Recent Events in Bryan and College Station: A Look at Local Incidents
As the sun rose over Bryan and College Station on Wednesday, September 25, the morning was marred by a serious incident involving a pedestrian and a commercial truck. A 69-year-old man was struck while walking across Longmire Drive, near a busy Walmart. According to a spokesperson from the College Station Police Department (CSPD), the pedestrian was promptly flown to a hospital in Temple, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation.
The interesting twist is that, despite the severity of the situation, no arrests or tickets have yet been issued. In an effort to gather details, Longmire Drive was temporarily closed as accident reconstruction and crime scene units fanned out to collect crucial information. Thankfully, the road has since reopened, allowing traffic to resume its regular flow.
A Threat at Bryan ISD
Meanwhile, just a day later, on Thursday, September 26, a chilling situation unfolded at a Bryan Independent School District (BISD) facility. A student was arrested following a verbal threat made about firing a gun at another student. The threat was overheard by an attentive administrator at the District Alternative Education Program High School (DAEP). Thankfully, no gun was found, and authorities affirm that there was no ongoing threat to students or staff.
The incident triggered a swift response from both BISD administration and the Bryan Police Department, with school resource officers getting involved quickly. It turns out that the student, whose details remain confidential due to age restrictions, was taken to a juvenile detention center and charged with a misdemeanor related to the threat. It’s a serious reminder of the importance of addressing even verbal threats with the utmost gravity, and BISD officials are encouraging parents to talk with their children about the consequences of such actions.
A School Bus Incident
That same Thursday morning, a school bus operated by Bryan ISD found itself in a bit of a pickle. It ended up scraping the side of a parked vehicle while on its route to pick up students at Jane Long Intermediate School. Fortunately, no students were injured in this incident, which occurred just before 7 a.m. at the intersection of Lakeview and Fairway. The bus was carrying students who were all safely transported to school afterwards.
However, the situation took a turn as the bus driver, a 64-year-old Bryan resident named Mark Spicker, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated (DWI) with under-15 passengers aboard. The police described the incident as a “minor accident.” Parents were subsequently informed via a letter from the principal outlining the events. Ensuring the safety of students remains a top priority for Bryan ISD, and the driver has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation ensues.
Declining Jail Population in Brazos County
In a more uplifting note, Brazos County recently reported that for the first time in six months, the inmate population at the local jail has slipped below 800, sitting at 793 inmates. Sheriff Wayne Dicky expressed hope that this trend might be a sign of a seasonal decline in jail numbers, a detail shared during the county commissioners’ meeting on September 24.
Additionally, during the meeting, county officials discussed an agreement with the Washington D.C. police department regarding law enforcement officers being sent to next January’s presidential inauguration, with a focus on ensuring that the county is reimbursed for its efforts. This agreement aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens that may arise from such large-scale police responsibilities.
In conclusion, as Bryan and College Station navigate these recent events, the community is reminded of the importance of safety and vigilance. Stories like these echo the need for communication and awareness, whether on the road or in our schools. Residents can certainly feel proud knowing that their local police and school officials are committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
