Texas DPS

It is with great sadness that DPS announces the death of Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Sergio Romero. Trooper Romero was attempting to conduct a traffic stop along US-287 near Childress, around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, when a truck-tractor semi-trailer pulled out in front of him, causing his patrol unit to collide with the vehicle. Trooper Romero died on scene. Trooper Romero answered the call to serve each day with honor and remained steadfast in his commitment to protecting and serving Texans. The DPS family will never forget the ultimate sacrifice he made in service of this state. Full release: bit.ly/4vZULmw

NEW: DPS announces the expansion of the Texas Rangers’ Cold Case Program – a specialized unit dedicated to solving cold case murders and sexual assaults. 🧬🔎 Last year, DPS was allocated funding by the Texas Legislature to support additional Texas Ranger positions under the program, doubling its size statewide. These Rangers identify and arrest criminals who, sometimes for many years, have believed they’ve gotten away with some of the most heinous crimes. Since 2001, they’ve helped solve more than 300 cold cases. As forensic science and technology continue to advance, so will their ability to hold more criminals accountable. Learn more about how the Texas Rangers’ Cold Case Program is making Texas safer ➡️ bit.ly/4vQ5Gij

One week ago today, DPS Recruit Class D-2025 ran five miles from DPS Headquarters to the Texas State Capitol – a milestone known as the Legacy Run. More than a tradition, the Legacy Run is completed by every Recruit just a few days before graduation. It reminds Recruits of the responsibility they’ll carry as they join the ranks of the Texas Highway Patrol: the legacy of heroes who came before them, the sacrifice of DPS’ fallen and the honor of wearing the Texas tan. Ready to join the legacy? Click here: dps.texas.gov/section/traini… #TexasDPS #LegacyRun #JoinDPS #TexasStateTrooper #TexasTan

UPDATE: The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can now release the cause of death for the suspect involved in Friday morning’s shooting incident in Midland, Texas. Preliminary autopsy findings determined the suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Texas Rangers continue to investigate the incident, and no additional information will be released at this time. Full release here: bit.ly/4xopH10

WANTED: DPS has added Franklin Estuardo Gonzalez Flores, a violent Guatemalan national, to Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List. Gonzalez Flores has been wanted by New Braunfels Police since November 2025 for three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Texas Crime Stoppers is now offering up to $3,000 for information leading to his arrest. Learn more about Gonzalez Flores and how to submit a tip ➡️ bit.ly/4vazEOd

As Texas hosts matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, DPS is fully engaged in helping keep players, fans and communities safe. Several DPS Explosive Detection K-9 teams have been deployed from the State Capitol to Houston to support security operations surrounding the games. These highly trained K-9s play a critical role in detecting explosive threats and helping safeguard large-scale events. Their dedication, along with the efforts of our law enforcement partners, helps ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone attending the World Cup. #TexasDPS #FIFAWorldCup #K9Unit #ProtectAndServe

DPS is proud to announce The Public Safety Commission (PSC) has confirmed the appointments of Gabriel Ortiz as the next Chief of the Infrastructure Operations Division and Ralph Ohland as the next Region Chief of the Capitol Region. We also extend our sincere gratitude to now retired DPS Chief Jason Hester for his many years of dedicated service to this agency. His leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact on the people of Texas. Please join us in congratulating Chief Ortiz and Region Chief Ohland as they begin their new roles on June 15. #TexasDPS #Leadership #ProtectAndServe

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids like fentanyl. It can be lifesaving in an opioid emergency. @TexasDSHS offers an online map that makes it easy to find free over-the-counter naloxone near you. To find clinics, vending machine and other places offering naloxone in your community, visit: bit.ly/4j1R5Ka. #OnePillKills

Update: AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can now release the name of the victim killed in this morning’s shooting incident in Midland, Texas. He is identified as Edward Randall Scott, 62, of Midland. At this time, no additional information will be released. Full release here: bit.ly/4xopH10

UPDATE: DPS releases details in Midland shooting that occurred earlier today. Full release: bit.ly/49WjjnR.

WATCH LIVE: Today at 10 a.m., DPS Recruit Class D-2025 will graduate and officially join the ranks of the Texas Highway Patrol. Watch live on the DPS YouTube page here: youtube.com/watch?v=LBO0y4…

Incredible acts of service and bravery were celelbrated this morning at the June meeting of the Public Safety Commission (PSC). Colonel Freeman F. Martin and members of the PSC helped honor men and women who serve our state both on the job and in the community. Read more about their work here: bit.ly/4vg3i4D

This morning, DPS Recruit Class D-25 successfully completed the five-mile Legacy Run – a DPS Training Academy tradition that helps mark the end of 30 weeks of rigorous training. Together, they followed Colonel Freeman F. Martin from DPS HQ to the Texas State Capitol. On Friday, Class D-25 will graduate and join the Texas Highway Patrol. Congratulations, on a job well done!

INCREASED REWARD: The Texas Rangers need help identifying a woman whose remains were found on a ranch in Refugio Co. in 1992. She was shot death, and her body was left at the location about 1-3 years before being discovered. Based off forensic examinations, investigators believe the woman to be: 🔸White or Hispanic 🔸20-35 years old 🔸5 ft. 3 in. tall An increased reward of up to $6,000 is being offered for info that leads to the arrest of those responsible for her murder. More details about this case and how you can submit a tip ➡️ bit.ly/3PS8QTF.

Our personnel continue working along the border as part of Governor @GregAbbott_TX Operation Lone Star. stopping illegal crossings and deterring criminal activity between the ports of entry. Thank you to @AliBradleyTV for spending time with DPS brush teams as they worked alongside our federal partners.

VIDEO: DOZENS of illegal immigrants recovered from a burning trailer in South Texas. On June 4, 2026, DPS Troopers responded to assist Border Patrol Agents in a vehicle pursuit involving a tractor trailer along Highway 281 near Falfurrias. During the pursuit, Troopers deployed a tire deflation device in attempt to stop the vehicle – but the driver continued to evade until the tractor trailer caught fire. Troopers and Agents immediately removed the driver and a passenger from the vehicle’s cab and placed them under arrest. At that time, the driver informed law enforcement of additional occupants inside the trailer. Troopers and Agents quickly unlocked the trailer and rescued 39 suspected illegal immigrants before the trailer became engulfed in flames. All subjects were medically screened for injuries prior to being taken into custody. This incident is a reminder of the dangerous lengths human smugglers will go to when engaging in this criminal activity, and DPS is proud to work with our federal partners, like USBP, to stop them. Video on our YouTube page ➡️youtu.be/N6gPWY8twNQ

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas Stadium and Fan Festival are No Drone Zones. The FBI and our law enforcement partners take violations seriously. Read one example where a San Francisco man was charged federally for flying a drone within restricted airspace during a National Football League (NFL) game in violation of a temporary flight restriction: ow.ly/fWxQ50Z6rhV If you observe unsafe or improper use of a drone, report it to 911, on-site law enforcement or the #FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or ow.ly/z2tO50Z6rhU.

We’re just four days away from Recruit Class D-2025 taking the oath and officially joining the ranks of the Texas Highway Patrol (THP)! Today, these 69 men and women reached another milestone as they received their red THP patch and wore their iconic Texas Tan uniforms for the first time during a Patch Ceremony at DPS Headquarters in Austin. The red patch is worn proudly by all DPS Troopers as they work to protect and serve. We’re so proud of this class and all the hard work they’ve put in over the last 30 weeks to prepare to become Highway Patrol Troopers! #DPS #lawenforcement #graduationday

Fentanyl: A deadly synthetic opioid that is impacting communities across Texas and endangering Texans of all ages. Learn about the dangers of fentanyl to help educate your loved ones and save lives at dps.texas.gov/onepillkills. #OnePillKills

Planning to fly a drone during the 2026 FIFA World Cup games? DPS reminds all drone operators to follow FAA regulations and Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) around stadiums and event venues. Unauthorized drone activity can create serious safety risks and may result in enforcement action. Before you fly: ✔️ Register your drone ✔️ Check airspace restrictions and TFRs ✔️ Maintain visual line of sight ✔️ Avoid stadiums, emergency operations and restricted airspace These restrictions help protect spectators, players, first responders and aviation personnel throughout the FIFA World Cup games. Click here to learn more: bit.ly/4g3vd2V #TexasDPS #DroneSafety #KnowBeforeYouFly #FIFAWorldCup2026