BREAKING NEWS - HUTCHINSON COUNTY

Friday, March 18 - At approximately 8:30 this morning, a Deputy with the Hutchinson County Sheriff's Office responded to a dispatch requesting a welfare check located near FM 2171.

The reporting party had stated that "a man [was] running in and out of traffic", putting his safety as well as the safety of the public at risk.

According to preliminary reports, shortly after the Deputy arrived on scene he fired several shots at the subject, Billy Paul Mitchell (30) of Fritch. Mitchell was pronounced dead on the scene.

The Texas Rangers are investigating this incident and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

UPDATE: DPS RELEASES SUMMARY OF INCIDENT

Sergeant Cindy Barkley with the Texas Department of Public Safety issued an official statement in regards to the officer involved shooting that took place earlier today near Borger.

As per the initial report:

Hutchinson County Sheriff Deputies responded to a check persons/welfare check call for an individual who was walking in the center of the road near State Highway 152 and Spring Creek Road.

When the Hutchinson County Deputy arrived on scene and contacted the individual, later identified as 31-year-old Billy Mitchell, of Fritch, TX. Mitchell advanced towards the deputy armed with a knife, and attacked the deputy. The Deputy was injured in the attack and has knife wounds.
The deputy discharged his service weapon and struck Mitchell. Mitchell was pronounced deceased on scene. The Deputy was treated for his wounds on scene and is expected to make a full recovery.

This is an open investigation and no further information is available.

Cindy Barkley, Sergeant
Texas Department of Public Safety
Safety Education / Media

Amarillo Murders in 2021

With an official tally of 27 murders, the year 2021 saw the highest number of homicides in Amarillo since 1994.

Below is a closer look at the year's criminal acts that resulted in life lost.

**Note from the Editor: The following is not an exhaustive list. We have compiled what you see below from news reports, official police statements, along with where the case stands in the court system. If you see any errors in reporting or fact, please email the editor directly at sarah.clark@townsquaremedia.com along with any supporting documents.

We wish to stress that all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

***Not pictured: Edward Matthew Gamez

Amarillo's Biggest Drug Busts in 2021.....So Far

Amarillo can be a rowdy place with some lawless characters. Here's some of the biggest drug busts made in Amarillo for 2021 so far....and a little bit of the backstory.

Let's just say that these folks are in t-r-o-u-b-l-e.

Note from editor: An indictment is not a conviction. All individuals shown below who have not appeared in court for a judgement are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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