June 6, 2008
INTOXICATION MANSLAUGHTER
Midland Police have rearrested a man in connection with a fatal motorcycle accident that occurred one week ago on May 30, 2008.
33-year-old Robert Barsic (4-23-75) of Midland was arrested last night, June 5, 2008, and charged with Intoxication Manslaughter. He turned himself into authorities after a warrant was issued on the same date. Barsic was originally charged with Intoxication Assault following the accident. Following preliminary autopsy results on the victim, 38-year-old Shelley Trout, police obtained a warrant for the new charge. The autopsy revealed massive head trauma as the cause of death.
At approximately 1:00 a.m., on May 30, 2008, a black Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by Barsic, was traveling northbound in the left hand lane in the 2200 block of Rankin Highway. He became distracted, stuck a raised cement divider, and lost control. Both Barsic and his passenger, Trout, were ejected. Neither Barsic nor Trout were wearing a helmet.
Trout sustained massive head injuries while Barsic received non-life threatening injuries. Both were transported to Midland Memorial Hospital where Trout later died on May 31.
HOME OWNERSHIP MONTH CELEBRATION
The City of Midland is joining housing agencies in a day long series of open houses and an information center at Midland College on July 12, 2008.
Not only is this a celebration, it is an opportunity for prospective home buyers to learn about Midland’s affordable housing. The public is invited to drive by the various housing projects or view an open house. Locations include the 300 block of Adams, the 500 block of Dallas, and the 400 block of Weatherford.
Midland is fortunate to have several agencies involved in providing affordable housing. Midland Neighborhood Housing Services, Habitat for Humanity, Midland Community Development Corporation, the Midland College BEDC, and the City of Midland all support these efforts.
SUMMER SCHOOL ZONES
For the majority of students, school is out for summer. However, motorists should take caution and obey the school zone signs in designated summer school locations.
Lamar, Jane Long, DeZavala, Crockett and Bowie Elementary
June 6th – July 3rd, 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
South Elementary
June 6th – July 3rd, 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bonham Elementary
June 9th – 26th and July 21st – August 7th, two sessions, same times 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Goddard Jr. High
June 9th – July 2nd, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Midland High
June 16th – July 8th and July 10th – July 30th, two sessions, same times 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The speed limit in an activated school zone is 20 mph.
ASSAULT UPDATE
A man arrested yesterday, June 5, 2008, and charged with Assault and Criminal Trespassing now faces charges in Midland.
Midland Police have three warrants for 34-year-old Jaime Lara Arenivas (11-08-73). The warrants are for Class A Assault. More charges are pending.
Detectives working the cases in Midland were able to show a picture of Arenivas in a photo line up to multiple Midland victims. They have identified him as being the attacker. Detectives are still working to contact further victims.
In all, Midland detectives worked eight cases involving a similar suspect who approached women and attempted to, or did, touch the chest area of the victims. The most recent case was on May 12, 2008.
On Friday, May 30th, Midland Police released a composite picture of the suspect. The drawing does resemble Arenivas.
AGGRAVATED ROBBERY
Midland Police are working an Aggravated Robbery after an incident at a west Midland store to day, June 6, 2008.
Around 11:00 a.m., Police were called to 4319 W. Illinois to the Metro Hardware. Preliminary investigations reveal the suspect walked into the store and pointed a semi-automatic handgun at the two employees. He walked to the cash register and demanded they open it. He took all the money and then asked the employees for all their personal cash. He fled the store on foot. There were no customers in the store at the time and no one was injured.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, late 20s to early 30s, 5’11” tall, and heavy set weighing 250-260 pounds. He has a light mustache, goatee, and a medium complexion. At the time of the Aggravated Robbery, he was wearing jeans, a white tee shirt, dark sunglasses, and a straw work hat.
Anyone with information about the suspect or the incident should contact Midland Police at 685.7108 or Crimestoppers at 694.TIPS.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PUBLIC HEARING
The Midland City Council will conduct a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, to consider approval of the 2008/09 Community Development Block Grant Program. The public hearing will take place at City Hall in the City Council Chambers, 300 N. Loraine.
Citizens are encouraged to have input on the proposed distribution of funds. At its May 27th meeting, the City Council advanced a preliminary distribution of funds. After completion of the public hearing, the Council may make adjustments to the proposed distribution and then approve the resolution.
Funds covered by the plan include the City’s allocation for the 2008/09 program year of $900,331. Also identified is $42,845 in prior accounts to be re-allocated and $170,000 in program income. A minimum of 70% of CDBG funds must be allocated to projects that benefit low and moderate-income persons.
Once approved, the Action Plan will then be subjected to a 30-day review period. The City will then submit the plan to HUD by August 15, 2008.
JUNE 10th CITY COUNCIL MEETING
- The City Council will consider taking the first step in demolishing the old Police Department Building. The Council will consider approving the solicitation of bids for the abatement of asbestos floor tile and mastic as well as the subsequent demolition. The structure is located at Texas and Wall in downtown Midland. There has been a desire for several years to demolish the deteriorated building. Until now, the structure has been used to store records and evidence. The City recently acquired the old Armory on N. Lamesa Road. This building is being renovated for storage and all records have been relocated from the old PD to the Armory. Demolition contractors are in town and the city hopes to reduce the cost of demolition by contracting with a company that can fit this job in between more major jobs. The cost is estimated at $150,000.
- The City Council will consider approval of the acceptance of an FAA grant for the 2008 Airport Capital Improvement Program Projects. The $3.2 million grant, and approximately $625 entitlement funding, would be used to rehabilitate airfield lighting and add signage, design rehabilitation of runway 10/28, runway 16R/34L rehabilitation, and the purchase of snow and sweeper equipment.
- The City Council will consider two items aimed at recruiting and retaining airline service at Midland International Airport. The first item is approval of a grant application. The Small Community Air Service Development Grant would allow the city to leverage local funds, adding a tool in attracting new service to the community. The grant would be for $500,000 with the MDC matching $100,000. The second item considered would approve the $100,000 in MDC funds to be used for the project. Midland International has virtually no access to westbound connecting hubs without traveling to Dallas or Houston first. Officials would target airlines who would offer this service to Midland International travelers.
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