SWAT Team Deployed to Arrest Suspected Drunk Police Officer

MIDLAND, TX – For the second time this month Sgt. Chance Rainer has been cited for an alcohol-related infraction by the Midland Police Department.

According to MRT, at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Illinois Avenue and Andrews Highway for a report of a wreck with injuries.

Once they arrived on the scene, they recognized Sgt. Rainer as the at-fault driver in the two-vehicle wreck. Rainer was already under administrative suspension after he was cited for public intoxication earlier this month and a previous infraction.

Rainer refused to get out of his vehicle or communicate with officers. Officers suspected there were weapons in the vehicle and because of Rainer’s knowledge of police tactics, officers secured the area and the OPD SWAT team was dispatched to the scene.

Numerous attempts were made to establish communications with Rainer, but they were unsuccessful. ODP SWAT and the K9 Unit were able to remove Rainer from the vehicle. MPD officers seized the weapons and body armor inside Rainer’s vehicle.

Rainer was taken to Midland Memorial Hospital to be evaluated, treated, and cleared for transport to jail. The other diver was released from the scene with minor injuries.

Criminal charges have been filed against Rainer for driving while intoxicated and abandoning or endangering a child. 

Since Rainer is affiliated with MPD, the assistance of the Odessa Police Department’s SWAT team is standard protocol. Midland County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team also responded to the scene.

Rainer is being held on charges of driving while intoxicated and abandoning or endangering a child. His bond for the DWI was set at $500. The bond amount is pending for the second charge.