ONLY ON 13: Authorities crack down on illegal dumping in east Houston

Thursday, July 7, 2016
Authorities look to crackdown on illegal dumping
Authorities look to crackdown on illegal dumping, Kaitlin McCulley reports.

HOUSTON, TX (KTRK) -- Investigators are looking for a man caught on camera illegally dumping construction debris in an east Houston neighborhood.

Cameras mounted on street lights on J.W. Peavy Drive show a man get out of a dark-colored vehicle and unload debris from the trailer attached to his truck. The man, if caught, could face a $4,000 fine or spend up to 30 days in jail.

Martin Chavez with the Greater East End District is working with the Harris County Precinct 6 Constable Office to address the problem of illegal dumping. Cameras are mounted in several different "hot spots" for the crime in the East End.

"It causes health issues," Chavez said. "Causes the neighborhood to look bad."

City of Houston residents can dump debris and other trash for free at designated sites. The depository located at 2240 Central Street is less than five miles away from Peavy Drive, where the man chose to dump his debris illegally.

Victor Tamez has lived in the East End for about 50 years. He urges his neighbors to use the designated dump site. He would like to see his neighborhood look better.

"Nice and clean," Tamez said. "Like everybody would."

Anyone with information about the man caught on camera dumping trash should call the Precinct 6 at 713-274-3400 and ask to speak with Sgt. Kizer.