Big Spring Officer in Serious Condition after Shooting, Suspect at Large

On the 14th of May 2024, at approximately 1:50 am, Howard County Sheriff Deputies and Big Spring Police Officers responded to an incident at Crossroads Bar on South Highway 87 after reports of a man displaying a firearm.

While enroute, dispatch informed officers that the suspects had left the area in a dark blue car. Officers were able to locate the the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit ended with a crash when the suspect crashed into a fence in the 1300 block of Barnes near the intersection of Barnes and S. Monticelo.

A Big Spring Police officer ordered the driver out of the vehicle. At that time, the suspect fired at the officer. The officer returned fire and took cover behind his patrol vehicle. The suspect then fled on foot.

The wounded officer was flown to UMC Lubbock for serious injuries sustained.

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 Independent School District and Howard College have been notified of the active scene and have taken precautionary measures. The Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers Division is assisting the Big Spring Police Department with the investigation into this officer involved shooting.

The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Orlando Montanez, remains at large.

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.