From acts of bravery and community support to public safety and healthcare updates, here's a roundup of some of the latest local news.
Pantex Employees Recognized for Assisting Officer
Two Pantex employees have been honored by the Amarillo Police Department for stepping in to help an officer during an arrest last year. Alex Rodriquez and Jaron Harrison were driving home from work when they saw an officer struggling with a suspect near Ross Street and Interstate 40. Harrison ran through traffic and tackled the suspect, while both men helped keep the individual restrained until additional officers arrived. Harrison works in Pantex's emergency management department, and Rodriquez is a mechanic. The pair recently received special commendations for their quick actions.
Benefit Planned for Sgt. Sterling Shelton
Several local organizations will come together Friday at the Tri-State Fairgrounds to raise money for Amarillo police Sgt. Sterling Shelton, who has been battling an aggressive form of brain cancer since 2025. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. for $10 a plate, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. for $25. The event will also feature live music and a live auction. The fundraiser is being organized by the Coors Cowboy Club, Reed Beverage, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Potter County Sheriff's Office, Amarillo Police Department and the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle.
Arrest Made in Wednesday Night Stabbing
A 23-year-old Amarillo man is in jail after police say he stabbed another person Wednesday night. Officers responded about 9:17 p.m. to Northeast Sixth Avenue and Garfield Street, where they found the victim suffering from serious injuries. The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Treyvon Washington was arrested and booked into the Potter County Detention Center on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The case remains under investigation.
BSA Discontinues Valet Parking
Patients visiting BSA Health System will no longer have access to valet parking, a change that has prompted complaints from some who say it makes getting to the hospital more difficult. Hospital officials said golf cart and van shuttle services will continue to transport patients and visitors between parking areas and the entrance. BSA said the decision came after a routine review of operations and resources while continuing to focus on patient care and efficiency.
Three Accused in Card Skimming Operation
State and federal investigators say three Romanian nationals were part of a card skimming operation that targeted multiple West Texas cities, including Amarillo. Sebastian Ionut Stefan Bratu, Francesco Matei and Iosiv-Roberto Curea are accused of installing devices to steal credit and EBT card information in Amarillo, Lubbock, San Angelo and Abilene. The men were arrested July 16 in San Antonio and each faces a first-degree felony charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. Prosecutors plan to pursue the cases in Randall, Potter, Lubbock and Bexar counties. Lubbock police said everyone affected there has been notified.
AMA-CON Returns Saturday to Amarillo Civic Center
AMA-CON, hosted by Friends of the Amarillo Public Library, returns Saturday at the Amarillo Civic Center with a weekend of activities for comic book fans, gamers, cosplayers and pop culture enthusiasts. The event features escape rooms, scavenger hunts, cosplay contests, gaming tournaments and celebrity Q&A sessions, along with appearances by voice actors behind popular characters. Admission is $8 for a one-day pass or $10 for a two-day pass. Geek Prom begins at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, giving attendees another chance to celebrate their favorite fandoms.
