07/03/2026
Tuesday’s reports regarding a solicitor in our community generated understandable concern, and we would like to provide residents with the facts of the incident.
On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Bayou Vista Police officers responded to multiple calls regarding a Black male who was observed entering residential properties through unlocked gates to contact homeowners. Officers quickly located the individual and determined he was lawfully working as a solicitor for AT&T Fiber. His employment credentials were verified, he voluntarily presented his retired U.S. Army identification, and officers confirmed he had no active warrants.
Several residents believed the individual was trespassing. Due to the unique layout of many Bayou Vista homes, where the primary entrance is often located on the canal side of the property, officers determined that entering through an unlocked gate to attempt contact at the front door for business purposes did not meet the legal elements of criminal trespass under the circumstances. The properties involved did not have locked gates or clearly posted “No Trespassing” or “No Soliciting” signs.
To ensure the correct legal interpretation, Bayou Vista Police consulted with the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office. After reviewing the facts, the District Attorney’s Office agreed that the incident did not meet the legal criteria for criminal trespass charges because the intent and required elements of the offense were not present.
We understand that many residents prefer not to have solicitors on their property, and we respect those concerns. The District Attorney’s Office advised that homeowners who wish to prevent solicitors from entering their property should keep gates locked and/or clearly post “No Trespassing” and “No Soliciting” signs in visible locations.
This incident serves as a reminder that officers investigate behavior based on facts, evidence, and the law, not assumptions or appearances. We encourage residents to continue reporting suspicious activity. Every call is taken seriously, and every situation is investigated so officers can determine what is actually occurring.
The Bayou Vista Police Department remains committed to protecting our community, respecting the rights of all individuals, and enforcing Texas law fairly, professionally, and without bias.
