to see addressed.”

Check back for updates.

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Family demands answers after teen killed by multiple hit-and-runs in Desert Hot Springs

KESQ on October 8, 2025

KESQ News Team

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. — A grieving family is speaking out and demanding accountability after 18-year-old Jaime Castro was struck and killed in a tragic crash on a dark and often dangerous stretch of Indian Canyon Drive.

The fatal incident occurred on September 30th near the intersection of Indian Canyon Drive and Pierson Road — a stretch of road that lies near the border between the jurisdictions of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Jaime’s parents say confusion over jurisdiction may have delayed the initial response from law enforcement. According to the family, officers could not confirm which agency was responsible for responding to the scene first.

Adding to their frustration, Jaime’s mother, Yahaira, says the area lacks proper street lighting and is notorious for speeding drivers — conditions she believes contributed to her son’s death.

News Channel 3 spoke with Desert Hot Springs Police Chief Steve Shaw, who confirmed that his department did not receive any 911 calls prior to the crash — only one after the incident had occurred.

When asked whether Indian Canyon Drive is considered a hazardous area, Chief Shaw stated that there have been no recent incidents reported prior to Jaime’s death.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Parolee charged with trying to kill realtor, fleeing from police in Banning

KESQ on October 8, 2025

Jesus Reyes

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A parolee accused of trying to kill a real estate agent checking a Banning house where the convicted felon had evidently camped out was charged today with attempted murder and other offenses.   

Daniel Moreno, 32, of Banning was arrested Thursday following a police chase from Banning to Moreno Valley.   

Along with attempted murder, Moreno is charged with assault with a deadly weapon resulting in great bodily, attempted mayhem, false imprisonment, felony evading and parole violations.  

He pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment Tuesday at the Banning Justice Center.

According to the Banning Police Department, shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday, the Realtor went to a vacant property in the 1200 block of Butterfly Way, near Eagle Drive, on the north end of the city, apparently to confirm everything was all right at the house, which is part of a new subdivision.

“Upon entering … the residence, the victim was attacked by a male, who was already inside,” police Capt. Brandon Smith said.   

He said the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, suffered serious injuries and was robbed before the assailant fled. The party was able to call 911, and patrol officers converged on the location minutes later, along with paramedics.

The victim was taken to a regional trauma center for treatment and was in recovery on Tuesday.  

“While on scene, officers received information regarding a possible suspect vehicle, described as a Hyundai Elantra, fleeing the location,” Smith said. “Officers located a vehicle matching the description and attempted to conduct a traffic stop to contact the occupant. The vehicle failed to stop, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated.”  

The chase transitioned from city streets onto westbound Interstate 10, according to the captain.  

Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers joined Banning police in pursuing the driver, later identified as Moreno, into Moreno Valley via the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway.

“The pursuit ultimately terminated near Frederick Street and Atlantic Circle in Moreno Valley, when a sheriff’s unit successfully implemented a pursuit intervention technique, commonly referred to as a PIT maneuver,” Smith said.

Moreno was arrested without further incident. No one was injured during the chase.

The defendant has two prior strikes on his felony record, though they weren’t listed in court documents.

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Borderland industry leaders worried over new 25% tariffs on trucks

KVIA on October 8, 2025

Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — President Trump announced last week a new round of sweeping tariffs, including 25% on all heavy-duty trucks and 30% on furniture imported into the U.S.

All trucks not manufactured in the U.S. will be subject to a 25% tariff once imported into the country.

“In order to protect our Great Heavy Truck Manufacturers from unfair outside competition, I will be imposing, as of October 1st, 2025, a 25% Tariff on all “Heavy (Big!) Trucks” made in other parts of the World,” said President Trump on Truth Social.

“Therefore, our Great Large Truck Company Manufacturers, such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, Mack Trucks, and others, will be protected from the onslaught of outside interruptions. We need our Truckers to be financially healthy and strong, for many reasons, but above all else, for National Security purposes!”

For borderland business and industry leaders, it is not clear if this 25% tariff would apply to all heavy-duty trucks or just those that do not follow the USMCA agreement.

“But any portion of the vehicle that’s coming in from Mexico or Canada that does not meet North American content is subject to that 25% tariff,” said the president of the Border Industrial Association, Jerry Pacheco.

There are already tariffs on imported vehicles of 25% coming into the U.S., but these don’t apply to production in Mexico or Canada due to the USMCA agreement.

“That’s definitely going to increase the price of trucks coming into the United States; we import a lot of those classes of trucks from Mexico, by the way,” Pacheco added.

These tariffs were imposed on October 1.

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Street Dog Hero receives $5,000 grant from Miranda Lambert’s ‘Mutts Across America’ program

KTVZ on October 8, 2025

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Street Dog Hero says it has been recognized as the top nonprofit organization in Oregon and awarded a $5,000 grant through Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation’s Mutt’s Across America program.

“This generous grant will enable the organization to continue its vital work rescuing dogs and providing critical spay and neuter services to low-income communities across the state,” SDH said in a news release Tuesday, which continues below:

In partnership with Tractor Supply Company, MuttNation Foundation’s Mutt’s Across America program has committed a total of $250,000 in grants nationwide, supporting one shelter or foster-based rescue in each state. The program aims to combat pet overpopulation, improve animal health, and increase access to veterinary care in underserved areas. 

Thanks to this grant, Street Dog Hero will fully cover the costs of an upcoming spay/neuter clinic in Christmas Valley, scheduled for Saturday, October 11. Rural communities like Christmas Valley often face significant barriers to veterinary services, with the nearest veterinarian located over two hours away. This clinic aims to address these disparities directly. 

The spay/neuter clinic in Christmas Valley this weekend will focus on spaying and neutering 100 animals, helping to curb overpopulation and improve the health and well-being of local pets. By bringing essential veterinary services directly to the community, Street Dog Hero hopes to foster healthier, happier animals and stronger bonds between pets and their families. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation for their support,” said Marianne Cox, Founder of Street Dog Hero. “This grant will make a real difference in Christmas Valley, providing much-needed veterinary care and helping us continue our mission to rescue and serve dogs in Oregon’s rural communities.” 

For more information about Street Dog Hero or to support their ongoing efforts, visit streetdoghero.org. 

About Street Dog Hero 

For over 8 years, Street Dog Hero has been fulfilling its mission of helping end animal overpopulation by spaying and neutering owned and street dogs and cats around the world. To date, the organization has provided more than 11,495 free or reduced-rate spay/neuter and other wellness services to animals in Mexico, Jamaica, as well as locally. They have also rescued over 3,936 dogs from more than a dozen countries like Mexico, South Korea, China, India, Bahamas, Afghanistan, Armenia and right here in the United States and have found them forever homes. Street Dog Hero is making lasting positive changes in the lives of animals and their humans, working towards a world where all dogs are healthy, safe, cared for, and wanted. Through this work, SDH makes a lasting impact on owned and street dogs and cats and the families that surround them. To learn more about SDH, foster, adopt, volunteer, and donate, go to www.streetdoghero.org.  

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Palm Springs Pride launches ‘Skip the Line’ fundraiser for bars

KESQ on October 8, 2025

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A fundraiser benefiting Greater Palm Springs Pride will allow patrons to “Skip the Line” at six participating bars within the Arenas District, organizers announced today.

Participating businesses including Blackbook, Chill Bar, Dick’s, Hunter’s, Quadz and Streetbar collaborated to create a pass for purchase that will grants visitors priority access during Price Week.

“The Arenas District bars didn’t wait to be asked — we saw a need and stepped up,” Rob Giesecke of Chill Bar said in a statement.   

The promotion was created to help offset financial challenges facing many LGBTQ+ organizations, including a $350,000 shortfall this year.   

“While other cities are making difficult decisions to curtail programming, some are cancelling Pride events completely, Palm Springs is rising to meet the moment and creating space for the community to come together and celebrate,” the organization said.

The “Skip the Line” pass can be purchased online starting Tuesday, and it can only be used from Nov.6-9, officials said.   

“We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary level of support from each bar in the Arenas District,” President of Greater Palm Springs Pride Ron deHarte said in a statement.   

All proceeds will go towards Greater Palm Springs Pride programming.   

To purchase a pass, visit https://bit.ly/arenasskip.

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Warm Springs man gets federal prison sentence for online luring, exploiting teen victim

KTVZ on October 8, 2025

KTVZ

(Update: Adding video)

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Warm Springs man was sentenced Tuesday to more than 11 years in federal prison for using online social media and messaging platforms to coerce and sexually exploit a 15-year-old minor victim.

Leonard Polk, 25, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release, federal prosecutors said in a news release late Tuesday, which continues in full below:

According to court documents, in December 2024, Polk met the minor victim through Snapchat, an online messaging application. Using Snapchat and Facebook Messenger, Polk persuaded the minor victim to send sexually explicit images. Polk then picked up the minor victim and brought her to his house on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, where he sexually abused her on multiple occasions.

Polk was arrested in Washington on January 21, 2025, and the minor victim was rescued, after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received information that Polk had brought the minor victim from Oregon to Washington.

“Protecting children remains our highest priority. This case serves as a stark reminder of the very real dangers that exist on social media and the predators who use these platforms to exploit our youth,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Let there be no doubt: if you target children in our community, we will use every resource at our disposal to protect them and ensure you are held fully accountable.”

On February 11, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 2-count indictment charging Polk with sexual abuse of a minor and sexual abuse – incapable victim. On July 14, Polk pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor.

The case was investigated by the FBI Portland’s Bend Resident Agency and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlotte Kelley.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed.

To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. 

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Columbia police describe process of collecting, storing evidence

KMIZ on October 7, 2025

Meghan Drakas

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As of Monday, the Columbia Police Department has documented fewer than 7,400 crimes in Columbia in 2025, according to CPD’s crime dashboard.

During the investigation of each crime, police try and collect evidence to build a case. This evidence can include conversations, eye witness testimony and physical evidence such as documents, shell casings, surveillance video or a weapon.

CPD Lt. Matt Gremore said every officer has plastic gloves and evidence bags inside their cars.

“When I was a patrol officer, I would carry a box of these in my car just to have in case because they’re great for multiple reasons,” Gremore said. “If you’re picking up evidence or dealing with somebody bleeding, the gloves can protect your more, so there’s a lot of reasons you would want them.”

He said the biggest reason is to make sure police don’t contaminate the evidence they’re collecting at a crime scene. Gremore said once evidence is collected at a crime scene, it’s typically placed in a paper or plastic bag.

He said paper is used for DNA evidence for items that would mold in plastic such as shell casings. Gremore said if a scene has five, 9-millimeter shell casings, they can be collected in a box, taped with evidence tape, initialed by the seals and then placed into a paper bag.

CPD Lt. Matt Gremore on Sept. 18, 2025, shows how police put a shell casing into an evidence box, seal it with tape and initial the seal to protect the integrity of the evidence at a crime scene.

Evidence stored in plastic bags would include any evidence someone such as a prosecutor or detective would want to be able to see without having to open the bag. Gremore said evidence tape and initials are also used on plastic evidence bags. The bags have information sections which include information such as the crime, suspect, victim and time of recovery.

Yellow evidence markers are also placed along a crime scene to separate different pieces of evidence. At a shooting scene, it is a common occurrence to see police place yellow numerical markers near items including shell casings.

At least 24 evidence markers could be seen at the shooting scene of Jamar Hicks and two others along Trimble Road in east Columbia on July 16, 2017.

In 2024, Columbia police investigated 351 crimes involving a gun, according to data provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. According to Columbia’s crime dashboard, there were 110 shots fired incidents in 2024.

Gremore said it’s common for police to revisit a night time crime scene such as a shooting, to double check to see if any evidence is missed.

“Sometimes we have to go out with metal detectors [and] sometimes it’s better in the daylight,” Gremore said. “We actually utilize a dog with the ATF that can smell shell casings. I’ve seen it firsthand where the dog does fantastic work of finding items like that.”

Evidence is kept for different lengths of time depending on the statute of limitations for crimes, Gremore said.

“For example, [in a homicide case] the state as a law says you have to keep that evidence for a minimum of 50 years,” Gremore said. “Any evidence where there’s not a statute of limitations and it’s unsolved, you would keep that evidence indefinitely.”

But he said the statute of limitations changed in some cases for dealing with evidence once DNA became more involved in investigations.

Gremore said the location of where evidence is stored is very specific depending on the type of evidence and if there’s any testing being done on the object. He said some evidence for CPD will be stored at the MSHP Crime Lab, some goes to private labs and some is stored locally.

After a case has been solved, Gremore said eventually police will get a request from the prosecutor’s office to dispose of evidence. Depending on the type of evidence, he said it can be returned to the owner’s or it is disposed. If the evidence involved is money, a few things can happen to it.

“Depending on what the charge is, you can have money that goes to forfeiture or you have money that’s seized as an investigation,” Gremore said. “Typically, I would say a majority of the time, it is returned to the owner after a case is over. An example would be if you have a gas station that got robbed and the suspect’s caught with the money that they stole in the robbery, that money would be returned, eventually back to the owner of the gas station.”

Watch the latest “Mid-Missouri’s Cold Case Files: The Case of Jamar Hicks” at 10 p.m. Thursday on ABC 17 News.

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West Hollywood man killed in crash in Twentynine Palms

KESQ on October 7, 2025

Jesus Reyes

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A West Hollywood resident was pronounced dead after a crash last week in Twentynine Palms, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

Diego M. Thornton, 52, was pronounced dead after being struck by a vehicle Thursday, Oct. 2, just before 8 p.m. on Amboy Road, east of Mica Avenue.

The California Highway Patrol said the driver, identified as an Indio resident, was determined to not be impaired at the time of the crash.

The cause of the crash and the reason for the pedestrian being in the roadway remain under investigation

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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