Levelland Police Locates Stolen Firearm in Suspicious Vehicle

Levelland Police were dispatched Monday night to an alley in the 400 Block of 12th Street in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

Upon arrival officers spoke with Billy Buzbee who reported a Blue Mazda SUV in the alley. A seargeant with the Levelland Police Department noted that Buzbee stated that he thought a firearm which had been stolen recently from his residence was inside. Officers observed a firearm in the driver door pocket. The vehicle was locked. It was explained that the firearm was taken from a dresser drawer inside his residence. Buzbee told officers that the vehicle belonged to his son. He also named two possible suspects, with his son being one of those.

A Detective with the LPD was dispatched to the scene in order to obtain a search warrant for the vehicle. When the detective arrived on the scene he observed the handgun in a door panel. One officer left the scene and tried to locate the owner of the vehicle. Officers could not locate the owner. The detective obtained a search warrant. Officers called Bush Wrecker to the scene to unlock the vehicle. At approximately 11:10 pm Monday night officers gained access to the vehicle and the Detective and an officer searched the vehicle. The firearm in the door panel was found to be a pellet gun however another handgun was found in the rear compartment of the vehicle. It was identified as a Taurus 9mm handgun, it was in a holster and loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition. Officers also found a marijuana grinder in the rear compartment of the vehicle. Evidence was secured.

A close patrol was also placed on the house as the suspect was expected to come back and damage the property. The case remains under investigation.

Levelland Police Investigate Theft of Property Tuesday

Levelland Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1200 Block of 12th Street in Levelland on Tuesday morning in reference to a stolen lawnmower.

Officers were called at approximately 12:30 am Tuesday. When the officer arrived on the scene, Joe Osborn, the property owner advised officers that someone had stolen a riding lawn mower which was parked in front of his house.

The lawnmower is described as a green Briggs and Stratton 12 horsepower riding lawnmower with a 30″ blade. The property owner said he will pursue charges on the individual responsible. The officer also reported that a neighbor had seen someone come onto the property and push the mower west on 12th street. The neighbor advised that he did not know who the person was that took the mower.

Officers advised the property owner to contact the Criminal Investigations Division if he has any further information on the mower.

Levelland City Council Holds Regular Meeting

The Levelland City Council held their regular meeting Monday night.

The council approved a request to vary the hours for the Oxy Sports Complex for a Texas Blaze Softball Tournament. The tournament will be held on Friday, July 19th from 6 pm to 6 am Saturday, July 20th and will resume play at 6 pm Saturday and continue to 6 am Sunday, July 21st.

The council approved the quarterly investment report with little discussion.

The council also appointed Richard Ellis to another two year term on the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority Board. He currently serves as president of the board.

The council also approved the appointment of Diane Lane, David Duffee and Kayla Neuhaus to another two year term on the Housing Standards Commission.

The council appointed Tanner Terrell and Lindsay Paris to fill unexpired terms effective immediately. Valentina Soto and Aron Corley and Nicole Campbell to serve a three year term to start in October.

The council also appointed Todd Paxton, Zane Johnson and Buddy Moore to serve on the newly formed Housing Development Planning task force. The council also appointed Councilwoman Breann Buxkemper to serve on the committee.

One Person Airlifted to Lubbock Hospital Following One Vehicle Accident Monday

Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers and other emergency crews from Hockley and Terry County responded to a one vehicle accident in southern Hockley County Monday night.

DPS reports indicate that a Semi-truck/trailer unit had a blow out, near the intersection of South Highway 385 and FM 41 near the Hockley and Terry County line. According to reports the rig was traveling north on Highway 385 when the tire blew out. The driver of the rig lost control, crossing the highway and hitting a power pole.

The driver of the semi-truck, Michael Ortiz, 50 of Lubbock was airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock with serious injuries.

DPS continues to investigate the accident, however, the tire blow out is listed as the cause of the accident pending further investigation.

Parade Winners Announced from Early Settlers Day

The Levelland Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners from the Parade.

In the bicycle and wagon category, Fred Tijerena was the winner.

County Judge Sharla Baldridge’s entry was the winner in the elected official/government official.

Dave Graf won the Automobile category.

Kade Gregory won the Antique Tractor category.

Renegade Services won the business category.

8 and Under Regional champs won the Non Profit/church category and Ashley Friesen won the Mounted Horse/Horse Drawn Wagon category.

Stick Horse Race Results from Early Settlers Day

The Levelland Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners from the Stick Horse race on Saturday during Early Settlers Day.

Age 2: 1st Place: Palmer Foster

2nd Place: Adeline Gregory

3rd Place: Finn Spruiell

Age 3: 1st Place: Chloe Bracken

2nd Place: Alexander Campos

Age 4: 1st Place: Kendall Mendez

Age 5: 1st Place: Lizzie Palmer

2nd Place: Max Brummett

Age 6: 1st Place: Eli Hodges

2nd Place: Colyn Smith

Age 7: 1st Place: Stellan Sanders

2nd Place: Jonathan Campos

3rd Place: Reese Brummett

One Vehicle Accident Leads to Arrest of Driver for DWI

Levelland Police officers continue investigating a one vehicle accident from Saturday morning.

Officers said when they arrived on the scene the driver admitted to being intoxicated. The vehicle collided with a power pole. The driver Isaak Vargas told officers he was intoxicated and refused a field sobriety test. He was placed under arrest and taken to the Hockley County Jail.

Once at the Law Enforcement Center, a certified intoxilyzer officer administered a breath analysis. After successfully completing two tests, he had a blood alcohol level of .185 on the first test and .188 on the second test which is above the legal limit of .08. Since the reading was more than .115 his charge was enhanced to a Misdemeanor Class A.

He was booked into the Hockley County Jail without incident and charged with Driving While Intoxicated. He was released on bond Monday evening.