Gillespie County Sheriff's Office

06/05/2026

Serenity Lane Incident Update:

The Gillespie County. Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the family of the two victims involved in the May 27, 2026 house explosion.

The family is dealing with the passing of both victims husband and wife from their injuries sustained during this tragic incident.

We have been in close contact with the family and we will continue to do so.

The GCSO will continue the investigation into the cause of the house explosion.
We are working with different agencies who are experts in this type of investigation to determine the true cause of the incident.

We will release more detailed information once the investigation is complete.

Please, keep the family in your prayers and thoughts during a very difficult time.

Thank You Gillespie County for making me Gillespie County Proud with your support.

Sheriff Chris Ayala

05/27/2026

First responders are currently dealing with a house explosion and fire.

The resident are safe and are being treated by EMS.

We ask that you keep the injured and their families in your prayers.

First responders have done an outstanding response to this incident.

Support the first responders by adhering to emergency lights and staying away from the area.

Thank you for your cooperation and support during this incident.

Gillespie County Proud

Thank You!

Sheriff Ayala

05/26/2026

Funeral Service:

Deputy Kevin W. Carter

Services will be Held at:

Fredericksburg Funeral Home

2278 South US Hwy 87
Fredericksburg Tx, 78624

Monday, June 1, 2026

Service begins at:

9:00a.m.-10:00a.m.

A funeral precession will follow to the Greenwood Cemetery located at:

1665 North Llano St.Fredericksburg Tx.

The Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office will be closed from:

8:00a.m.-2:00p.m. To attend the funeral.

The Carter family and the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our sincere gratitude for all of the support during this difficult time.

Your support makes me Gillespie County Proud!

Thank You.

Sheriff Chris Ayala

05/24/2026

It is with a saddened heart I would like to take this time to ask for prayers for the family of Gillespie County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Carter.

Deputy Carter was assigned to the Gillespie County Courthouse security detail.

Deputy Carter was also a US Army Veteran.

Deputy Carter passed away after his hard fought battle with cancer.

More information will follow as we move forward with details of Deputy Carter’s funeral arrangements.

We ask for your support and prayers to the Carter family along with his GCSO family during this time of loss.

Deputy Kevin Carter will be missed.

Thank you for your continued Support!

Gillespie County Proud!

Sheriff Chris Ayala

05/22/2026

Please, help me welcome the newest member of the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Materno Sanchez.

We look forward working with Deputy Sanchez.

Gillespie County Proud!

Thank you for all your support!

Sheriff Chris Ayala

05/18/2026

Update: May 18, 2026 at 11:45a.m.

Speed Limit Signs on Highway 87 North:

The Speed Limit signs posting 55mph are located at each spot a 70mph sign was originally located.

The signs are changed so that we as locals and those passing through will begin to slow down and prep for the few months of road construction.

These signs mean 55mph even if there is no road construction.

We are asking for patience and lower speeds during the construction to assure the safety of the road workers while they are working.

I drive this road every day and I agree it is a bit of a pain and inconvenience. The end result will be a better road for travel.

——————————————-

RED AND GREEN STOP LIGHTS:

Red and Green Lights on HWY 87 North.

The lights are located just North of FM 2323 on HWY 87 North.

These lights are not like intersection lights and will cycle differently.

The lights are working properly and I observed multiple cycles indicating they worked as programed.

The hardest and a bit confusing is coming off of FM 648 attempting to pull in to HWY 87 North.

Pay close attention to the yellow arrow indicators at this intersection.

Remember the Flashing Yellow Arrows still mean you will must yield the right of way to HWY 87 Traffic. You may enter into traffic o ly when it is safe to do so.

The average wait time based on traffic I observed today, Monday 18, 2026 was 5-10 minutes. These times can increase during busier traffic during the week.

This time will be average as long as no one disregards the red light.

Please do not run the red lights assuming it is not working properly.

When that happens it causes the system to keep the north or south abound traffic from moving a bit longer.

I observed the lights today Monday, May 18 for about an hour and the lights worked as programed. I went through 6 cycles and the lights worked as they should. My longest wait time was 8 minutes and 44 seconds.

Law enforcement helps to remind drivers to observe posted speed limits and hope it will detour future unsafe driving.

Leave early and or adjust your travel route into town based on the road construction.

Do not rely on GPS systems for speed limits be aware and look for posted current speed signs

Go to drivetexas.org
to check for road construction in the Gillespie County area.

I hope this helps everyone seeing this post.

Thank You.

Gillespie County Proud!

Sheriff Chris Ayala

05/17/2026

55MPH signs located Hwy 87 North:

The Speed Limit signs posting 55mph are located at each spot a 70mph sign was originally located.

The signs are changed so that we as locals and those passing through will begin to slow down and prep for the few months of road construction.

These signs mean 55mph even if there is no road construction.

We are asking for patience and lower speeds during the construction to assure the safety of the road workers while they are working.

I drive this road every day and I agree it is a bit of a pain and inconvenience.

——————————————-

Red and Green Lights on HWY 87 North.

The lights are located just North of Fm2323 and HWY 87 North.

These lights are not like intersection lights and will cycle differently.

The lights are working properly and I observed multiple cycles indicating they worked as programed.

The hardest and a bit confusing is coming off of FM 648 attempting to pull in to HWY 87 North. Pay close attention to the yellow arrow indicators at this intersection.

The average wait time based on traffic I observed today, Sunday May 17th was 5-10 minutes. These times can increase during busier traffic during the week.

This time will be average as long as no one disregards the red light

When that happens it causes the system to keep the north or south abound traffic from moving a bit longer.

Again I know it is an inconvenience for many.

I observed the lights today for about an hour and the lights worked as programed.

Law enforcement helps to remind drivers to observe posted speed limits and hope it will detour future unsafe driving.

Leave early and or adjust your travel route into town.

I hope this helps everyone seeing this post.

Thank You.

Gillespie County Proud!

Sheriff Chris Ayala

05/16/2026

May was declared:

Mental Health Awareness Month by the Gillespie County Commissioners Court!

*Half of the population will experience some type of mental health challenge over the course of a lifetime.

* 36.8% of adults in Texas reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, compared to 32.3% of adults in the United States.

* 653 individuals in Gillespie County sought services from Hill Country MHDD Centers.

* 92 individuals have received mental health services through the jail since September 2025 through the mental health grant for justice involved individuals.

People with mental illnesses make important contributions to our families and our communities and recover if given the necessary services and supports in their community.

Acknowledging Mental Health Month in Gillespie County calls upon the community to increase awareness and understanding of mental illnesses, reduce stigma and discrimination, and promote appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions.

Rikki-MHDD

If you have time to stop by Market Platz today meet the those who are working hard to make Mental Health a priority in our community.

Gillespie County Proud!

Thank You.

Sheriff Chris Ayala

05/12/2026

Just giving you a heads up.

Be safe!

🚧 Street Closure Notice 🚧

Heads up, Fredericksburg! The City Street Department will close Friendship Lane on Tuesday, May 12, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

📍 Closure Area: South Creek Street to U.S. 87 South
👷 Reason: Public Works crews will be tying in utilities for the new Racquet Center at 500 Friendship Lane.

Please plan ahead, use alternate routes, and allow extra travel time. Emergency access will be maintained.

Thank you for your patience as we work to improve City infrastructure!

05/10/2026

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Wishing all the amazing Moms out there an awesome day from the GCSO!

Prayers and thought to all those Moms who are no longer with us but are a part of our everyday!

Gillespie County Proud of all our Moms.

Thank You!

Sheriff Cris Ayala