Sunday, July 4, 2010:
Italy – Italy Police Chief C.V. Johns reports officers responded to a ‘multiple shots fired’ disturbance near Harris Street in Italy. Around midnight during a 4th of July celebration, a large crowd between 100 to 200 citizens, predominantly Italy and Milford citizens, engaged in hostile activity.

DPS troopers, a DPS hellicopter and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department arrived on the scene to help disperse the crowd and clear the area. No injuries were reported and no arrests were made. However, an AK47 assault rifle and a SKS were confiscated from the scene.

I.P.D. officers have been already staggered their shifts and extra I.P.D. officers will be on duty. DPS troopers and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department will increase area patrols as well.

Also around midnight, when reserve police officer Betsy White was putting her personal belongings into her vehicle, her truck was struck by a drunk driver and the impact forced her to the ground. The incident occurred directly in front of the Italy Police Department and Officer White was taken to the hospital.

“The driver was arrested for DUI and Officer White was released from the hospital and is doing well,” stated Chief Johns.

Monday, July 5, 2010:
The hostilities from Sunday’s dispute, between citizens from both Italy and Milford, sparked once again near Harris Street in Italy around 12:30 p.m. Italy’s residents were notified using police car speakers to secure themselves in their homes, and again, the area was cleared by local authorities.

The incident settled down and Chief Johns had hoped an all clear could be sounded, However, at 4:00 p.m., authorities raced to Milford upon receiving reports of potential carry-over from previous events.

DPS troopers and Italy Police units converged on Milford to thwart any continued violence. Officers pulled over several vehicles along Hwy 77 checking for weapons or signs of criminal activity. Both areas continue to be monitored and citizens should take precautions and avoid traveling in these areas.