UPDATE, 5/14/24 at 10:55 AM: Shooter Arrested, Officer in Stable Condition
The Big Spring Police Department has been assisted by the Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Division and Rangers Division, the Howard County Sheriff’s office and Midland Police Department. An arrest warrant was issued for Orlando Montanez for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Peace Officer causing serious bodily injury which is a Felony 1 offense. The Big Spring Police Department followed several leads issued to Crime Stoppers but unfortunately was not successful. Throughout the morning a perimeter was maintained in the area of where the incident occurred and at locations officers believed was probable Montanez would be located. At approximately 8:25 A.M., Montanez was seen by a Big Spring Police Department officer, running in the south alley from the 2100 block of Alabama and into a storage shed behind a residence in the 2000 block of Alabama. A perimeter was established by all agencies involved. With the assistance of the Midland Police Department SWAT team Montanez peacefully surrendered at approximately 9:22 A.M. Montanez was found to have suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds from the altercation with the original officer and was immediately given medical attention by Big Spring Fire/EMS. Montanez is subsequently being transported to an outside hospital as a precautionary measure and upon his release he will be transported back to Big Spring and charged with this offense.
At the time of this release the Big Spring Police Department officer is in stable condition and we continue to ask for prayers. This is still an active and ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
Chief of Police, Chad Williams
Administrative Lieutenant Brian Gordon
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UPDATE as of 9:43 AM on 05/14/24:
The lockdown at Howard College has been released. The Campus and Howard Cottage will open at 10 AM. Employees report for duty no later than 10:30 AM.
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BIG SPRING, TX — Police presence was reported in the Howard College and Washington Elementary area this morning in Big Spring. According to Big Spring ISD Superintendent Jay McWilliams, school has been canceled at Washington Elementary for today only. School will resume as normal tomorrow.
As of approximately 7:05 AM this morning, Howard College’s Big Spring campus was reported to be lockdown until further notice. Howard College has advised employees to not report to the campus until further notice and students are urged to remain in their rooms. The public is urged to stay away from the area.
The Big Spring Police Department has advised this is in reference to a shooting that recently occurred in the area this morning.
The following is the press release from Big Spring Police Department:
5/14/2024 / 7:15am:
From BSPD:
Officer Involved Shooting
On the 14th of May 2024 at approximately 1:50 A.M., Howard County Sheriff’s Department deputies and Big Spring Police Department officers were dispatched to Crossroads bar located in the 3100 block of S. Hwy 87 in reference to a male subject who had brandished a firearm. While enroute dispatch informed officers the suspect had departed in a dark blue car. Officers had gone in the area and located a vehicle matching the description and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop, and a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into a fence in the 1300 block of Barnes near the intersection of Barnes and S. Monticello. A Big Spring Police Department officer ordered the driver out of the vehicle and was subsequently shot by the driver of the vehicle. The officer returned fire on the driver of the vehicle and then sought cover behind the patrol vehicle. The driver of the vehicle then fled on foot away from the scene.
At the time of this media release there is a strong presence of law enforcement in the neighborhood attempting to locate the suspect and Law Enforcement requests the public to stay away from the area.
The Big Spring Police Department officer has been flown to UMC Lubbock for serious injuries sustained. Out of respect for the officer’s family, the officer’s name is not being released at this time and the Big Spring Police Department and Howard County Sheriff’s office request our community to keep this officer in their prayers.
The Big Spring Independent School District and Howard College have been notified of this active scene and have taken precautionary measures.
The Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers Division is assisting the Big Spring Police Department with this officer involved shooting.
Law Enforcement is currently seeking Orlando Montanez Hispanic/Male 42 years of age.
Anyone knowing Montanez whereabouts is urged to contact Howard County dispatch 432-264-2244 or CrimeStoppers at (432)263-TIPS (8477). You can also leave an anonymous tip using the “P3 Tips” mobile application or from web address www.p3tips.com/1277.
This continues to be an ongoing investigation and no further information is available at this time.
Chief of Police, Chad Williams
Administrative Lieutenant Brian Gordon
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