Midland sheriff remembers Texas shooting from a year ago, speaks about a recovered officer

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A shooting spree in Midland and Odessa a year ago left eight people dead, including the shooter, and dozens injured, including a Midland police officer. | File photo

A year after a mass shooting in Midland and Odessa that left eight people dead including the shooter, the community is still searching for answers, Midland Police Seth Herman said.

“At the one-year anniversary of arguably the most tragic event in our communities’ history, we continue to search for answers as to why such an act of extreme and unthinkable violence could be perpetrated by one of our neighbors," Herman said in a Facebook post. "Unfortunately, a tangible explanation will never be revealed. No words will ever return those loved ones whose lives were taken so violently, nor provide solace for those left to live with their absence. There simply exists no words to lessen this grief, so we must try to move forward - beholden to our memories and the belief that those lost are at peace."

Midland police officer Zack Owens was shot but survived the shooting spree by Seth Ator, who was killed by police after taking seven other lives and injuring dozens in a car chase that began on Interstate 20 in Midland County.

"Our brother, Officer Zack Owens, was injured while answering the call and had a long road to recovery in front of him," Herman said on Facebook. "Through fortitude and perseverance, Officer Owens has recovered physically to fulfill the duties as a SWAT Officer and K-9 Handler.”

Owens knew the risks when he became a police officer and made a sacrifice in the line of duty - a sacrifice that all police officers know they may be required to take for their community, Herman said. 

"So as we recognize those who answered the call and sacrificed themselves to protect others - suffering both physical and emotional wounds that brutally shake them from their sleep and haunt the quiet moments - we also join our fellow citizens in mourning the loss of our children, our mothers, our fathers, our brothers and sisters….our innocent," Herman said on Facebook. 

Herman posted a video of Owens speaking about his injury and road to recovery on Facebook as well. 

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