News Summary
The Bryan Police Department has announced new traffic regulations effective March 20, 2025, prohibiting right turns on red at a key intersection. Simultaneously, a disturbing incident at a local school event led to the arrest of a man making terroristic threats, although no injuries occurred. These developments highlight ongoing community safety efforts and the importance of adhering to the law. Additionally, Brazos County has approved significant infrastructure projects to improve local facilities.
Bryan Introduces New Traffic Rules and Address Disturbance at School Event
Bryan residents, listen up! There’s some important news coming from the Bryan Police Department that every driver in the city should know about. Starting March 20, 2025, there will be a new traffic regulation at the intersection near the post office where drivers are no longer allowed to make right turns on red light. This is the city’s first intersection equipped with a median that enforces this rule.
Officer Seth Waller is the one sharing this crucial information, pointing out that the restriction is primarily due to some drivers making U-turns at the busy intersection of Nash Street and William Joel Bryan (WJB) as they head towards the freeway. To help keep everyone informed, officers have been out issuing warnings to drivers about the forthcoming changes. However, after the enforcement date, they will be handing out tickets to anyone who disobeys the new rule. So, be sure to adjust your driving habits accordingly!
Disturbance at Local School Event
In other news, Bryan ISD recently faced a serious incident during their fourth-grade track and field meet on March 21, 2025, at Merrill Green Stadium. Thankfully, the event continued without disruption, but a disturbance resulted in a police arrest. A 29-year-old man named John Villalpando was taken into custody after allegedly making terroristic threats to shoot at bystanders during the event.
Fortunately, it was reported that Villalpando did not have any weapons in his possession when he was apprehended. He has now been charged with three counts of making a terroristic threat that causes fear of imminent serious bodily injury. This marks his 13th booking in the Brazos County jail since 2013, which raises some serious concerns. Just days before the track meet, he had been arrested for not having vehicle insurance and was released shortly after. What a way to demonstrate a lack of regard for the law!
At the time of his arrest, Villalpando was also on probation for a separate incident involving felony evasion of arrest that took place back in June 2017. The Bryan ISD has reassured the community that school activities were not disrupted during this incident and that there were no injuries reported. They highlighted their ongoing partnership with the Bryan Police, putting student and community safety as a top priority. That’s some good news amidst the chaos!
County Approves Infrastructure Projects
Switching gears, the Brazos County commissioners have recently put their stamp of approval on two major construction projects aimed at improving county infrastructure. A hefty $50 million construction contract has been awarded to build a new office complex right across Texas Avenue from the courthouse, which will include a connected walkway and a much-needed employee parking garage. Quite the upgrade!
In addition, they have greenlighted a $2.25 million purchase for a building across from Bryan Collegiate High School that will serve as the new 9-1-1 operations center. The county judge mentioned that the renovation costs for this new center will be funded through the 9-1-1 agency, making this a smart move for the local government.
Other Local Updates
Meanwhile, at a recent Texas A&M faculty senate meeting, discussions ranged from the academic performance of student-athletes to athletic department finances and a proposed settlement regarding student-athlete payments. Lots of important topics on the table for sure!
Lastly, a tragic event unfolded when a 63-year-old pedestrian named Phil Phillips was fatally struck by an SUV on Highway 6. Fortunately, the driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police, but this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety for everyone in our community.
In a separate case attracting attention, a 25-year-old man named Jimmy Caston Bryan has been sentenced to a staggering 75 years in prison after pleading guilty to firing at Houston police officers during a 2022 traffic stop. It’s certainly been a busy week for local law enforcement!
As always, stay informed and drive safe, Bryan!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bryan City Council Approves Major Infrastructure Overhaul
Brazos County Commissioners Approve Major Projects
Texas A&M Faculty Senate Discusses Student-Athletes and Local Incidents
Concerns Addressed by College Station Councilman David White
Bryan ISD Bus Assault Investigation Sparks Community Concerns
Tragedy Strikes College Station University Community
Texas A&M University Embraces AI in Academia Amidst Debate
Bryan City Council Plans for Community Growth
New Developments in College Station Enhance Community Safety and Support
Traffic Light Changes in College Station Enhance Safety
Additional Resources
- WTAW News: Bryan Police Advisory
- Wikipedia: Traffic Law
- KBTX News: Pedestrian Fatality
- Google Search: Pedestrian Safety
- KHOU News: Jimmy Bryan Sentenced
- Google Scholar: Crime Prevention
- Click2Houston News: Police Officer Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Policing in the United States
- KSDK News: Police Activity on I-70
- Google News: Traffic Incident
