Bell County Sheriff's Office

10/13/2026

BELL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
October 13, 2026

Temple Police Investigating Assault on Officer Following Vehicle Pursuit

The Temple Police Department is investigating an aggravated assault on a peace officer after a fleeing suspect allegedly intentionally struck a parked Temple Police Department vehicle occupied by an officer.

At approximately 10:39 a.m. today, a deputy with the Bell County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office located the suspect near Stan Schlueter Loop and Old FM 440 in Killeen and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect fled in a motor vehicle, and a pursuit followed.

Approximately 15 minutes later, the suspect’s vehicle struck the occupied Temple police vehicle in the 5400 block of South General Bruce Drive on the northbound side. Preliminary information indicates the collision was intentional.

The suspect was immediately taken into custody without further incident and transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center. The Temple police officer was also transported to Baylor Scott & White. Neither the officer nor the suspect sustained life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was a person of interest in an arson investigation stemming from an incident earlier this morning. The Killeen Police Department had pursued the suspect briefly earlier in the morning but terminated that pursuit because high speeds through residential neighborhoods created an unnecessary danger to the public.

The Texas Department of Public Safety, Bell County Sheriff’s Office, Killeen Police Department, Temple Police Department, and Killeen Fire Marshal’s Office have assisted in the response or are investigating related incidents.

This remains an active investigation. The information provided is preliminary and subject to change as investigators gather additional facts.

10/13/2026

IH 35 northbound service road north of Midway in Temple has been closed to traffic due to a police investigation. Expect delays on IH 35 NB for at least 3 hours.

10/12/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1EmNRFDZgQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A new traffic pattern is in place at the NW HK Dodgen Loop service road and Industrial Boulevard. All-way (4-way stop) stop signs have been installed at both the northbound and southbound intersections along with Lucius McCelvey Drive. A digital sign in the area also advises drivers of the new traffic pattern.

Please use caution, watch for posted traffic signs and come to a complete stop at each stop sign. Stay alert for changing traffic patterns in the area and obey all signs to help keep everyone safe.

10/02/2026

Burn Ban Status (LIFTED)

October 1, 2026 (Bell County, Texas)
ORDER LIFTING BURN BAN

WHEREAS, the Bell County Commissioner's Court determined on September 1, 2026 circumstances continue to present in all or part of the unincorporated area of the County a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning extended an emergency order instituting a burn ban effective beginning at 12:00 p.m. on September 21, 2026; and

WHEREAS, the County Judge has the authority to lift the Burn Ban Order if he deems conditions warrant such;and

WHEREAS, the County has received beneficial rainfall since the adoption of the Burn Ban Order and will continue to receive additional rainfall throughout the day today, October 1, 2026, along with the forecast for more beneficial rain through the week and into Saturday October 3, 2026; and

WHEREAS, the County Judge finds the circumstances no longer exist in such a manner that creates a public safety hazard by outdoor burning;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, David Blackburn, County Judge do hereby lift the Order adopted on September 21, 2026 restricting Outdoor Burning. This Order shall take effect immediately.

10/01/2026

Bell County Potential Flood Preparedness

09/30/2026

Vehicle Pursuit in Temple Results in Collision with Constable’s Vehicle:

On September 30, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., the Bell County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a silver 2011 Chevrolet Cruze near North Kegley Road and West Adams Avenue in Temple.

During the ensuing pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle failed to maintain its lane of travel and struck a Bell County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office vehicle at the H K Dodgen Loop and 5th street exit.

The deputy involved in the collision was taken to a local clinic for precautionary observation and released. The suspect was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center for medical clearance before being escorted to the Bell County Jail pending several felony charges.

The Bell County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Precinct 3 Constable’s Office for its assistance during the pursuit.

The Bell County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the criminal offenses. The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the crash investigation.

This information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues.

09/22/2026

IDENTITY UPDATE: MOFFAT STRUCTURE FIRE
The Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences—the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office—has confirmed the identity of the woman who died in Sunday evening’s structure fire in Moffat.
The deceased has been identified as Kendra Frances Schmidt, 55.
Representatives of the Bell County Sheriff’s Office have met with several members of Ms. Schmidt’s family, including her mother.
The Bell County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Kendra Schmidt during this difficult time.

09/21/2026

INCIDENT UPDATE
State Highway 36 is open, however, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office is asking that motorists please use caution while driving in the area due to continued police and fire personnel on scene throughout the day. Judge Duffield ordered an autopsy for the deceased individual whose name is being withheld at this time out of respect for the family.

INCIDENT UPDATE
The structure fires in the 11400 block of State Highway 36 have been contained but are not yet controlled.
Sadly, a deceased individual was discovered inside one of the structures. The Bell County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the individual’s family and loved ones. Justice of the Peace Duffield has been notified.
The Bell County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is leading the death investigation, while the Temple Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.
The Sheriff’s Office appreciates the rapid and extensive response from the Moffat Volunteer Fire Department, Temple Fire & Rescue, Morgan’s Point Resort Fire Department, Morgan’s Point Resort Police Department, and Temple EMS.
This remains an active investigation. Additional information will be released when appropriate.
State Highway 36 remains closed at this location. Motorists should avoid the area and use alternate routes.

09/21/2026

STRUCTURE FIRE- 11400 block of St Hwy 36 has been shut down both directions. Several fire Departments are on scene with multiple structure fires.