Bryan, Texas Community Faces Gunfire, High-Speed Crashes, and Proposed Highway Developments Over Busy Weekend

Bryan, Texas – A Busy Weekend of Incidents and Local Developments

This past weekend in Bryan, Texas, the community was buzzing with various events, from police incidents to public meetings and even educational advancements! Let’s dive into the details of what transpired.

Gunfire Reported in Austin’s Colony Park

Early Sunday morning, November 17, at around 3 AM, Bryan police responded to a report of gunfire both inside and outside a home near Austin’s Colony Park. Fortunately, no one was hurt, as the seven individuals inside managed to escape unscathed. However, one of the residents, 17-year-old Alexander Espinoza, was arrested for firing the weapon during an argument with his girlfriend. His story? Espinoza had been carrying a gun since getting shot himself last August. Talk about a troubling cycle!

Espinoza now faces charges for two counts of child endangerment on top of the gun-related offense. The Bryan Police Department’s reports reveal they had made previous visits to this home, creating some concerned eyebrows in the neighborhood. As of November 18, he remains behind bars with bonds set at a hefty $65,000.

High-Speed Crash in College Station

The night before, College Station Police were alerted to a wild incident involving a car speeding at a staggering 100 miles per hour. The driver, identified as Lane Bledsoe, a 20-year-old baseball player from Blinn College, lost control and flipped the car down an embankment at the interchange of Raymond Stotzer and Harvey Mitchell Parkway. Remarkably, both Driver and passenger refused medical transport after being checked by medics on the scene.

Bledsoe was arrested for DWI but it remains unclear if any alcohol tests were conducted. He was released shortly after posting a $3,000 bond.

DWI Brings Trouble to Another Driver

Meanwhile, a separate incident on Friday, November 15, involved a pickup truck that overturned while towing a trailer on Mumford Road. The driver, 31-year-old Jorge Montecinos of Hearne, was arrested for both DWI and obstructing a highway. Breath tests showed his blood alcohol levels at around two and a half times the legal limit at .199 and .208. To add to his troubles, Montecinos is also being held for immigration authorities as he awaits a bond totaling $6,000.

Public Meetings About Future Highway

Switching gears from the drama, let’s talk about an important development regarding local transportation! For the second and third times this month, public meetings are being held concerning the future ‘inner loop east’ highway set to be built east of Bryan/College Station. Opponents of the project are hosting a gathering at the Bryan High School blue campus auditorium on November 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. This is bound to be a hot topic in the community as residents express their concerns.

Prior to this, on November 19, a meeting hosted by the B/CS metropolitan planning organization took place, aimed at discussing future transportation projects including this inner loop. The open house attracted voices challenging the information provided, with John Book speaking out at the Brazos County commission meeting, urging for more transparent community dialogue.

City Council Updates on Development Projects

In local government news, Bryan City Council discussions on November 12 revealed plans to extend two development agreements. One of these aims to revitalize the neighborhood north of the Northgate district, aiming for a mix of high-density housing and commercial space expected to attract businesses and visitors alike.

Another item on the agenda includes the renovation of the historical Kimbell Feed building. The council granted a second extension for the renovation’s deadline, now pushing it to February 28, 2025. The building is set to become a community hub featuring a downtown visitor center and leasing space for arts.

Educational Advancement in Bryan ISD

Lastly, the Bryan ISD School Board made strides in educational leadership, approving Dr. Desiree Caperton as the new principal of Bryan Collegiate High School. With 21 years of experience in education, Dr. Caperton returns to the role after previously serving as the associate principal. Exciting changes are ahead in the Bryan education landscape!

As Bryan’s weekend unfolded with twists and turns, it certainly proved to be a busy time for both city leaders and residents alike. Stay tuned for more developments and remember, community conversations are key!