On October 31, 2024, around 1:53 p.m., Sulphur Springs Police responded to the 1300 block of N Hillcrest following a report of an officer being threatened. Upon arrival, officers witnessed Ruth Gloria Voelpel assaulting an Animal Control Officer, who was in a marked police uniform. Voelpel reportedly bit and struck the officer, causing visible injuries.
Police reported that Voelpel threatened the officer with a handgun, stating an intention to shoot. Investigators determined that she had also unlawfully entered a secured building to retrieve her impounded dog without paying the required fee, which deprived the City of Sulphur Springs of funds and led to a burglary charge.
Voelpel was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including Assault of a Public Servant, Burglary of a Building, and Terroristic Threat Against a Public Servant.
