April 10, 2006

OFFICERS BACK ON STREET

Midland Police Officers Tye Box and Chris Earp are back to normal duty today, Monday, April 10, 2006, after being placed on Administrative Leave with pay on March 18, 2006.

The internal investigation is still pending.  The shoot team will wait to close the case until the final autopsy report is received.  That could take several more weeks.  A preliminary report indicated multiple gun shot wounds as the cause of death. 

The officers were involved in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Patrick Calanchi. Police responded to a disturbance at the Metro Inn, 3708 W. Wall.   When the initial officer arrived on scene, Calanchi, pulled out a knife, ran down the street, behind the motel to a nearby antique store, and went inside.  Five other officers entered the store; two fired less lethal devices after attempts to have him drop the knife failed.  Calanchi became agitated further and began throwing items in the store at the officers.  At one point, he threw something through the window and then ran through the glass.  He was still holding the knife when he came through the glass.  Two officers staged outside the store, Box and Earp, fired their weapons, a service duty handgun and a rifle, at the subject.  Calanchi went down and was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

The Texas Rangers are also conducted an investigation. 

The City of Midland will host a community wide Easter Egg Hunt.  The event will take place on Saturday, April 15, 2006, at 9:00 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Community Center, 2300 Butternut Lane.

The event is free to the public and will provide a fun, safe environment for children celebrate the excitement of spring.

Wal-Mart has donated 1,000 Easter eggs for the event.  There will be two separate areas, one for children ages 4 and under and another for those 5 and older.

Media Contact: Andy Bass/Recreation Coordinator at 685.7379

***Attention Media – Please help us publicize this event all week!!!  We want to make sure everyone knows about the event and that the turnout will be huge.  Thank you for your help***

The City of Midland wants to join the Midland Victim’s Coalition in inviting the public to attend a ceremony aimed at helping raise awareness of the victims of crime.  On Tuesday, April 25, 2006, a ceremony will be held from 5-6:00 p.m. at Centennial Plaza. 

MADD volunteer Bob Lester will serve as the speaker.   There will be entertainment by the True Lite Children’s Choir, Safe Kid Identification discs by the Midland Police Department, fire safety and prevention presented by the Midland Fire Department, and gun safety presented by the Midland Sheriff’s Department.

Everyone is encouraged to attend. 

Media Contact: Estella Molina/Crime Victim Liaison at 685.7584

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center is now offering new programs.  Among the new services is a gymnastics class aimed at teaching young ones tumbling and basic gymnastics.

April 18 -May 25
Tuesdays & Thursdays
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
$50 for 6 weeks

Gymnastics for toddlers taught at the community center with Midland Gymnastics Center.  The class takes place in a fun and safe environment. 

Registration is ongoing through April 18th.

For more information, contact Andy Bass/Recreation Coordinator at 685.7379

The City of Midland Health Department will be providing a Swimming Pool Operators Maintenance Course for pool owners and managers.

There will be two separate classes to choose from.  One will take place in the morning from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2006, and the other in the afternoon from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.  Both classes will take place at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 2300 Butternut Lane.

The course is free.  Anyone interested in signing up for either class should contact the Midland Health Department at 681.7613

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