LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - In 2022, nine people were arrested in connection to animal cruelty cases in Laredo. Now, local officials are asking the community to report if they suspect anyone committing the crime.

On Tuesday, April 25, the city of Laredo proclaimed the month of April as “Animal Cruelty Awareness Month.”

Veterinarian Dr. Sandra Leyendecker from Critter Care has treated a number of animals who suffered abuse. She said there are a number of red flags to look out for. “If you see somebody with maybe the animal has a lot of fleas and ticks, they are not feeding them or watering them properly, they don’t provide them with shelter, they keep them chained up too short when they can’t get any exercise or are confined to very limited space, those are the things to be aware of. Moreover, animals depend on us wholeheartedly to have a happy environment without a human component,” said Dr. Leyendecker.

So far in 2023, the Laredo Animal Care Services said they have confiscated 40 animals from homes in Laredo for mistreatment.

If you know or have witnessed a case of animal cruelty, you’re asked you call 956-625-1860.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - The Laredo Police Department has released the identity of the man who lost his life after a deadly hit and run that happened on Friday morning.

Authorities say Leonardo Teniente, 76, died after being hit while crossing the street at the intersections of Lafayette and San Dario.

According to police, Marcus Fischer, 22, was driving a blue car northbound on San Dario when he allegedly hit Teniete.

Teniete died at the scene from his injuries.

The police department states that Fischer told a family member about what had happened.

That person drove Fischer to police headquarters to admit his role in the accident.

Fischer gave consent to give blood as evidence in the case as the investigation continues.

Fischer has been charged with accident involving death.

LAREDO, TX. (KGNS) - Five people are recovering after being involved in a four-vehicle collision over the weekend.

The accident happened on Saturday at around 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of Clark and Loop 20.

Laredo Police, DPS Troopers, and emergency responders were at the scene of the crash.

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirms that a trooper was among those in the accident.

“The trooper was stopped at a stop sign waiting to turn onto Loop 20. There was a couple of vehicles behind him getting ready to turn as well, and then they were struck by a gray Dodge Charger. A 2022 Dodge Charger, that vehicle was involved in a hit and run previously on the corner of Saunders and Bob Bullock,” Rene Cordova with DPS.

The DPS agent involved was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The other individuals were also transported to the hospital, one in serious condition.

DPS arrested the driver and charged him with DWI.

The accident remains under investigation.

LAREDO, Tx (KGNS) - Dozens of Laredo Police units were reported in a central Laredo neighborhood after residents say they heard sounds of gunfire.

The incident happened on Monday after 9 p.m. near the 3100 block of San Francisco Avenue.

Authorities have confirmed that they responded to the reports and were seen investigating the area.

So far, no injuries or damage have been reported.

The investigation remains ongoing.

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - Firefighters worked to extinguish a vehicle fire on the frontage road of I-35 and Loop 20.

The fire broke out on Sunday evening at around 12:30 p.m.

The Laredo Fire Department arrived at the scene and found a white utility van engulfed in flames.

Fire crews were able to put the fires out without incident or injury.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.