Here’s a look at several stories making news across Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle. Developments include another increase in the Potter County jail population, a new police chief in Pampa, sentencing in a deadly 2023 shooting and an upcoming United Way fundraiser.
Potter County Jail Population Climbs to 632
Potter County’s weekly jail population report shows 632 inmates were in county custody as of Aug. 31, an increase of 20 from the previous week. Of those inmates, 585 were housed at the Potter County Jail and 47 were being held at other facilities.
The jail was at 97.66% capacity, according to the report. The Potter County Sheriff’s Office began releasing weekly population reports as part of an effort to increase transparency as the county continues dealing with a high inmate population. Potter County commissioners have also approved new inmate housing contracts after the jail previously failed an inspection because of overcrowding and was placed under an 80% population limit.
Pampa Selects Shawn Myatt as Next Police Chief
The City of Pampa has selected Bellmead Police Chief Shawn Myatt as its next police chief, with Myatt scheduled to begin Oct. 1. Assistant Police Chief Brian Massey will continue serving as interim chief until Myatt takes over.
Myatt has more than 28 years of law enforcement leadership experience and has led the Bellmead Police Department since July 2022, after previously serving as police chief in Navasota and later as both police chief and assistant city manager. He holds a master peace officer certification through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and an associate degree in criminal justice. Myatt succeeds former Chief Lance Richburg, who retired in April and was arrested shortly after his final day with the department on a charge of driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.15. The city will host a meet-and-greet for Myatt from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday in the second-floor conference room at Pampa City Hall.
Jury Sentences Flores in Deadly 2023 Amarillo Shooting
A Randall County jury on Aug. 26 found Jose Luis Arevalo Flores III, 29, guilty of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with a July 2023 shooting. Seven people were injured in the shooting at an events center near 45th Avenue and South Georgia Street, and Semagea Smith, 32, and Dequincton Taylor, 28, died.
Flores had initially been indicted on two counts of murder and four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and posted a $1 million bond in March 2024. After nearly nine hours of deliberations Aug. 26, jurors received an Allen charge before returning guilty verdicts around 11 p.m. The following day, Flores was sentenced to two years and six months in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility, two years in state jail and 10 years suspended, with the sentences running concurrently.
Sara Evans to Headline United Way Fundraising Gala
The United Way of Amarillo & Canyon has opened table reservations for its Western-themed fundraising gala featuring country music singer Sara Evans on Nov. 14. The event will be held in the Rex Baxter Building at the Tri-State Fairgrounds, with premier tables being seated at 7 p.m.
The gala will feature live music and dancing, casino games, live and silent auctions, dinner and an open bar, with tables of eight priced at $2,500. Money raised will support United Way programs, including the 211 Texas Panhandle/United Way Helpline and local organizations focused on health, education, financial stability, basic needs and youth. United Way says 29 programs from 22 organizations are receiving funding through its allocations program, including programs operated by Family Support Services, Maverick Boys & Girls Clubs, Children’s Learning Centers, the Guyon Saunders Resource Center and Wesley Community Center.
