MIDLAND, Texas — The Midland Police Department (MPD) has released the full details on the heavy police presence situation at Andrews Highway and Midland Drive Friday.
Around 3:35 p.m., MPD responded to a shooting outside Mr. Puff's Smoke Shop in the 4300 block of Andrews Highway.
When officers arrived, witnesses told police that a man was inside the store asking about items to purchase for $130. Then, after the man placed the items on the counter near the cash register, he "grabbed the items without paying and went towards the front door of the store."
The store employee, identified as 27-year-old Joshua Miller, walked behind the counter toward the front door, followed the man and "fired one shot" into his back "causing the man to fall to the ground outside of the store."
“There were no reports of the victim making any threats or producing any type of weapon during this incident," MPD reported. "The victim was subsequently identified as Deandre Jefferson.”
Jefferson was taken by Midland Fire personnel to Midland Memorial Hospital with life threatening injuries.
After Miller placed the gun on the ground, he was taken into custody.
The incident is being investigated as aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The investigation is ongoing.
According to the Midland County Detainees Roster, Joshua Miller, 27 of Midland, has been charged with "Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon." Miller is being held on a $200,000 bond.