Denton Area Sees Varied Developments: Felony DWI, Burglary Surge, New Business

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Quick Read

  • Denton police arrested a 37-year-old for felony DWI, failure to identify, and driving with a suspended license after he allegedly tried to fight helpers.
  • The arrestee had two prior DWI convictions and active warrants.
  • Denton Police reported 78 vehicle burglaries between Nov. 20 and Jan. 20, predominantly in south Denton apartments.
  • Most vehicle burglaries involved unlocked cars, prompting police to advise residents to secure their vehicles.
  • Frenchies Modern Nail Care is opening its 32nd U.S. location in Highland Village, with construction starting February 16.

DENTON (Azat TV) – Denton police have arrested a 37-year-old driver on an enhanced felony driving while intoxicated charge, among others, after he allegedly attempted to physically confront individuals who stopped to help him when his vehicle stalled in the road. This incident unfolds as local law enforcement also addresses a notable trend of vehicle burglaries across south Denton apartments, while nearby Highland Village prepares for new commercial development with the upcoming opening of a national nail salon chain.

Felony DWI Arrest Follows Combative Encounter in Denton

Denton police responded to a call on Saturday regarding a vehicle stopped in the right southbound lane of North Bonnie Brae at West University Drive. According to a police report obtained by Denton Record-Chronicle, a caller reported that people attempting to assist the driver were met with aggression and attempts to fight them.

Upon arrival, officers found the driver slumped over the steering wheel, appearing to be asleep. The vehicle allegedly emitted a strong odor of marijuana. After officers woke him, the driver’s statements were incoherent, leading police to suspect he was under the influence. As he appeared to be falling asleep again, officers instructed him to exit the vehicle.

The driver reportedly became combative and aggressive, refusing to comply with officers’ commands or identify himself, prompting his arrest. Authorities later identified him and confirmed he had active warrants for his arrest. Further investigation revealed his driver’s license had been suspended twice, rendering it invalid. Following his transport to the city jail, officers discovered the individual had two prior convictions for driving while intoxicated.

He was subsequently booked on an enhanced felony driving while intoxicated charge, alongside charges for failure to identify as a fugitive from justice and driving while license invalid with previous suspension.

Police Warn of Vehicle Burglary Surge in South Denton Apartments

The Denton Police Department is advising residents, particularly those in south Denton apartments near Interstate 35E, to maintain vigilance following a recent surge in vehicle burglaries. Between November 20, 2025, and January 20, 2026, officers received reports for 78 vehicle burglaries, with the highest concentration occurring at various apartment complexes in the area.

A map highlighted hot spots for these crimes, identifying areas between I-35E, Eagle Drive, and Dallas Drive as particularly affected. Specific apartment complexes, including Cooper Denton at 3232 N. Locust St., Camino del Sol at 1030 Dallas Drive, and Gardens of Denton at 401 Ame Drive, each reported more than two vehicle burglaries during the two-month period. Burglaries were also prevalent near other major thoroughfares such as University Drive, Locust Street, and Loop 288.

Crime analysts reported that most of these incidents occurred sporadically throughout the week, primarily between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m. In the majority of cases, vehicle owners stated their cars had been left unlocked, though some instances involved burglars breaking windows to gain entry. The Denton Police Department recommends always locking vehicle doors, keeping car keys in a secure place, and removing or hiding valuable items like electronics, tools, and firearms. Community Resource Officer Ricky Fenner previously told the Denton Record-Chronicle that identifying burglars in these cases remains a significant challenge, emphasizing the role of quality surveillance systems in deterring crime and aiding investigations.

Frenchies Modern Nail Care Expands to Highland Village

In a sign of ongoing commercial development in the region, Frenchies Modern Nail Care is preparing to open its newest location in Highland Village. The nail salon chain plans to establish its presence at Varia at Highland Village, an upscale apartment complex that leases its lower-level spaces to businesses, according to the Cross Timbers Gazette.

The new salon will occupy Suite 104, situated between LiquorLand and Rhi & Co. Salon. The 1,700-square-foot space is slated for approximately $240,000 in renovations. Construction is scheduled to commence on February 16, with an anticipated completion by May 1. An official opening date has not yet been set.

Frenchies Modern Nail Care offers a range of services for both men and women, including natural and gel manicures and pedicures, healthy gel extensions, gel shield, and dazzle dry. The company emphasizes its commitment to cleanliness, adhering to ‘medical-grade cleaning processes’ and claiming to avoid products with harmful chemicals, aligning with its motto, ‘We Love Clean.’

This new Highland Village location will mark Frenchies’ 32nd establishment in the United States, its seventh in Texas, and its third in the North Texas area, positioned between its existing Southlake and Frisco stores. The brand, acquired by private equity firm The Riverside Company in 2023, previously operated a location in The Colony at Grandscape, which closed in 2021.

These recent events underscore the multifaceted dynamics within the Denton community, where local authorities grapple with persistent crime challenges, from individual instances of severe misconduct to broader trends affecting residential security, while the region also continues to attract new commercial ventures and investment.

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