‘Prank’ call that prompted OPD presence at Odessa mall explained, two arrested

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Two men were arrested Wednesday after investigators said they allegedly sold fake drugs to undercover officers and then tried to evade arrest by having a friend make a false 911 call to report an emergency at Music City Mall. Christopher Delbosquez has been charged with Unlawful Delivery or Manufacture with Intent to Deliver a Simulated Controlled Substance, Evading Arrest, and False Alarm or Report. Brian Gonzales has been charged with Unlawful Delivery or Manufacture with Intent to Deliver a Simulated Controlled Substance; he’s also facing a theft charge out of Howard County.

According to an Odessa Police Department report, on July 10, investigators with the Intelligence Unit began conducting surveillance on Delbosquez and Gonzales in reference to a narcotics investigation. Undercover officers made an agreement with both men to purchase a pound of methamphetamine, but when the time for the exchange came, investigators said the suspects delivered a simulated substance in exchange for money.

After the exchange, detectives, along with troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety, tried to initiate a traffic stop in the 4000 block of Everglade; however, Delbosque, identified as the driver, reportedly ran from the scene and evaded arrest by running through backyards in the neighborhood. Gonzales remained in the vehicle and was detained without incident.

Meanwhile, OPD dispatch reported a “shots fired” call after someone called 911 and said that someone was shooting at the mall. This prompted another large police response near the mall until investigators discovered that the call was not real.

After a short search for Delbosquez, officers found him hiding in a dumpster; upon his arrest, he reportedly admitted that while he hid, he texted a friend and asked them to make the 911 call in an attempt to draw police away from the area and toward the mall.

Both Delbosquez and Gonzales were arrested and taken to the Ector County Law Enforcement Center where they both remained as of Thursday afternoon. Bond for Delbosquez has been set at a combined $17,000, while bond for Gonzales has been set at a combined $10,000. A mugshot for Gonzales was not immediately available.

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