The suspect involved in an incident Oct. 20 at the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center has been identified as 31-year-old Jeramiah David Hall.
University of Texas Permian Basin Friday said the UTPB Police Department is investigating the incident at the WNPAC. The building is owned by UTPB.
The UTPB Police Department reported that Hall 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 to the hospital in critical condition, the statement said.
UTPB said Monday that Hall has been charged with one count of aggravated assault on a peace officer. Pending the outcome of the investigation, other charges may be filed, a statement late Monday said. Hall was booked into the Ector County Jail Monday night and his bond set at $1 million.
No guests or officers were injured.
The Texas Rangers said the investigation is being led by UTPB police and the Rangers are investigating the officer-involved shooting. The five UTPB officers involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of an investigation.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Steven Blanco said Odessa Police officers also were involved in the officer-involved shooting.
UTPB said they do not have damage information on the Wagner Noël yet.
