The Midland Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance call on March 13, at the Sundance Creek Apartments, located in the 3700 block of North Edward Street in northeast Midland. A 26-hour standoff was resolved peacefully after the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies.
The situation escalated when Christian Armani Milan allegedly held his girlfriend and a 9-year-old girl hostage within their shared apartment. Deputy Chief Greg Chatwell of the Midland Police Department said Milan had made threatening phone calls to family members, prompting law enforcement to intervene.
Chief Chatwell commended the interagency cooperation of the Midland Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Odessa Police Department. "It was just a successful mission there," Chatwell said. "Everybody is safe, and the actor is in custody. And all the hard work paid off."
The coordinated effort included negotiation with Milan and an FBI Hostage Rescue Team. Law enforcement agencies maintained constant communication with Milan, and the woman and child were removed from the apartment unharmed.
"We had a successful mission today," said Deputy Chief Chatwell."Everybody we called on to help, came out as fast as they could, brought all the help they could bring -- lots of equipment -- and we had a successful mission today."
The collaborative effort extended beyond law enforcement, with the City of Midland, Midland County Emergency Management, and the American Red Cross providing support to residents displaced during the standoff. Temporary accommodations were arranged to ensure the well-being of those affected by the incident.
Mayor Lori Blong released a statement, saying, “On behalf of the City of Midland and Midland City Council, I want to thank the following agencies for their response and support during the recent hostage and barricade situation at Sundance Creek Apartments.”
Blong also said, “To the Midland Police Department, Midland County Sheriff's Office, Odessa Police Department, Midland Fire Department, Texas DPS, and the FBI: Thank you for your professionalism, bravery, and dedication to protecting our community. Your coordinated efforts ensured the safety and security of our residents.”
Blong recognized the Horseshoe Arena, Midland County Emergency Coordination Team, American Red Cross, Target Hospitality, Shorty’s Equipment Rental, EZ Rider, First Baptist Church, and Stonegate Fellowship for their resourceful efforts to help the situation.
Christian Armani Milan