A Midland Police Department officer is back to his normal duties following a "no bill" ruling by a Midland County grand jury.
Detective James Cox was found to have committed no criminal wrongdoing in a June shooting according to the grand jury, which made its decision Wednesday afternoon in the 441st District Court.
On June 27, Cox shot and killed an armed suspect who was attempting to rob the La Bodega Restaurant at 2700 N. Big Spring St.
Nyocomus Garnett, 35, entered the back door into the restaurant's kitchen with a handgun in an attempt to commit an aggravated robbery just after 9:30 p.m.
Garnett threatened numerous employees with the firearm before firing several rounds inside the kitchen. Garnett exited the kitchen and was confronted by Cox, who was eating in the restaurant and had heard the shots. Garnett refused to comply with the detective's commands and then raised his gun and pointed it at Cox. Cox then shot Garnett, who was pronounced deceased on scene. No other injuries were reported in the incident.
Cox was placed on administrative leave per MPD policy immediately following the incident and a Texas Rangers investigation was launched. An internal MPD administrative review board met on July 10 and found Cox to be in compliance with all state/federal laws and department policy.
Cox has been employed by the Midland Police Department since August 2007.
###Media Contact: Police Chief Price Robinson