Karnes County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Steven Bailey

06/25/2026

Job Announcement:

Do you have what it takes to staff the KCSO Dispatch Center? Come take on the challenge and serve the Karnes County community.

Applications for the position of 911 Dispatcher/Emergency Operator can be obtained from the KCSO website or in person at the KCSO located at 500 E. Wall Street, Karnes City, TX 78118.

Stay safe Karnes County!

06/25/2026

BOLO:

Word on the streets was that the runaway giraffe, Gracie was seen loitering around the KCSO recently.

Sheriff Bailey and the KCSO cannot confirm, nor deny that we hosted this visitor.

Keep your eyes peeled and report any sightings to the KCSO at (830)780-3931.

Stay safe Karnes County!

06/25/2026

Job Announcement:

The KCSO is actively accepting applications for the position of Jailer/Detention Officer. Come apply and join the team.

Stay safe Karnes County!

06/25/2026

Major Motor Vehicle Accident:

On June 25, 2026, at 7:56 AM, the KCSO, along with the Karnes County EMS, Falls City Volunteer Fire Department, Karnes City Volunteer Fire Department, Karnes County Constable, Pct. 3, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Texas Department of Public Safety-Highway Patrol responded to a major motor vehicle accident near US 181 and CR 212 outside of Hobson, TX.

As a result of this traffic accident and the ensuing investigation, both north and south lanes of travel on US 181 are closed and will remain that way for an extended period of time.

Please avoid the area and find alternate routes of travel.

Updates will be provided at a later time.

Stay safe Karnes County!

06/25/2026

Recovered Stolen Property:

On Monday, June 22, 2026, Sheriff Bailey observed and detected what he believed to be a stolen vehicle tow dolly being utilized as he was driving between Karnes City and Kenedy. Using his past experience and expertise in auto theft investigations from his days as a Texas DPS Trooper, Sheriff Bailey conducted a traffic stop and began an investigation.

At the conclusion of this investigation, the vehicle tow dolly was found to have had its identification numbers tampered with and believed to have been stolen from a national rental agency. The property was effectively seized as stolen/recovered. Criminal charges are pending at this time.

Chalk this up to another example of proper policing and a keen eye from a veteran law man!

Stay safe Karnes County!

06/17/2026

Karnes County, please be aware of this situation that happened in Kenedy, TX this morning and report any sightings.

Stay safe Karnes County!

Update:

Property owners have come forward and indicated that they do not wish to pursue charges at this time. In light of this new information, our office is no longer actively seeking this individual. Should circumstances change, this decision may be revisited.

Original post:

Earlier this morning, Kenedy Police Officers responded to a report of a vehicle crashing into the property that remains of the Humble Cafe at the corner of Escondido Street and Victoria Street.

The driver, identified as Derrick Edwards (photograph below), fled the scene on foot and was last seen in the area of St. Mary’s Street and Booe Street. Citizens have reported that he may be carrying a hatchet. This notice is being shared to keep the community informed and aware, not to cause alarm.

If you see this individual, do not approach him and contact the Kenedy Police Department at 830-583-2225 or the Karnes County Sheriff’s Office at 830-780-3931, option 1.

06/16/2026

Sheriff Steven Bailey and the Karnes County Sheriff's Office are proud to partner with the many organizations that make up the Karnes County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and Coordinated Community Response Team (CCRT).

SARTs are state-mandated, multidisciplinary teams that coordinate efforts among law enforcement, medical professionals, such as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), and victim advocates. Under Texas law, every county is required to establish a SART to ensure a survivor-centered approach and to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault offenses.

CCRTs are broader coalitions comprised of community stakeholders, including local nonprofit organizations, educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders. These teams focus on prevention, education, and identifying and addressing gaps in community resources and services.

Today's meeting, along with our ongoing monthly collaboration, highlighted the importance of these partnerships. By working together through SART and CCRT, the Karnes County Sheriff's Office is better equipped to provide comprehensive support and resources to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, empowering them on their journey from victim to survivor.

The Karnes County Sheriff's Office remains committed to fostering strong partnerships that enhance public safety and improve outcomes for those we serve.

Stay safe, Karnes County!

06/16/2026

***UPDATE***

Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident:

Earlier today, first responders were dispatched to a major vehicle accident. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that one of the occupants involved was deceased as a result of the auto collision. The Texas Department of Public Safety-Highway Patrol responded and took over as the primary investigating law enforcement agency.

Next of kin notification is pending.

As of 2111 hours, SH 123 has been reopened to regular vehicular traffic.

Stay safe Karnes County!

**Original Post**

Major Motor Vehicle Accident:

On June 16, 2026, at 1502 hours, the KCSO, Karnes County EMS, Karnes City Volunteer Fire Department, with the assistance of the Karnes City Police Department, Karnes County Constable #3, and the Texas Department of Public Safety - Central Texas Region, responded to a major motor vehicle accident in the area of SH 123 and the San Antonio River Bridge, just south of Panna Maria, TX.

As of this posting, both directions of SH 123 will be effectively closed, pending the outcome of this investigation.

Please avoid the area and find an alternate route of travel. Updates will be provided as the incident evolves.

Stay safe Karnes County!

-Photo courtesy of the Karnes Countywide Newspaper

06/13/2026

CRASE Training:

On June 10th, 11th and June 12, 2026, members of the Karnes County Sheriff’s Office conducted Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training for employees throughout the Karnes County government.

The CRASE program, developed by the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center, provides citizens with practical strategies and guidance to help survive active shooter incidents through the Avoid, Deny, Defend methodology.

Our commitment remains focused on empowering our community through education, preparedness, and proactive public safety initiatives.

Anyone wishing to participate or gather information about this life saving program is encouraged to contact the KCSO at (830)780-3931 and ask for information regarding the CRASE program.

Stay safe Karnes County!

06/09/2026

Community Engagement:

On June 8, 2026, members of the KCSO were invited to participate in the Karnes City ISD’s ACE Career Fair.

The KCSO had representatives from the Patrol/School Resource Officer Division, Dispatch, Jail Division, Administration, and the Criminal Investigations Division on hand to discuss what Sheriff Bailey and the KCSO does for the Karnes County, TX community.

It was a wonderful time showing these future crime fighters what they can do to serve their community when they get a little older!

Stay safe Karnes County!