From public safety and local government to education, several developments are making news across the Amarillo area. Here’s a quick look at six stories to know.
Amarillo Man Arrested Following Multi-County I-27 Chase
A 33-year-old Amarillo man was arrested Sunday following a high-speed chase that extended beyond Amarillo city limits. The Texas Department of Public Safety said troopers assisted Amarillo police after a Mitsubishi Outlander refused to stop and continued south on I-27. DPS took the lead after the pursuit left the city and said the driver continued to evade officers across multiple counties. A DPS trooper eventually ended the pursuit by using a patrol vehicle “as a tool,” according to officials. Raul Ramiro Bernal of Amarillo was arrested without incident and booked into the Hale Center Jail on an allegation of evading in a vehicle.
Potter County Jail Nears 94% Capacity
The Potter County Sheriff’s Office says the county jail system is at 93.66% capacity, according to its second weekly jail population report. As of 8 a.m. Aug. 24, Potter County had 612 inmates in custody, including 561 housed at the county jail and 51 at other facilities. Pretrial felony inmates continue to make up the largest portion of the population. The sheriff’s office began issuing weekly reports as part of an effort to increase transparency about jail conditions. Potter County commissioners recently approved additional inmate housing contracts as the county continues to deal with a high jail population. The jail previously failed an inspection because of overcrowding and was placed under an 80% population limit.
Randall County Commissioners to Hold Budget Hearing
Randall County commissioners will hold a special meeting Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Courtroom at 501 16th Street, Suite 305. The primary item is a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 county budget, with a vote to adopt the budget scheduled for Sept. 8. Commissioners will also present service pins and certificates to Randall County employees. Residents who do not want to attend in person may participate remotely by computer, tablet or smartphone. Remote access information is available on the Randall County website.
Amarillo College Regents to Consider Budget, Tax Rate
The Amarillo College Board of Regents will meet Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the College Union Building at 2201 S. Washington St. Regents are scheduled to receive reports from board members, committees, the college president and financial staff, along with an Innovation Outpost update. The board will hold hearings on the proposed 2026 tax rate and 2026-27 fiscal year budget before considering approval of both. Regents will also consider an interlocal agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and renewal of a line of credit with Amarillo National Bank. The board is also scheduled to discuss the college president’s performance incentive. The meeting will include an opportunity for public comment.
Copper Theft Attempt Blamed for Amarillo Church Fire
The Amarillo Fire Department says an attempted copper theft led to a fire at North Jefferson Church Thursday evening. Firefighters brought the blaze under control within an hour, and no injuries or fatalities were reported. An investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause was reckless arson during an attempted theft of copper components from the church’s HVAC system. AFD is encouraging property owners to secure exterior HVAC equipment and report suspicious activity. Officials advise residents not to confront people engaged in suspicious activity and instead contact law enforcement.
SUV Driver Hospitalized After Crash With Canyon ISD Bus
One person was taken to a hospital following a crash involving a Canyon ISD school bus Monday afternoon on FM 2219 west of the I-27 overpass. According to a preliminary DPS investigation, the bus stopped at the I-27 service road but failed to yield while attempting to turn left onto FM 2219 and was struck by an SUV. The SUV driver was hospitalized with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Four students were aboard the bus, but none were taken to the hospital. Canyon ISD said all students and the bus driver were safe and thanked first responders for their quick response.
