🌱 MPD Searches For Suspect + Attorney Takes Civil Rights Case

Hello, everybody. Danielle Fallon-O'Leary here with your Wednesday edition of the Odessa-Midland Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's going on in town. In today's issue of the newsletter, we'll cover these three stories and more...

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Warmer; breezy in the p.m.. High: 76 Low: 53.
• Thursday: Cloudy and increasingly windy. High: 81 Low: 58.

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Here are the top three stories today in Odessa-Midland:

1. The Midland Police Department is currently looking for a Black male suspect who committed three aggravated robberies at different convenience stores in the early hours of Sunday morning. The suspect used a handgun to demand money from the register before fleeing on foot. Police believe he parks a vehicle down the street and then approaches and leaves the stores on foot. (NewsWest9)
2. Famous civil rights attorney Ben Crump is part of a team looking into the death of Daniel J. Pentkowski, a Midland man who died in a San Antonio prison two days after being arrested. Crump's name has been attached to several notable cases as he represented the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Trayvon Martin. Pentkowski was originally arrested for being intoxicated in public and resisting arrest. (MLive.com)
3. The TX Craft Brewers Board gained a West Texas representative; Stephen Alexander of Tall City Brewing Co. in Midland has officially joined the board. The board has been around since 2009 and is purposed with being the voice for breweries throughout the state and speaking up for the state. Alexander is happy to be part of the group and help make decisions as someone who is representing the area. (Subscription: Midland Reporter-Telegram)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in Odessa-Midland:

Wednesday, March 29

• Family Place - Library At The Plaza (10:30 AM)
• Joanne Shaw Taylor - Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center (8:00 PM)

Thursday, March 30

• University Of Texas Permian Basin Distinguished Lecture Series - Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Odessa Police Department is currently accepting applications for the Citizen's Police Academy with a deadline of Apr. 13. The 12-week program will give participants a working knowledge of the police department. (Odessa Police Department via Facebook)
• Today, Mar. 29, at 2 p.m. is the Odessa Animal Services ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new animal shelter! This free event is for anyone interested in attending and celebrating the achievement. (Odessa Police Department via Facebook)
• Last week, the Midland Fire Department held its annual Award Banquet for its firefighters. Awards were given out for the impact on the community, impact on the team, and longevity with the force. Congratulations to all the award recipients! (Midland TX Fire Department via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. See you all soon for another update!

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.