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LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A man on the run since October was caught by Laredo Police over the weekend.
On Saturday, December 7, officers first saw 60-year-old Eduardo Gonzalez Jr. driving near the intersection of McClelland and Saunders.
Then on Monday, December 9, police say Gonzalez led them on a slow sped chase for several blocks before he was arrested.
Gonzalez allegedly harassed a woman, calling her cell phone, family and workplace repeatedly. Plus, caused property damage.
Police urge the public to report any domestic violence they may be experiencing to them immediately.
According to Investigator Joe Baeza with Laredo Police, “We have cases of domestic violence situations, especially if they have been in a long-term relationship and the breakup was bad. Different circumstances of people who have been in domestic situations. In this situation, this person was rather extreme. In a rather toxic relationship, it was important to prevent any further escalation of violence, especially towards the victim.”
Gonzalez was arrested for violating the protective order, stalking and evading arrests.
As of today, he [Gonzalez] remains in the Webb County Jail.
Beyond the Headlines: The past wants its paycheck, City Council proposes increasing bridge tolls
By Ariel Gomez
Published: Dec. 8, 2024
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Talk about a possible payback plan—the past wants its paycheck. Four former Laredo City Council members are demanding back pay, citing a $20,000 salary boost outlined in a revised 2016 ordinance.
The group includes:
Roberto Balli (District 8)
Daisy Campos Rodriguez (District 2)
Rudy Gonzalez (District 1)
Vidal Rodriguez (District 2)
The debate stems from an updated ordinance approved in September 2024, setting a base salary of $50,000 for council members and $75,000 for the mayor—a roughly 40% increase for current officeholders.
However, City Attorney Doanh “Zone” Nguyen maintains the city’s position is clear: the claims lack merit. “The ordinance in 2016 was paid properly. The 2024 changes apply going forward, so their demands are retrospective and unfounded,” Nguyen explained, emphasizing that allowances and salaries were handled in compliance at the time. He added, “I’ve defended a lot of these cases, and on the flip side, I’ve won a lot of these cases, so I have the perspective to defend.”
Bridge Toll Increase Proposed to Fund Infrastructure Expansion
Laredo bridge tolls may soon rise, with city officials proposing an increase to support long-overdue expansion projects and maintain port operations.
Currently set at $3.50, the toll is consistent with other ports, but Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño argues that Laredo’s status as the nation’s busiest port justifies the adjustment, arguing the city must remain competitive while addressing critical infrastructure needs.
While some stakeholders are open to the idea, they urge caution.
Rick Laurel, Chair of the Laredo Port of Entry Advisory Committee, warned of potential risks:
“It’s a sensitive topic and sensitive monies coming from Laredo’s golden goose, but we can’t let it get out of control. It’s a slippery slope, but the difference would support infrastructure expansion and necessities we’re falling short on. At the same time, we must stay competitive with other ports to avoid deterring traffic.”
The proposal has been forwarded to the Port of Entry Committee for evaluation.
Panel Highlights: Spotify Wrapped, Bowling Skills, and Pantone’s 2025 Color
Our panel couldn’t stop talking about their Spotify Wrapped stats, lack of bowling talent, and the unveiling of Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year.
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A late-night stabbing over the weekend has left a 50-year-old man in critical condition, prompting concerns among residents near Napoleon Street and South Canada Avenue.
Witness Recounts Frightening Scene
A woman who lives near the area, choosing to remain anonymous, described the harrowing moments she witnessed after stepping outside around midnight Saturday. “Since it was late, it’s dark,” she said. “We didn’t know if there was blood; we just saw him laying down on the ground.”
She recalled seeing another woman on the phone, likely calling 911, as she tried to speak to the injured man. “She was saying, ‘They stabbed him! They stabbed him!’ I don’t know if she knew him or not.”
Police Investigation Underway
According to Officer José Espinoza with the Laredo Police Department, officers responded to the scene and found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds to his upper body.
“When officers arrived on scene, they located a male victim, age 50, with possible stab wounds to his upper extremities. He was transported to a local hospital and later flown to a San Antonio hospital in critical condition.”
Community Concerns
The stabbing occurred near an elementary school, raising safety concerns among local parents.
“I’m worried about my kids and the other children in the neighborhood,” said a local mother. Police continue to investigate, speaking to witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage.
No Arrests Made
Authorities urge anyone with information about this case to contact Laredo Police at (956) 795-2800.
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - A lengthy investigation into the death of a retired Border Patrol agent resulted in multiple arrests in connection to it, but one person was recently charged with his murder.
It was a Memorial Day evening in May of 2023 at La Moca Ranch, north of Laredo, that turned into a tragedy.
Luis Angel Jaimes is one of seven people allegedly connected to the death of a retired Border Patrol agent.
According to Webb County District Attorney, Isidro Alaniz, “There was a group of individuals that were out at a ranch, and they were discharging firearms. It is alleged that Jaimes was one of the persons there who was discharging a weapon in an unsafe direction.”
Court documents indicate that Jaimes, along with six others, were shooting nine different weapons ranging from pistols to rifles at a metal target.
However, Alaniz believes that Jaimes was shooting at someone’s property.
Adding, “He was traveling in this one particular ranch, leaving his ranch when he was shot. It’s a terrible situation, but it goes to show that all precautions should be taken when you’re discharging a firearm.”
According to arrest documents, it was at a ranch off Hwy 83 where authorities arrived and found retired Border Patrol agent Rodolfo Pequeno Jr. dead with a gunshot wound.
All individuals involved in the case have been released on bond, including Jaimes who was charged with murder and taken to the Webb County Jail.
The evidence that we have right now is that Jaimes was the one discharging the firearm, the other people were also there, but the state’s alleging the person who pulled the trigger was Jaimes," Alaniz said.
Near the location where the incident happened sits a sign that warns against discharging firearms, a sentiment that Alaniz continues to echo.
Stating, “I would recommend not to discharge firearms, do any hunting in these small properties or target shooting because it could have terrible consequences.”
Currently, no court date has been set for Jaimes at this time.
Laredo College receives $600k donation for Construction Management Program
By KGNS Staff
Published: Dec. 5, 2024
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - More than half a million dollars is being invested into the Construction Management Program at Laredo College.
On Wednesday morning, the Matias de Llano Charitable Trust presented a $600,000 donation to the college.
The funds aim to enhance resources for the program’s growth while supporting students pursuing careers in construction management. College officials highlighted the program’s mission to build a strong foundation for the next generation of industry leaders.
“The training that students are going to receive runs the entire gamut—from how to read plans and manage a project to electrical and HVAC, and everything that goes into creating a commercial or residential build from the bottom up,” Laredo College President Dr. Minita Ramirez said.
A Vision for Future Expansion
With Wednesday’s donation, donors expressed hopes for future growth, potentially expanding into vocational fields such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry.
This significant contribution underscores a commitment to equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s construction industry.
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department is searching for a suspect connected to an aggravated robbery case at a convenience store.
The alleged robbery took place on Wednesday, November 13, by the 600 block of N U.S. Hwy 83.
Security footage described the suspect as slim, wearing a black button-up cap and pants along with white shoes.
Anyone with information regarding the identity or location of the individual is asked to call Laredo Crime Stoppers at (956) 727-TIPS.
You may be eligible for a cash reward.
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized over 400 pounds of methamphetamine at the World Trade Bridge on November 25.
The drugs were found in a tractor-trailer that was carrying crushed marble stone. Officers referred the truck for a second inspection, and with the help of CBP K-9s, they discovered 66 packages of suspected meth inside.
The meth has an estimated street value of $3.7 million. CBP took both the drugs and the trailer. A criminal investigation is now underway.