Local violent and property crimes, fugitives, prosecutions, and police accountability/reform efforts

Wichita Falls at a Pivotal Crossroads: Surge in Crime Amid Police Reforms and Community Efforts

As Wichita Falls navigates 2026, the city faces a complex landscape marked by a troubling rise in non-police misconduct crimes alongside significant efforts to increase police accountability and rebuild community trust. Recent events highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies addressing violence, organized crime, and systemic reform.

Surge in Violent and Property Crimes

The past months have seen a notable spike in violent incidents involving firearms, property crimes, and exploitation:

• Youth Violence and Firearm Incidents: A particularly alarming event occurred on February 8, when a juvenile shooting on Taft Boulevard injured two minors. Believed to be linked to gang activity, the suspect remains at large, fueling fears about youth involvement in violence and the effectiveness of juvenile intervention programs. Additionally, other firearm-related incidents—such as a road rage shooting and a parking dispute turned gunfire—underscore how easily firearms escalate conflicts on the streets.

• Neighborhood and Commercial Crimes: The community has experienced organized retail theft, exemplified by the recent burglary at Best Buy, where suspects stole high-value electronics before fleeing. Law enforcement swiftly arrested Jacob Campbell, but another suspect remains at large. A separate early-morning armed robbery at the same store adds to concerns over the prevalence of armed property crimes.

• Arson and Vandalism: Small business owners are on alert after a malicious arson attack in Petrolia caused approximately $10,000 in damages. Such targeted violence threatens economic stability and community safety.

• Organized Drug Trafficking: Law enforcement reports large-scale seizures, including roughly 15 pounds of marijuana, methamphetamine, and prescription pills, highlighting ongoing organized crime influence. Recent prosecutions, such as Dakota Joseph Phillips' conviction for intoxication manslaughter resulting in a 10-year sentence, demonstrate efforts to hold offenders accountable.

• Financial and Domestic Crimes: Authorities also tackled financial exploitation, arresting a man accused of abusing an elderly woman, and responded to reports of child injuries, arresting suspect Donti Franklin to ensure accountability for vulnerable residents.

Community and Law Enforcement Responses

In response to this surge, Wichita Falls has intensified law enforcement efforts and initiated reforms aimed at transparency and accountability:

• Leadership Transitions: Police Chief Manuel Borrego announced his retirement, signaling a leadership change during a period of reform. Meanwhile, the department is under external review by 21CP Solutions, a nationally recognized consulting firm, with a budget of up to $275,000 allocated for an independent assessment of policies, oversight mechanisms, and community relations.

• External Oversight and Investigations: To ensure impartiality, a district attorney from Abilene has been appointed to assist with investigations into police misconduct allegations, including a recent probe involving a police shooting. The Texas Rangers are also involved in this investigation. Recent incidents, such as allegations of excessive force and a police-involved shooting, have prompted the department to release bodycam footage and hearing recordings, like the recent 14-minute video from January 29, 2026, aiming to foster transparency.

• Reforming Police-Community Relations: The department has launched initiatives such as the all-women Crime Scene Unit, and revived programs like the Wichita Falls Citizens Academy to promote community engagement and understanding. Oversight bodies and public forums, including the Public Safety Roundtable and city council hearings, continue to serve as platforms for dialogue on reforms.

Addressing Underlying Social Issues

Beyond law enforcement, Wichita Falls faces ongoing social challenges:

• The Second Light homeless shelter faces potential closure if funding cannot be secured, risking increased vulnerability among homeless residents. The Wichita Falls Area Food Bank remains a pillar of community resilience, recently collecting over 2,300 pounds of food during the Tackle Hunger drive.

• Winter storms threaten emergency response efforts, with recent house fires—including one on Lakefront Drive—and hazardous road conditions prompting calls for better preparedness and infrastructure improvements.

• A special election scheduled for late February will decide on a 1% sales tax to fund new fire stations, emergency equipment upgrades, and infrastructure projects, aiming to bolster safety and response capacity.

Community Engagement and Civic Revitalization

Wichita Falls is actively pursuing revitalization projects and civic engagement to foster trust and growth:

• The Skybox Mega Data Hub project aims to position Wichita Falls as a regional digital and data center hub, attracting tech firms and creating jobs.

• The Sikes Senter Mall redevelopment seeks to revitalize retail and commercial activity, supporting economic diversification.

• The NAACP chapter has been revived, emphasizing racial justice, equity, and civic dialogue, while educational initiatives at Hirschi Middle School aim to improve safety and academic outcomes.

• Governance efforts continue with the City Council Retreat on February 21 and subsequent meetings that reaffirm commitments to safety, transparency, and strategic planning.

Implications and Outlook

Wichita Falls stands at a critical juncture. The rise in violence, firearm proliferation, organized crime, and allegations of police misconduct challenge the community’s sense of safety and trust. Nevertheless, proactive reforms—such as independent departmental reviews, external investigations, community outreach programs, and civic projects—demonstrate a commitment to systemic change.

The effectiveness of these measures will depend on sustained transparency, community involvement, and addressing root causes like mental health and gun violence. As the city moves forward, its ability to balance enforcement, accountability, and social support will determine whether Wichita Falls can emerge safer, more transparent, and more resilient.

Key factors to monitor include:

• The outcomes of the independent police review and external investigations into misconduct.
• Progress in solving cold cases and apprehending fugitives at large.
• The sustainability of social services amid funding uncertainties.
• The impact of public safety initiatives and community outreach on reducing violence and strengthening trust.

Wichita Falls's response to these challenges will shape its trajectory toward a safer, more inclusive community in the years ahead.