From law enforcement updates to healthcare and business developments, here are five stories making news across the Texas Panhandle this morning.
Four Arrested After Pampa Shooting
Four Borger residents were arrested after a Saturday night shooting in Pampa left a 32-year-old man hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the leg. Officers responded about 10:43 p.m. Aug. 1 to the 1100 block of Crane Road, where they found the victim. Investigators said the suspects fled toward Borger before their vehicle was stopped by the Hutchinson County Sheriff's Office. Arrested were Sebastian Esparza, 23; Colby McDaniel, 34; Stormy Hazelwood, 37; and Trinidad Quinones, 33. Each faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and engaging in organized criminal activity. The investigation is ongoing.
Sheriff's Office Warns of Inmate Scam
The Potter County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a scam targeting families of inmates. Scammers claim incarcerated individuals can receive reduced criminal charges by paying $750 for a course through Zelle. Officials say the Sheriff's Office does not offer any program that reduces charges in exchange for payment through Zelle or any other payment app. Anyone who receives a similar call, text or message is urged not to send money and to report the incident to the Sheriff's Office at 806-379-2900.
AMS, Blue Cross Reach New Agreement
After months of negotiations, Amarillo Medical Specialists and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas have reached a new contract. BCBSTX members returned to in-network status Saturday after being out of network since May. The agreement also includes patients with Anthem commercial insurance. AMS encourages patients with questions about their coverage to contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas or the clinic directly.
Bell Lands Marine Corps Contract
Bell Textron's Amarillo facility has been awarded a contract supporting modernization of the U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1Z and UH-1Y helicopter fleet. U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson said the funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 defense appropriations bill. The project will help retain skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs in Amarillo while strengthening the region's role in military aviation production.
Amarillo Man Indicted in Federal Meth Case
A federal grand jury has indicted a 51-year-old Amarillo man accused of distributing an estimated $1.2 million worth of methamphetamine. Mason Allan McCarty faces charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Court documents say officers recovered suspected methamphetamine and two firearms while serving a search warrant June 30 at the Traveler Motel. McCarty remains in federal custody and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.
