2010-08-03

On August 3, 2010, at approximately 8:55 p.m., a subject, later identified as Gary Carner, W/M 58, attempted to abduct a 31-year old woman at gunpoint from 34th and Soncy. The female knocked the gun from Carner's hand and was able to escape. A description of Carner was obtained, as well as the pick-up he was driving and the license plate.

At 9:05 p.m., Potter County Deputies were dispatched to the Love’s Store at 14701 I-40 W on a shooting and attempted kidnapping of a child.

It was discovered that Sharrell Blankenbaker, from Felts, Oklahoma, had stopped at the store on the way home after picking up her two grandchildren from the Amarillo airport. After leaving the Love’s Store, Carnes attempted to kidnap Blankenbaker's 12-year-old granddaughter. Blankenbaker interceded and stopped the kidnapping. In the process; however, she was shot by Carnes and died on the way to the hospital.

Carnes fled the scene and abducted an 11-yr-old girl at gunpoint several blocks away. Carnes drove away with this young girl and sexually abused her. This young girl later jumped from the moving vehicle to escape.

At 9:24 p.m., Carner's vehicle was spotted by Potter County Deputies on Blesson Road. The truck turned onto Jim Line Road and came directly at a deputy, who had exited his car while using it to stop Carner's vehicle.

Carner drove directly at the deputy, without slowing, causing the deputy to fire several shots, one of which struck Carner. Carner was later pronounced dead from this wound.

During the course of less than one hour, Carner committed a murder, two attempted aggravated kidnappings, one aggravated kidnapping, and one aggravated sexual assault.

A Potter County Grand jury was presented the facts of this case and they reviewed the officer-involved shooting. The Potter County deputy was cleared of any wrongdoing and was returned to duty.

It is still unknown why Carner, who had no criminal record, went on this crime spree.