September 21, 2006
OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
The Midland Police Department and the Texas Rangers are investigating an officer involved shooting following an early morning incident.
At approximately 1:17 a.m., on September 21, 2006, Patrol Officer John Chandler attempted to make a traffic stop near the intersection of Eisenhower and Wilshire after seeing a white Ford mustang speeding. The vehicle did not stop and a short traffic pursuit ensued. Just one minute later, the mustang came to a stop in a driveway in the 4500 block of Graceland (residence unrelated to the suspect). The driver fled on foot and the officer pursued. Officer Chandler followed the suspect behind a motor home that was parked between two residences. As the suspect attempted to climb a fence, the officer drew his weapon and gave the suspect verbal commands. The man came down off the fence and then charged the officer. A struggle took place and the officer fired shots at approximately 1:20 a.m. The suspect was struck once in the head.
It is unknown how many shots were fired. The suspect did not have a weapon. Officer Chandler was the only officer on scene during the incident.
An autopsy will be performed on the deceased. The name of the 20-year-old male is not being released until next of kin is notified.
As part of normal procedure, the M.P.D. Shoot Team is conducting an investigation and the Texas Rangers will conduct a separate investigation. The Shoot Team investigates any incident where an officer discharges a weapon inside the city limits. Officer Chandler is being placed on Administrative Leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. The 32-year-old officer has worked for the MPD for 2 ½ years. This is normal procedure in an officer involved shooting and does not mean the officer did anything wrong in the course of duty. The investigation will determine if there was any wrongdoing.
The last time an M.P.D. officer used deadly force was in March 2006.
OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING UPDATE
The Midland Police Department and the Texas Rangers are investigating an officer involved shooting following an early morning incident.
Police are now releasing the name of the suspect who was fatally shot by a patrol officer. He is identified as 20-year-old Armando Garcia (5-16-86) of Midland.
At approximately 1:17 a.m., on September 21, 2006, Patrol Officer John Chandler attempted to make a traffic stop near the intersection of Eisenhower and Wilshire after seeing a 2000 white Ford mustang speeding. The vehicle did not stop and a short traffic pursuit ensued. Just one minute later, the mustang came to a stop in a driveway in the 4500 block of Graceland (residence unrelated to the suspect). The driver, Garcia, fled on foot and the officer pursued. Officer Chandler followed Garcia behind a motor home that was parked between two residences. As the suspect attempted to climb a fence, the officer drew his weapon and gave Garcia verbal commands. The suspect came down off the fence and then charged the officer. A struggle took place and the officer fired shots at approximately 1:20 a.m. Garcia was struck once in the head.
It is unknown how many shots were fired. Garcia did not have a weapon. Officer Chandler was the only officer on scene during the incident.
An autopsy will be performed on the Garcia.
As part of normal procedure, the M.P.D. Shoot Team is conducting an investigation and the Texas Rangers will conduct a separate investigation. The Shoot Team investigates any incident where an officer discharges a weapon inside the city limits. Officer Chandler is being placed on Administrative Leave with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. The 32-year-old officer has worked for the MPD for 2 ½ years. This is normal procedure in an officer involved shooting and does not mean the officer did anything wrong in the course of duty. The investigation will determine if there was any wrongdoing.
The last time an M.P.D. officer used deadly force was in March 2006.
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Midland Police are looking for a suspect in connection with a Sexual Assault that occurred this morning, September 21, 2006.
At approximately 6:50 a.m., a female employee arrived at the He-brew, 1301 W. Illinois, to open for business. Shortly after arriving, a male subject entered the store, armed with a screwdriver, and sexually assaulted the employee.
The suspect is described as a white male, in his mid-20’s, 5’7”-5’8”, medium build, reddish brown short shaggy hair, and a goatee. At the time of the assault, he was wearing a tan check short sleeve button down shirt, khaki pants, and brown shoes.
Anyone with information about the suspect and his identity should contact Midland Police at 6895.7108 or call Crimestoppers at 694.TIPS or 1.800.7LOCKUP.
AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT UPDATE
Midland Police have identified a suspect in connection with an Aggravated Sexual Assault that occurred this morning, September 21, 2006, at the He-brew, 1301 W. Illinois.
An arrest warrant has been issued for 21-year-old Kenneth Dwayne Hartley (1-29-85) of Midland. He faces charges of an aggravated offense due to the weapon, a screwdriver, and him threatening the victim. Hartley was identified after a quick and intense detective investigation.
At approximately 6:50 a.m., a female employee arrived at the He-brew to open for business. Shortly after arriving, a male subject entered the store, armed with a screwdriver, and sexually assaulted the employee.
The victim and suspect did not know each other.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Harley should contact Midland Police at 6895.7108 or call Crimestoppers at 694.TIPS or 1.800.7LOCKUP.
SEXUAL ASSAULT
Midland Police arrested one man in connection with a Sexual Assault that occurred yesterday, September 20, 2006.
18-year-old Joseph Anthony Marquez is charged with Sexual Assault. The victim is a 17-year-old female.
The incident took place in a vehicle in southwest Midland yesterday evening.
The victim and suspect are known to each other.
SIXTH ANNUAL CRAFT BOUTIQUE COMMUNITY CALENDARS
The City of Midland’s Scarborough/Linebery House will be the site of the fifth annual Docent Craft Boutique, Saturday, October 21, 2006, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at 802 S. Main Street.
Vendors from throughout the Midland and the West Texas area will have unique gift items and food items for sale.
Entrance fee is $1.00 per person and lunch is $5.00 person.
Proceeds benefit the Scarborough/Linebery House, the second oldest home in Midland.
Media Contact: Frances Stapp/Curator at 685.7368
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