Henderson County, Texas

Sheriff's Report: Man dies in plane crash; Missing person still sought


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This interview was recorded Wednesday, Oct. 26, at the Henderson County Justice Center with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan

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A plane crash and a missing person leads off this week's Sheriff's Report. Remember, Sheriff Hillhouse listens to tips from the public, so send your tips to the Henderson County Sheriff's Department Facebook page or call 903-675-5128.

I. The Stats (1:37)

Summary: There were 395 inmates in the Henderson County Jail Wednesday morning with 66 of those being out of county inmates. The jail has averaged 442 inmates this year.

Additional: This is the first time since the beginning of the year that the jail population has been below 400.

II. Plane Crash (3:20)

Summary: A single-engine plane crashed into the shore of Lake Palestine just outside of Chandler last Friday, Oct. 21. The pilot was killed in the crash. The Department of Public Safety announced the pilot was Jimmie A. Blackwell, 79, of Cedar Park. Nobody else was injured in the crash.

Quote: "At this time we don't know exactly what happened," said Sheriff Hillhouse. "The plane left Pounds Field in Tyler and in a very short amount of time ... it crashed into Lake Palestine."

Additional: The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

III. Missing Person (6:47)

Summary: The Sheriff's Office is still looking for Cody Eugene Gates who was last seen on Sept. 8.

Quote: "Still, as of today, we haven't been able to locate him, his family hasn't been able to locate him," Sheriff Hillhouse said. "This isn't normal behavior for him."

Additional: Cody Eugene Gates is a 45 year old white male 5 foot 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds. Cody is normally seen wearing a baseball cap however he is known to shave his head. Cody was last seen with an unknown female by the name of Sam. It has been reported that at one time Cody was driving a 2004 White Dodge Avenger with a possible Texas license plate of PLN 2426. Cody is known to frequent the Van Zandt or Smith county areas.

If you know the whereabouts of Cody or how to reach him please notify Henderson County Sheriff's Office's Investigator Sherry Powers 903-675-5128.

(Cody Eugene Gates)

III. Report Livestock (9:15)

Summary: During drought conditions, livestock can wander looking for food. They can sometimes go through fences and wander far making it difficult for Sheriff's deputies to find the correct owner. Sheriff Hillhouse is asking livestock owners to call the Sheriff's Office to let them know where your livestock is so they have your contact information in case your livestock meanders away.

Quote: "If you do have livestock here in Henderson County, if you would please reach out to the Sheriff's Office at 903-675-5128, ask for dispatch, and let us know that you have livestock in a particular area," Sheriff Hillhouse said.

Additional: If the Sheriff's Office cannot immediately find an owner, the law requires deputies to open and estray investigation. The Sheriff's Office will have to call cowboys in to round up the livestock and impound the animals. If after a certain amount of time the owner hasn't been found, the law requires the livestock to be sold at auction and the money to be used to pay for impounding the animals.



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hendersoncountytexas.substack.com
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Henderson County, TexasBy Henderson County, Texas