The University of Texas Permian Basin has released a statement on Friday night’s incident at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center. Initially, the Odessa Police Department issued a news release late Friday night.
The UTPB Police Department is investigating after an incident on the evening of Oct. 21 at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center. The building is owned by UTPB.
UTPB PD report that an individual tried to enter the event center, but did not have a ticket, so he was asked to leave. About an hour later, police saw him near the engineering building. When officers approached him, he ran away, the statement detailed.
Just after 10 p.m. officers noticed a large front-end loader tractor coming through the parking lot. The suspect then drove the tractor onto State Highway 191, which is a high-traffic area. That’s when he hit both UTPB and Odessa police vehicles. He ignored commands to stop and purposely drove the tractor toward officers, placing them in danger. Five UTPB officers shot their firearms toward the individual who sustained multiple wounds. Officers administered first-aid, and the man was taken the hospital in critical condition, the statement said.
No guests or officers were injured, the statement said.
Per UT System Police policy, the five UTPB officers involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of an investigation. The Texas Rangers will handle the criminal investigation.
