Category: kvia-local-news

Jerry Najera

UPDATE (11:29 p.m.) — The Northern Zone District Prosecutor’s Office said the teenager hit was 15 years old, not 13.

Officials said the teen was hit in an area where street vendors aren’t allowed and crossed at a location not designed for pedestrians.

The prosecutor’s office said the driver, a 10-year-old man, has been released and is subject to legal proceedings while an investigation continues.

Reports said the driver allegedly hit the teen at 10:30 a.m. and the National Guard initially took over the incident since it happened in a location under federal jurisdiction.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A 13-year-old was killed after being struck by a vehicle at the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry on the Mexican side of the border, authorities said.

Video shared by Channel 44 appears to show a gray car traveling along the left side of the traffic lanes moments before striking the child. The vehicle continues driving after the collision.

The video has been paused before the moment of impact because of the graphic nature of the incident.

Authorities later identified the driver and took the person into custody. Additional details about the driver’s identity or any potential charges were not immediately available.

Officials have not released further information about the circumstances leading up to the crash. The incident remains under investigation.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A former El Paso Police Department officer pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony offenses, according to the El Paso District Attorney’s Office Monday. He pleaded guilty June 23.

Thirty-year-old Joshua Anthony Gallardo pleaded guilty to assault impeding breath or circulation involving a dating partner and continuous violence against the family, according to a news release.

The district attorney’s office said Gallardo’s charges connect to assaults involving two victims within a year. In one incident, witnesses saw him assault someone in public and intervened until law enforcement showed up. He also assaulted a second person within the same time frame, according to the release.

June 4, Gallardo also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor terroristic threat and harassment charges for making 552 unwanted phone calls to the second victim, including a “threatening voicemail,” the district attorney’s office said.

Gallardo’s sentence included 10 years of community supervision, 30 days in the El Paso County Detention Facility, 500 hours of community service, a $1,000 fine, surrendering his Texas peace officer license, completing the Batterer Intervention and Prevention Program and no contact with the victims, the news release said.

EPPD fired Gallardo in March 2025.

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Max Zepeda

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — As families across the country gather together to celebrate the 4th of July, one family will reunite for the first time in years in El Paso.

Juan Escobar, an Albuquerque native, will finally be able to celebrate a holiday with his 14-year-old son, Andrew, all thanks to the El Paso Police Department.

Over the last three years, Escobar endured a long-standing search and custody battle over Andrew with his Miriam Felix, Andrew’s mom, which he originally won in 2023.

Not long after that custody victory, Andrew went with Felix for an overnight stay.

He never came home.

Missing posters said Andrew went missing June 25, 2023. He was 11 years old at the time.

(Courtesy: Juan Escobar)

Escobar hired a private investigator to uncover Andrew’s whereabouts. Investigation revealed Felix changed her name to Sophie Shelton and changed Andrew’s name to Oliver Shelton. The two reportedly moved to an area near Fort Collins, Colorado.

Suddenly, the case changed from a missing child to an abduction.

Escobar wasn’t able to find Andrew or Felix in Fort Collins.

After years of prayer and searching for answers, Juan received a phone call from El Paso Police last week.

In the call, EPPD said they had Felix in custody and Andrew waiting for him.

(Courtesy: EPPD)

Escobar said Andrew told authorities he and his mom traveled to several countries over the three-year period, including Austria, Albania and Turkey.

He reportedly said he went to school online and just finished eighth grade.

However, his father is worried about his mental health.

“Physically, he’s well,” Escobar said. “But he’s just been through so much the last three years emotionally and mentally.”

Escobar told ABC-7 police said Border Patrol identified Andrew as a missing person while he and Felix reportedly crossed into El Paso from Ciudad Juarez, putting both of them into custody.

Escobar told ABC-7 his wife drove him down to El Paso and told him he wasn’t “in the condition to drive.”

He said his first instinct was to hug Andrew, since they used to love wrestling, but was told to give him space instead.

“The reality is that Andrew was an 11-year-old boy that was abducted and was moved across the country, and then moved out of the country and possibly overseas over the last three years,” Escobar said. “He’s a boy right now who has been in flight or fight mode for the last three years.”

Escobar said he’s now investigating how Andrew reportedly traveled around the world without being flagged as a missing person.

He also said he hopes Felix understands the gravity of what she’s done.

“This isn’t just trying to keep a father away from his son. This is breaking local law and breaking international law,” Escobar said. “I’m hopeful she understands what she’s done and she gets the help that she needs.”

Escobar also questioned how Felix afforded international trips.

As Andrew reunites with his father, Escobar has a simple message for parents and families this holiday weekend:

“Do what’s best for your children,” Escobar said. “Because ultimately, they’re what matter the most.”

Escobar said he’s excited to spend the holiday weekend with his son.

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Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — The Las Cruces Police Department started accepting applications Monday for its next training academy. The 22-week paid academy is set to start January 2027, according to LCPD.

Police cadet salaries while in the academy is $24 per hour, LCPD said. Graduates from the academy become officer trainees who then receive $26 per hour. Trainees who finish a one-year probation status become patrol officers, who earn $30.28 per hour.

LCPD officers work four 10-hour shifts, according to a news release.

Applications for the police cadet position open Monday and close Sept. 16, LCPD said. LCPD has a budget for 198 officers and currently has 183.

Before starting the 22-week academy, there’s a six-week pre-academy, according to the police department.

The police department is also offering hiring incentives for cadets with a three-year commitment:

$11,000 for each cadet

$15,000 for an associate degree

$20,000 for a bachelor’s degree or four years of honorable military service or retirement from the military

$25,000 for a bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, criminal justice or criminology

$30,000 for a master’s degree in sociology, psychology, criminal justice or criminology

LCPD noted these incentives aren’t stackable.

Additionally, some recruits who live outside Las Cruces may be eligible for up to $5,000 to help them relocate.

Other benefits for LCPD recruits include annal leave and vacation time. LCPD said first-year officers earn 256 hours of leave each year once they finish their one-year probation.

Leave and paid vacation time breaks down into 80 hours of annual leave, 80 hours of personal leave and 96 hours of sick leave, the police department said.

With the four 10-hour shifts, annual and personal leave total 16 days off each year, plus holidays and regular days off, LCPD said.

LCPD listed these requirements for applying:

Must be a U.S. citizen or have a work authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Be at least 19 years old when the academy begins

Have a high school diploma

Have no felony convictions

Applications are on this website.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) will connect a new one-million-gallon water tank to its distribution system, meaning some residents will see interruptions in their water service.

The new tank is located in the west Mesa area, and will provide more water storage and system reliability to northern Sunland Park and the Santa Teresa Industrial Park, according to the utility.

CRRUA said the project is a two-phase process, which will happen at different intervals. Each interval requires one water outage.

The utility hasn’t shared what days and times the outages will happen yet, but will post updates online:

CRRUA website

CRRUA Facebook

City of Sunland Park webstie

Sunland Park Connect app

“This will be a two-phase process,” said CRRUA Executive Director Juan Crosby. “The first phase is to connect the new elevated tank to the existing water distribution system. The second phase is to perform mechanical upgrades required for the elevated tank.”

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Friday, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said it charged a man for voyeurism after he allegedly followed a woman into the restroom at a gas station.

EPCSO said on June 29, deputies went to a Circle K near the Eastlake Marketplace Center off Rojas Drive. Someone had reported 36-year-old Ivan Abraham Ponce as a “suspicious individual.”

EPCSO said during an investigation, deputies watched surveillance videos allegedly showing Ponce standing near the restrooms and following a woman after she went in. The woman reported she thought someone was trying to watch or record her, EPCSO said.

Detectives got an arrest warrant charging Ponce with voyeurism with a bond set at $10,000.

Thursday, EPCSO said its Fugitive Apprehension Unit found and arrested Ponce in East El Paso.

EPCSO booked him into the El Paso County Detention Facility.

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Mia Tricarico

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Families are preparing to fire up the grill this holiday weekend. Cooking a 4th of July barbecue comes with responsibility.

The El Paso Fire Department said they typically see an increase in calls around this time, pertaining to grilling mishaps. It’s important to enjoy this holiday safely, while enjoying classic, barbecue favorites.

Captain of El Paso Fire Marshall Office, Carlos Ornelas told ABC-7 some common mistakes to look out for at your next barbecue.

He said to be careful and patient when removing charcoal when you are done grilling, he told us, “You don’t want to collect the charcoal that same day or even the following day after grilling and put it right in your trash bin because those charcoals could stay hot for a couple of days and if you throw them out too quickly, it can cause a fire.”

Some other tips from the El Paso Fire Department include, visually inspecting your propane tanks, look out for any leaks, bends, or damage. If you notice a leak or damage, you should not use the tank and return it safely to the store.

Many grill fires are also caused by not properly cleaning your grill before cooking. If there is still residue on the grill, a grease fire is more likely to occur. The El Paso Fire Department reminds you that if a grease fire does occur to not try and put it out with water, but instead use sand.

The Sunland Park Fire Department also shared these tips to safely enjoy grill-made meals:

Make sure propane tanks aren’t leaking. If they are, call 911.

Just use charcoal lighter fluid, not gasoline or kerosene to light up the grill.

Use metal tools like tongs or spatulas.

Keep your grill away from hanging decorations or tree branches.

Clean your grill before cooking and remove old grease.

Follow these grilling essentials for a safe and happy Fourth of July.

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — It’s a busy time for animal shelters across the Borderland. Many animals go missing during the summer, and that number only rises following the 4th of July celebrations.

Additionally, shelters are also dealing with added stress due to the hot temperatures.

ABC-7 spoke with officials at El Paso Animal Services. They said they are also forced to change operations to help protect the animals from the heat, especially since some shelter space is outside.

The Public Affairs Coordinator at El Paso Animal Services, Julie Newbold, explained some tactics they use to keep animals cool during the summer.

The shelter turns on misters for outdoor kennels and walks dogs during cooler parts of the day — typically between 8-11 a.m.

Longtime volunteer Colette Bowar is at the shelter seven days a week. She helps walk the dogs and takes them to a park. She said she doesn’t mind braving the heat.

“I have the means just to come and give back. I give back to the community, and I give back to the animals that are here,” Bowar told ABC-7.

She said that taking the dogs out for a few minutes, especially during the summertime, helps the animals de-stress.

“It makes all the difference in the world. It makes them. It gives them, it makes them happier. Even if it’s for those five or 10 minutes,” she said.

Shelter officials said dogs get excited when they see chilled treats volunteers make for them. One of the treats includes peanut butter on a frozen frisbee.

“Our freezers work over time during the summertime, just again, to keep our pets as comfortable as possible,” a shelter official said.

To learn more about El Paso Animal Services, click here.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — One person was airlifted to the hospital after a crash Friday morning, according to the El Paso Fire Department.

At 5:31 a.m., eastbound lanes on Loop 375 on Transmountain shut down for some time after the crash.

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)— Students enrolled at the Boys and Girls Clubs of El Paso were hard at work ahead of 4th of July. They were tasked with writing thank-you letters to be delivered to local veterans as a show of appreciation. Students used markers, pens and colorful paper to express their gratitude.

The CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of El Paso, Anthony Tomasheski, said it’s important for club children to understand the true meaning of this holiday.

“We really want the children to be aware and have an understanding of why are we celebrating the 4th of July. What does that mean? And what is the impact? And there have been so many great veterans that are a part of everything that we do,” he added.

Tomasheski said it’s important that students are taught the meaning early on.

“Some of the kids think, it’s ‘Oh, that’s barbecues and fireworks.’ Well, true, but what is the meaning behind that? What is, what is the importance and why do we do that? And being able to share that and, and educate them so that they will grow up to be good, productive citizens that are helping and supporting our community and veterans and everyone else and just being aware of our community in the world.”

ABC-7 spoke with several students as they eagerly completed their letter. They said they were grateful to our soldiers.

“The soldiers protect us,” said one student.

Another girl wrote a letter for her dad, who is also a service member.

“My dad is my soldier, and he’s my hero,” she said.

Nearly 200 letters from students at the Boys and Girls Clubs of El Paso will be given to veterans across our community.

“So it’s just it’s a feel-good. And it’s, it’s interesting to hear the kids talk about what it means to them and how important it is to them. And you can see it in their hearts as they’re writing, and they’re taking the time to draw their best artwork and do all of that for our veterans,” Tomasheski said.

The CEO said this is just another way to pay it forward. He had read some of the letters and had been touched by their sincere words.

“It’s interesting to see that they’re so heartfelt and really how much they care. And just how they want to say thank you. They’ve got some of the biggest hearts.”

ABC-7 would like to thank all current military members and veterans for their service to our country.

If you have a Good Vibes Only story idea, please email rosemary.garcia@kvia.com.

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