Bell County Sheriff's Office

08/21/2026

Interstate 35 northbound just inside Belton at the Leon River bridge is shut down. Bell County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Texas Highway Patrol, Belton and Temple Police Departments. Expect delays for sometime.

08/13/2026

First and foremost, I want to take a moment to recognize the families of the two soldiers who lost their lives yesterday. Our thoughts and prayers are with them along with the soldiers that have been impacted by this tragedy. Please know that our prayers and deepest condolences are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
On a personal note, many generations of my family have served in the military and continue to serve today. This tragedy hits close to home for me, as it does for many people throughout Bell County. We are neighbors to one of the nation’s largest military installations, and our agencies and communities work closely with its soldiers and personnel on many occasions.
At this time soldiers from Ft Hood remain on scene working in close coordination with local agencies to secure the sight and to support recovery operations.
I would now like to briefly recap yesterday’s events.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m., the Bell County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a helicopter crash approximately one-half mile west of the 16400 block of Kuykendall Branch Road in South Salado.
When deputies arrived, they located the crashed helicopter and a large fire that was burning out of control. Additional agencies were notified including Justice of the Peace Michael Tice. Judge Tice pronounced both soldiers deceased at 2:30 p.m and ordered an autopsy to be performed by the United States Army
Regarding the fire, it is now 100 percent contained. However, contained does not mean controlled. Fire officials anticipate declaring the fire 100 percent controlled at approximately 5:00 p.m. Sunday, provided there are no significant flare-ups.
According to Chief Franz of the Salado Fire Department, crews continue to monitor the area closely. Because of the high winds and extremely dry conditions, embers may remain beneath the charred grass and could reignite or be carried into nearby areas.
Five homes were threatened, and all five were saved. Nine outbuildings were also threatened and saved, one outbuilding was lost.
Approximately 155 acres burned. Although that is a significant amount of land, the outcome could have been catastrophic without the large and rapid response from fire departments across Bell County and neighboring counties.
Firefighters faced extraordinarily difficult conditions, including temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, low humidity, sustained winds of more than 20 miles per hour, and gusts exceeding 30 miles per hour.
More than 200 firefighters representing 22 agencies assisted with this response.
Approximately 100 Law Enforcement Personnel representing 9 agencies assisted with this response

Fire Incident Command
Salado FD – Bell County ESD #1
Williamson County ESD #5
Jarrell Fire and Rescue
Belton Fire Department
Temple Fire Department
Hutto Fire Department
Liberty Hill Fire Department
Round Rock Fire Department
Williamson County ESD #7 Andice-Florence Fire Department
Little River Academy Volunteer Fire Department
Central Bell Fire and Rescue
Southwest Bell County Fire Department
Killeen Fire Department
Harker Heights Fire Department
Nolanville Fire Department
Leander Fire Department
Morgans Point Fire Department
Rogers Fire Department
Copperas Cove Fire Department
Ft Hood Fire Department
Holland Volunteer Fire Department
Moffit Volunteer Fire Department
Williamson County ESD 6 Weir Fire Department
Bell County Emergency Management
Temple EMS
Travis County Star Flight

State Agencies
Tx A&M Forest Service
Texas Department of Emergency Management
Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid Systems Strike Team #192
Arlington Fire Department
Johnson Fire Department
Sanger Fire Department
Louisville Fire Department
Keene Fire Department
Coppell Fire Department
Justin Fire Department

Law Enforcement
Bell County Sheriff's Office
TX Department of Public Safety
TX Department of Public Safety Aircraft
Salado Police Department
Bell County Constables Office Pct 2
Temple Police Department
Ft Hood Criminal Investigation Division
Ft Hood Military Police
Department of the Army Police

On behalf of the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, I want to express our sincere gratitude to every firefighter, first responder, law enforcement officer, emergency-management official, and supporting agency that responded. Their professionalism, courage, and cooperation protected lives and prevented an already tragic event from becoming even more devastating.
The Bell County Communications Center deserves special recognition. According to the boots on the ground, they were the "heart and soul" of this operation.
We also thank the affected residents for their patience and cooperation while emergency crews continue working in the area.
Sheriff Bill Cooke and his Office again conveys “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families, friends, fellow soldiers, and military community mourning the loss of these two service members”

Cliff Coleman
Bell County Sheriff's Office
Public Information Officer

08/13/2026

8.12.2026 2 incident

08/13/2026

Video from 8.12.2026 incident

08/10/2026

BELL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES ARREST IN HOLLAND-AREA HOMICIDE

BELL COUNTY, TEXAS — The Bell County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update regarding a homicide investigation in the 17700 block of Pecan School Road, south of Holland.

On Friday, August 7, 2026, shortly after 5:00 p.m., the Bell County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a possible homicide at a residence on Pecan School Road.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered a large amount of blood and cutting instruments that appeared to have blood on them. Based on information provided by the individual who called 911 from the property, deputies identified and detained a person of interest without incident.

The Bell County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division was notified and responded to the scene. Investigators presented an affidavit requesting a search warrant to Judge Wade Faulkner, who subsequently signed the warrant.

During the ex*****on of the search warrant, investigators recovered a dismembered body. Justice of the Peace Michael Tice ordered an autopsy, and the remains were transported to the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office. The victim was positively identified as 67-year-old Larry Barabas of Holland, Texas.

The Bell County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is leading the investigation with assistance from the Texas Rangers and the Texas Rangers Forensic Investigative Team. Investigators continue to collect and analyze evidence, conduct interviews, and work to establish the complete sequence of events.

As a result of the investigation and in coordination with the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, arrest warrants were issued for 35-year-old Peter John Barabas on the following charges:

Murder
Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair
Abuse of a Co**se Without Legal Authority
The bonds for the three charges total $1,750,000. Peter Barabas remains in custody at the Bell County Jail.

Because this remains an active criminal investigation, certain details cannot be released at this time. The Bell County Sheriff’s Office will provide additional information when doing so will not compromise the investigation or any future prosecution.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Larry Barabas. We also ask the public and members of the media to respect the family’s privacy during this extremely difficult time.

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Bell County Sheriff’s Office and would also like to thank the Holland Police Department, Bartlett Police Department, and the Bartlett Volunteer Fire Department for responding and assisting.

The charges announced in this release are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Cliff Coleman
Public Information Officer

08/06/2026

On Thursday, August 6th we will pause to remember the 123rd anniversary of Deputy Isaac Grubbs Line of Duty Death. Bell County Deputy Sheriff Isaac Grubbs was shot and killed by a female subject while attempting to serve an eviction notice.

As Deputy Grubbs and another deputy approached the house, they were confronted by the woman who stated she would not be moved and that she would kill the officers. Several shots were suddenly fired, and Deputy Grubbs was struck. The woman was acquitted in 1905 after a second jury could not make a decision.

Deputy Grubbs was survived at the time by his wife.

Please keep his memory in your prayers as we remember one of our fallen……..

https://www.odmp.org/officer/15733-deputy-sheriff-isaac-b-grubbs

Perry Moose
Assistant Chief Deputy
Bell County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Sheriff Isaac Grubbs was shot and killed by a female subject while attempted to serve an eviction notice.

07/29/2026

On Sunday, July 26, 2026, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a citizen concerned about the welfare of seven dogs at 335 Oakalla Loop, south of Killeen.

Once Deputies arrived, they located six living dogs in severe health condition and one that was deceased. The living dogs were taken by an animal rescue to provide proper care.

On Monday, July 27, 2026, Deputies provided information to Justice of the Peace Michael Tice, resulting in seven arrest warrants being issued for Cruelty to Animals, charging Michael Albert Turner, a 57-year-old male. Michael Turner was arrested and remains in the Bell County Jail under a total bond amount of $35,000.

The Bell County Sheriff’s Office encourages all citizens to report concerns about the safety of animals to their local animal control or law enforcement agency. In areas outside the city limits, citizens can report to the Bell County Animal Control by calling 254-933-6780 or the Sheriff’s Office at 254-933-5412.

07/29/2026

UPDATE: The Temple Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in identifying the suspect vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash. To read the full media release, visit templetx.gov/news.

UPDATE: (5:27 a.m.) The roadway has been reopened for normal traffic flow.

The Temple Police Department is currently assisting with a crash in the area of Charter Oak Drive near Belton City limits. While crews work the scene all lanes of travel will be shut down. If you need to travel through this area, please use an alternate route.

07/22/2026

07/21/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the Bell County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a possible drowning near Rogers Park in Bell County, just outside the City of Morgan’s Point Resort. The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Bell County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies from the Bell County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and were assisted by the Morgan’s Point Resort Police Department, Morgan’s Point Resort Fire Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, the Temple Police Department, and the Morgan’s Point Resort Dive Team. Investigators with the Bell County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation.

At approximately 5:00 p.m., members of the Morgan’s Point Resort Dive Team, assisted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, recovered the body of a 19-year-old male from Harker Heights.

Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey pronounced the victim deceased at the scene and declined to order an autopsy. Based on the investigation, there is no indication of foul play.

The victim’s next of kin has been notified. However, out of respect for the family, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office will not be releasing the victim’s identity until all extended family members have been notified. The Harker Heights Police Department assisted with the family notification.

The Bell County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends during this difficult time.