A 38-year-old man was arrested after he reportedly drove his truck while intoxicated, got into a two-vehicle collision where he left the scene and then intentionally drove his truck into the other vehicle that he got into a collision with when the other driver followed him after the initial collision.
James Garland Latham III was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, driving while intoxicated third or more, a third-degree felony, and accident involving damage to a vehicle, a class B misdemeanor.
The reported hit and run happened at 5:29 p.m. Sept. 28 near the intersection of E. 87th Street and Pica Avenue, an Odessa Police Department probable cause affidavit stated.
Dispatch reportedly advised police officers that the victim’s vehicle, later identified as Eddie Simpkins Jr., was struck several times by a black 2013 Ford F-150. Dispatch further told police that Simpkins thought he saw a gun.
While in to the area, dispatch told police officers that the actor, Latham, and Simpkins were stopped at a residence in the 300 block of E. 92nd Street, the affidavit stated.
Officers reportedly saw Latham’s F-150 in the driveway of the residence located in the 300 block of E. 92nd Street. Officers made contact with Simpkins and he stated Latham ran into the residence.
Latham came out of the back of the residence and was detained, the affidavit stated. When detaining Latham, officers saw several signs of intoxication and he was later charged with driving while intoxicated.
Officers spoke with Simpkins and he reportedly told them a black Ford F-150 struck his white 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 near the intersection of Andrews Highway and E. 86th Street. Simpkins stated the F-150 fled the scene without exchanging the necessary information required when being involved in a collision.
Simpkins stated he followed the F-150 around and at one point the F-150 made a u-turn and intentionally struck his vehicle, the affidavit stated. Simpkins stated he was in fear for his life when the F-150 intentionally struck his vehicle.
Officers reportedly saw damage consistent with Latham’s vehicle colliding with Simpkins’ vehicle in the manner that Simpkins described.
Latham was read his Miranda Warning, which he waived, and told officers that he was operating the F-150, the affidavit stated. Latham also stated he believed Simpkins was following him around town and believed he was in danger and that’s why he didn’t stop when being involved in the collision.
Latham was arrested, charged and transported to the Ector County Law Enforcement Center. He had two bonds totaling $56,000 and posted bail on Sept. 29, jail records show.
