Driver cited in wreck that closed U.S. 59
By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com
      The driver of an 18-wheeler that overturned and closed down both north-bound lanes of U.S. 59 for two hours has been cited by the Wharton Police Department. The driver has been identified as Jose Benavides Jr., 54, of Houston, according to the police department report. He was cited for failure t...
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Tip from 'Most Wanted' story leads to fugitive
By BRENDA SOMMER news1@leader-news.com
      The ink was barely dry on Wednesday's Leader-News when a tipster read about El Campo's "Most Wanted" fugitive and called his location into police. Roger Ray Vernon, 51, of 216 Olive was featured in that issue of the paper as part of an ongoing program of the newspaper, the El Campo Police Depar...
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Rewards offered to help find burglars, vandals
By BRENDA SOMMER news1@leader-news.com
      County law enforcers need the public's help to find thieves and vandals who have no respect for private property. West Wharton County Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward for information on two separate cases that took place in mid-September outside El Campo.
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Police Blotter
      City Arrests Alcohol, drugs Michael Alan Acuna Jr., 19, of 207 E. Sixth was arrested at 1:58 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 on charges of minor in possession of an alcoholic beverage and assault bodily injury - family violence, after allegedly getting into a fight inside a vehicle and punching a wom...
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