FOX4 2d ago
FIFA and Puede Network are collaborating to build a new soccer plaza in Oak Cliff to help local youth enjoy the sport.FIFA is funding the soccer plaza in Oak Cliff, a community known for its family-oriented atmosphere and resilience. The project is a partnership with Puede Network, an organization that specializes in creating opportunities for kids to enjoy and participate in soccer. The new soccer plaza aims to support community engagement and sports development by including a pavilion, a food truck plaza, and five turf soccer fields. The total budget for the project is $3.5 million, with $2 million contributed by contractors. "Oak Cliff is my hood. It’s a place where people are resilient and have the kindest hearts," said Adan Gonzalez, the founder of Puede Network.He emphasizes the importance of hard work and opportunity, stating that people in the neighborhood are not asking for handouts; they’re asking for work."We don’t shy away from hard work," he said, reflecting on dreams and
FOX4 1d ago
A former Cedar Hill police officer was sentenced to 300 days in the Ellis County Jail after a jury convicted him of official oppression stemming from his conduct during a 2024 traffic stop, according to the Ellis County and District Attorney’s Office.Former Cedar Hill officer convictedDonald Najee Mercer, of Dallas County, was convicted June 10 of a misdemeanor offense and was ordered to serve jail time after jurors rejected probation.According to trial testimony, Mercer stopped a woman in Cedar Hill on August 7, 2024, while driving an officer patrol vehicle and wearing his Cedar Hill police uniform. Prosecutors said he administered field sobriety tests, before arresting the woman on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and transported her to Methodist Midlothian Medical Center to have her blood drawn.Details of the 2024 traffic stop, oppression chargesEvidence presented at trial showed that after returning to the patrol vehicle, the woman told Mercer she had marijuana in her pocket.
FOX4 1d ago
Dallas County deputy constables who rushed into an apartment complex explosion and fire last month, putting others before themselves, were saluted for their efforts by Dallas County Commissioners.Deputy Constables HonoredA standing ovation echoed through the Dallas County Commissioners Court on Tuesday as county leaders and attendees paused to honor two deputy constables who risked their lives during a chaotic apartment explosion and fire last month in Oak Cliff.Deputy Constables Vincent DeLuna and Jonathan Banda were the first law enforcement officers to arrive at the scene of the May 28 disaster, which left three people dead and others injured.Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia presented a formal resolution to the deputies and their constable, praising the men for running toward danger while other agencies were still assessing the situation."Run to the scene and risk their lives to see how they could save, and they walk into the fire while Dallas Fire-Rescue and everyone else, At
