5 Midland Cops Placed on Administrative Leave After Shooting Front-End Loader Driver

MIDLAND, TX — The Texas Rangers have launched an investigation into an incident that occurred on the evening of October 20, 2023, at the Wagner-Noel Performing Arts Center, an establishment owned by The University of Texas Permian Basin.

According to the UTPB police report, an individual attempted to enter the event center without a ticket and was subsequently asked to leave. Approximately an hour later, law enforcement officers observed the individual in the vicinity of the engineering building. Upon approaching him, the individual attempted to evade the officers by fleeing.

Shortly after 10 p.m., officers noticed a large front-end loader tractor entering the parking lot. The suspect operating the tractor proceeded to drive it onto HWY 191, a heavily trafficked area. While on the highway, the suspect deliberately used the heavy equipment to collide with an Odessa police car and a UTPB police unit.

Despite repeated orders to stop, the suspect continued to advance the tractor toward the officers, placing their lives in jeopardy. In response to this imminent threat, five UTPB officers discharged their firearms at the individual, causing him to sustain multiple gunshot wounds. Following the shooting, the officers provided immediate first-aid assistance, and the injured man was subsequently transported to the Medical Center Health System hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Fortunately, no guests or officers suffered injuries during the incident.

In accordance with UT System Police policy, UTPB has announced that the five officers involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave while awaiting the outcome of the investigation. The criminal investigation will be overseen by the Texas Rangers.