Texas: Driver arrested after officer, security guard struck by truck

One man is behind bars after Odessa police said he struck an officer and a security guard with his pickup early Sunday morning in the Whataburger parking lot.

Aaron Palma, 26, was charged with aggravated assault on a public servant, a first-degree felony, aggravated assault on a security officer, a third-degree felony, and evading arrest with a motor vehicle, a third-degree felony.

Police said Palma was passed out behind the wheel of a black Dodge Ram pickup in the parking lot of Whataburger, 4960 E. 42nd St., when they arrived on scene, according to an OPD press release. Officers were called to assist a Whataburger security guard with an intoxicated subject at about 1:09 a.m. Sunday at the restaurant.

Odessa Police Department’s Cpl. G. Shirley knocked on the driver’s side window and woke up the driver, identified as Palma. Shirley then advised Palma to step out of the vehicle, but Palma refused and placed the vehicle in drive before attempting to evade, the release said.

Palma struck Shirley with the vehicle, causing Shirley to roll off of the vehicle and into the wall of Whataburger. The police officer sustained injuries on his right leg and hip, according to OPD.

The 63-year-old Whataburger security guard was also struck by Palma’s vehicle and sustained injuries to his arm, the release said.

Palma evaded southbound in the vehicle, but eventually stopped near Market Street, police said. Palma was arrested and charged accordingly and transported to the Ector County Law Enforcement Center.

Palma has three bonds totaling $80,000 and remained in custody as of Monday afternoon, the Ector County Sheriff’s Office said.